Can I get CalWORKs childcare assistance if I only receive CalFresh benefits?

The childcare assistance through CalWORKs is generally only for families who are receiving Cash Aid or recently stopped receiving Cash Aid. If you're only getting CalFresh, you typically wouldn't qualify for the CalWORKs childcare program. However, you might qualify for other childcare assistance! Check out the Alternative Payment Program (APP) through your local Resource & Referral agency. They offer childcare subsidies based on income, and you don't need to be on Cash Aid. Also look into the California State Preschool Program if you have younger kids.

ur actually BETTER OFF appluing 4 calworks cash aid even if u only get a small amount. then u automatically qualify for child care!! even if its just like $50 a month in cash aid, the childcare benefit is worth WAYYY more. thats what my cousin did when she started working.

You should apply for CalWORKs Cash Aid now that you have a job offer. The program is specifically designed to help parents transition to work, and childcare is a huge part of that. With the income from your new job, you might not qualify for much cash assistance, but as others have said, even qualifying for a small amount gives you access to their childcare program. When you apply, make sure to tell them you need childcare to accept this job offer. They can expedite the childcare approval in some cases when it's needed to start or maintain employment. Also ask about the 12-month eligibility for childcare - even if your income increases later, you can often keep the childcare benefit.

I went thru this EXACT thing last year! Sooo frustrating trying to get answers. CalFresh alone doesn't qualify you for childcare assistance - I tried. But applying for CalWORKs is worth it even if you get approved for just $10 in Cash Aid because the childcare benefit is separate. Call your county office to apply, but good luck getting through! I spent THREE DAYS trying to reach someone. Keep getting disconnected or waiting for hours.

Everyone keeps saying to apply for Cash Aid, but nobody's mentioning the Welfare to Work (WTW) requirements! Just be aware that if you get Cash Aid, you'll have to do WTW activities for a certain number of hours each week. Your new job hours will count toward this, but make sure you understand what you're signing up for. Also, there's the Stage 1 Child Care program specifically for new CalWORKs participants who are working or in approved activities. Once you're stable in employment, you move to Stage 2, which can last for up to 24 months after you stop receiving cash assistance.

btw i think the income limits for cash aid r higher than ppl think. if ur working full time at minimum wage u might still get a little bit. and then boom, free childcare!

why dont u see if ur kids school has a before school program? sometimes they have sliding scale fees or scholarships. my daughters school has a ASES program thats FREE but its after school not before. worth asking tho

One more thing to add - when you apply for CalWORKs, you should also ask about the diaper stipend if you have children under 3 years old and the once-per-year clothing allowance. These are additional benefits that can help stretch your budget, especially when you're starting a new job and have additional expenses.

Just to summarize the options we've discussed: 1. Apply for CalWORKs Cash Aid to qualify for their childcare program (even a small cash amount qualifies you) 2. Check with your local Resource & Referral agency for Alternative Payment Program 3. Look into California State Preschool Program if applicable 4. Ask about school-based before/after care programs 5. Once you're on CalWORKs, make sure to understand the transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2 childcare Hope this helps!

Hey Luca! I've been through a similar situation with early morning shifts. One thing that wasn't mentioned yet - if you end up qualifying for CalWORKs childcare assistance, make sure to ask specifically about "non-traditional hours" care. Since you're starting at 4am, you'll need a provider who can do overnight/very early morning care, and not all childcare providers accept the CalWORKs payment rates for those hours. Also, while you're waiting for the CalWORKs application to process (it can take 45 days), you might want to look into local churches or community centers that sometimes offer emergency childcare assistance. I know it's a long shot, but some have programs specifically for parents starting new jobs. Good luck with everything!