The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program is a vital resource for families in need across the state, offering essential financial assistance to help cover basic living costs. Designed to give California residents a solid foundation, this program ensures families can meet their most important needs and work toward a more stable future.
Unlike weekly payments, CalWORKs distributes funds monthly, with deposits made between the 1st and 10th of each month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, benefits are typically issued on the nearest business day prior to that date. For instance, if the first of the month falls on a Saturday, you can expect your payment to be processed by the preceding Friday, such as January 31 in this case.
The funds are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which functions like a debit card at participating stores and farmers markets. The EBT card is widely accepted across California and the other 49 states, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam, wherever the Quest® symbol or EBT signs are displayed. However, it’s important to note that currently, the cards cannot be used in Puerto Rico.
The CalWORKs program is more than just financial aid. It also provides various supportive services to help recipients transition toward self-sufficiency, empowering them to achieve long-term economic independence.
For those enrolled in CalWORKs, the amount of financial assistance a family can receive depends on several factors, including the number of eligible household members and the specific needs of any family members. If a family’s income meets certain criteria, assistance is adjusted to help them cover living expenses.
Eligible families include those with children who are missing parental support due to the absence, disability, or death of a parent, as well as those where the primary breadwinner is unemployed. Families caring for foster children may also qualify for benefits.
Here are the payment dates for CalWORKs benefits in February 2025, based on the last digit of your case number:
- February 1: Case number ends in 1
- February 2: Case number ends in 2
- February 3: Case number ends in 3
- February 4: Case number ends in 4
- February 5: Case number ends in 5
- February 6: Case number ends in 6
- February 7: Case number ends in 7
- February 8: Case number ends in 8
- February 9: Case number ends in 9
- February 10: Case number ends in 0
By keeping track of these dates, CalWORKs recipients can ensure they receive their benefits on time and are able to use them as needed for their families’ well-being.
