CalWORKS

Families with working parents may qualify for or retain CalWORKs cash aid even if a parent works more than 100 hours in four weeks. The change takes effect only after the statewide welfare system can automate it, and no earlier than July 1, 2027.

What the law does ​

• Removes the under-100-hours-worked requirement and former federal AFDC-era conditions for the unemployed-parent eligibility category.
• Bases eligibility under that category on applicable gross or net income limits rather than parents’ hours worked.
• Authorizes the department to implement the change through all-county letters or similar written instructions until regulations are adopted.
• Excludes implementation costs from CalWORKs’ continuous county-cost appropriation and provides for state-mandate reimbursement if the Commission on State Mandates finds reimbursable costs.

Who it affects ​

• Low-income families applying for CalWORKs with a child whose parent is working.
• Current CalWORKs families whose eligibility is based on parental unemployment.
• Counties administering CalWORKs.

Context ​

CalWORKs is California’s cash-assistance program for qualified low-income families.