CalWORKs – Cash Assistance Program

The CalWORKs program is designed to assist families toward a path of work and self-sufficiency. The purpose of the cash assistance program is to provide temporary financial assistance to economically disadvantaged families with dependent children. Benefits are based on household size, family income, and resources.

Immediate Need payment is for families that are experiencing an emergency, such as an eviction, notice to shut off utilities as well as other emergencies. This payment can be issued within a day of application if the household meets the criteria.

Click the following links to view orientation videos:
CalWORKs Orientation
Orientacion de CalWORKs

To apply click the following link: Community Benefits
Click on the hyperlink for more information on CalWORKS


Cal-Learn

Cal-Learn Program is for pregnant and parenting teens that are in high school. This program encourages these teens to obtain a high school diploma or the equivalent. Individuals in this program receive support services such as childcare, transportation, education expenses. They also receive case management to assist them to obtain healthcare and education, including bonuses for their school attendance and grades.


Diversion

This program is to assist individuals that are potentially eligible or are eligible to CalWORKs. Instead of receiving long-term aid, households may be eligible to a lump-sum payment that assists them with maintaining their independence while providing for their families.


Time-Limits

Adults that do not meet an exemption may receive up to 60 months of aid. To learn more about time limits, speak with a specialist at your local Social Services Office.


Electronic Benefit Transfer Card - EBT

The EBT system automates the delivery and redemption of issued benefits. EBT cardholders access their benefits using the California “Golden State Advantage” card. The EBT card provides faster service; the cardholder simply slides their card through a point-of-sale (POS) device or an automated teller machine (ATM) to access their benefits. To access a list of ATM and POS locations for EBT in Monterey County: www.ebtproject.ca.gov

For more information on the ebtEDGE mobile application view: Download ebtEDGE today! (youtube.com)

Cardholder Portal (ebtedge.com)

EBT fraud can also be reported via BenefitsCal.



In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) it is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. The law protects people with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities as well as others with serious health problems (42 U.S.C. § 12132).

“Do you have any physical, mental, or emotional conditions that make it hard for you to apply for benefits or meet program requirements?” We can provide extra help; it is called a reasonable accommodation. For more information on requesting an accommodation click PUB 13 - Your Rights Under California Public Benefits Programs or call your local office.