What exactly is CalWORKs Cash Aid and how do I qualify when I only have $15 for food this month?

Cash Aid is the monetary benefit part of CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids), which is California's version of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). It provides temporary cash assistance to families with children under 18 who have limited income and resources. Based on what you shared, you probably won't qualify for CalWORKs Cash Aid since you mentioned you don't have children. CalWORKs is specifically for families with children who meet income requirements. However, you might qualify for General Assistance/General Relief, which is a county program that provides cash aid to adults without children. The requirements and benefit amounts vary by county in California. You mentioned you applied for CalFresh (food stamps) - that's good! Have you tried calling to check on your application status? Sometimes applications get delayed or lost in the system.

i was in ur same spot last year. the GA/GR program saved me when i lost my full time job. but heads up they make u do job search activities and u have to report it or they cut u off. most counties give like $300-400 a month which isnt much but better than $15 right lol. Bring ID and proof u live in the county when u apply.

Just to add some clarity - CalWORKs Cash Aid requires you to have a child in the home that you're responsible for. The child needs to be under 18 (or 19 if they'll graduate high school by then). You also need to meet income requirements, which vary based on family size. Since you don't have children, you'll want to apply for General Assistance/General Relief instead, which is the county safety net program for adults without children. Regarding your CalFresh application - 10 days is still within the processing window. They're required to make a determination within 30 days, though they should conduct an interview before then. If you're in an emergency situation (less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in resources), you might qualify for expedited CalFresh, which should be processed within 3 days.

CalWORKS is for familys with children!!! You dont qualify sorry. And General Relief is a LOAN you have to pay back when you get a job! They don't tell you that part until later so watch out!!!! They make you do workfare too which is like free labor for the county. CalFresh is ur best bet but even that takes forever to get approved these days.

I see your getting lots of different info. I work part-time at a community resource center (not the county) and help people navigate these benefits all the time. Here's what you need to know: 1. For your immediate needs: Look up local food banks in your area - many don't have any requirements to get food. Also check if your county has a 211 service you can call for emergency resources. 2. CalFresh: Keep following up on your application. If you have less than $150 income and less than $100 in resources (which sounds like your situation), mention that you need EXPEDITED service when you call. 3. General Assistance/Relief: This is your best bet for cash aid as a single adult without children. The application is usually at the same office as CalFresh. Bring ID, proof of address, income info, and bank statements if you have them. 4. Processing times: GA/GR can take 1-3 weeks depending on your county. Don't delay in applying! Hang in there - the system is confusing but there is help available!

When I applyed for calfresh last month it took forEVER and I was so broke. I finally got through on the phone after like 9 attempts and they told me my application was "pending verification" whatever that means. turned out they needed my pay stubs but never sent me the notice!!! might be worth checking if they need documents from you. did you get any mail from them at all?

Update: I went to the county office today and applied for General Assistance. The worker was actually really helpful and explained everything. She said based on my situation I'll probably get around $340/month, and they might be able to process it within 7-10 days because of my emergency situation. I also asked about my CalFresh application and it turns out they were missing verification documents! They never contacted me about it. I provided everything they needed while I was there, and the worker said she put a note that I qualify for expedited processing. Hopefully I'll get food benefits in the next 3 days. Thanks everyone for your help! I would have never known about General Assistance without your advice.

This is such great news! I'm really happy you were able to get help today. It's frustrating that they never contacted you about the missing documents for CalFresh - this happens way too often and people end up waiting unnecessarily. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation, Alexis's experience shows how important it is to go to the office in person when possible. Phone systems are overwhelmed, but caseworkers can often help resolve multiple issues at once when you're there face-to-face. Also want to emphasize what Samantha mentioned about keeping track of reporting requirements once you start receiving GA. The job search activities they require aren't too burdensome - usually just documenting that you applied to a certain number of jobs per week or attended job training. But they do check, so keep good records. Hope your CalFresh comes through quickly with the expedited processing!