Goal
The goal of CalWORKs is to provide cash assistance and services to eligible needy Tuolumne County families, ultimately leading to sustainable self-reliance.



About the CalWORKs Program
Eligibility requirements take into account an applicant’s citizenship, age, income, resources, assets and other factors.  Generally, services are available to:

• Families having at least one child in the home deprived of parental support or care because of absence, disability, or death of either parent
• Families with at least one child and both parents in the home where the principal wage earner is unemployed
• Needy caretaker relative of a child or foster child

Program Requirements
CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) has a cumulative 48-month time limit for cash aid benefits and requires recipients to meet strict work participation requirements. Families receiving cash aid are required to obtain immunizations for preschool children and school age children are required to attend school regularly. After 48 months of aid, a safety net will provide aid to the children only, if the family has not progressed to a status of self-reliance. Self-reliance is the essential goal of the CalWORKs program.

Services

• Cash assistance
• Homeless assistance
• Job readiness assistance

How to Apply
Needy families may apply for CalWORKs using the C4Yourself website or in person at the Tuolumne County Department of Social Services located at:
20075 Cedar Road N.
Sonora, CA 95370

Families requesting CalWORKs assistance must complete application forms and attend a face-to-face interview. The family may ask for immediate help if it has little or no cash and needs emergency housing, food, utilities, clothing, or medical care.

At the interview, the county will advise applicants of the rules that must be met to be eligible for CalWORKs. If the county determines the applicant is eligible for CalWORKs, the family will receive monthly benefits until determined ineligible.