Approved for only $23/month CalWORKs benefit - mistake or actual minimum payment?

That $23 is actually a real benefit amount. CalWORKs uses an income disregard formula, and depending on your exact income and family size, you can end up with very small grant amounts. The system is designed to phase out gradually rather than creating an all-or-nothing cutoff. Even though $23 seems pointless, it does keep your case open which means you still qualify for other linked benefits like childcare assistance, job training, and Welfare to Work services. Those additional services are often worth WAY more than the cash benefit itself.

I had the exact same thing happen last year! Got approved for $42/month and thought it was a joke. But then I found out I qualified for subsidized childcare through the CalWORKs program which saved me over $1,200/month! You need to specifically ask about it though - fill out the CCP 1 form for childcare. Also since you're working part-time, look into the Welfare to Work program. They can help with job training, transportation costs, and even some work expenses. The cash grant is tiny but the support services are the real benefit.

Honestly tho $23 is kinda insulting. Like what does the county expect you to do with that? Buy 1/4 of a grocry trip? Pay 1/50th of your rent? The whole system is so messed up

Call your worker ASAP to make sure they calculated everything correctly. They might have made a mistake with your income, housing costs, or family size. I've seen workers forget to apply certain deductions or income disregards. Ask them to explain exactly how they calculated your grant amount. BTW if you're having trouble reaching your worker (which is super common), I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to my county worker after weeks of trying. It holds your place in line and calls you back when a real person is available. Saved me hours of hold time! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

my freind got $27 and she said same thing but her caseworker said even with small amount she still qualifies for free childcare and that ended up saving her like $900 a month so its worth it just for that. but yeah they should explain it better!!!!!

To confirm what others are saying - the childcare benefit is the golden ticket here. With your part-time job, you should qualify for childcare assistance for work hours plus travel time. You need to complete a CCP 1 form (Childcare Plan) and CCP 2 (Request for Childcare Payment). Your worker should have explained this but many don't bother. And since you're already working, you're fulfilling your Welfare to Work requirements which is great.

Does anyone know if the $23 amount changes if your income changes? like if i lose some hours at work will they increase the cash aid?

i had this happen 2 me in 2023. got $31 cash aid. was so mad but then found out i could get Welfare to Work services that helped me get better job training. now im making $22/hr insted of minimum wage. also the childcare benefit is HUGE. i paid $0 for childcare for almost 8 months. so dont ignore the approval even if cash amt is small!!!