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enforcement process. Failure to meet these requirements results in a reduction of the adult’s portion of the grant. If a child age 16 or older does not attend school and is deemed a chronic truant, this may result in a reduction of the child’s portion of the grant unless certain conditions apply.

Benefit Levels

Grant levels and amounts vary according to AU size, exempt status, and geographic location. Families in high cost-of-living areas (Region 1) receive slightly more money than families in other areas (Region 2). A family in which all adults are disabled or otherwise exempt from work requirements is eligible for the higher exempt grant amount.

Post-Assistance and Post-Time Limit Families

Former CalWORKs clients may receive child care for a minimum of 24 months after leaving assistance if they are employed or participating in another approved activity, have an age eligible child, and remain at or below 85% of the state median income (SMI). At county option, employed former recipients may continue to receive work supports and other job retention services offered by the county for up to 12 months. Also at county option, individuals who exceed CalWORKs time limits and continue to receive state-only benefits for their eligible children may continue to receive post-assistance services. Services for employed former recipients and individuals that exceed CalWORKs time limit may include, but are not limited to, substance abuse services, domestic abuse services, parenting classes, vocational education and training, and transportation and ancillary work supports.

Commitment to Child Well Being

California provides TANF benefits to children in need even after their adult caregiver reaches the 60-month time limit for receipt of cash assistance. California also continues to provide assistance to children when adults fail to meet program requirements and are sanctioned.

Program Administration

The CalWORKs Program is administered by counties under supervision, guidance, and direction of the CDSS. Although eligibility requirements and grant levels are uniform throughout the state, counties are given considerable latitude to design WTW programs that best meet the needs of their diverse populations, local economic and environmental context, and culture. Each county must have a CalWORKs county plan describing specific program outcome goals and how those outcomes are to be achieved.