Welfare-to-Work (WTW) Program

Adults who get CalWORKs cash aid can participate in the WTW Program. They get ongoing support and encouragement from county case workers to achieve their goals. They are eligible to get resources that are only given to individuals who are actively participating in the WTW Program. The WTW Program offers an array of services and support to adults who get CalWORKs cash aid, and there are a wide range of activities CalWORKs clients can do in WTW, including:

• Education (such as English as a Second Language, General Education Degree, college degree programs {2-year and 4-year}), training (such as certificate and credential programs), job skills training, and/or vocational education.
• Work/employment, work study (working on college campuses), On-the-Job training, community service, and job retention services.
• Activities to address or remove barriers like mental health, substance use disorder, and domestic abuse.

CalWORKs clients and county staff work together to build a WTW plan designed to help clients achieve their goals. Clients in WTW agree to do a certain number of hours in WTW activities unless they are exempt, excused, or have a temporary reason not to participate. The number of weekly hours is 20, 30, or 35 per week depending on their situation.

Clients can benefit for up to 60-months of WTW services and in some cases may even extend that time beyond 60-months. CalWORKs clients should talk with their county case worker if they believe they may qualify for additional time on aid. See the CalWORKs 60-Month Time Limit Extender Request Form (CW 2190 A) and CalWORKs 60-Month Time Limit (CW 2184) forms for more information.

Good Cause

“Good Cause” means a CalWORKs client has a temporary, good reason not to do their WTW activity. Examples of good cause include an illness, injury, or loss of access to transportation or childcare. Clients should talk with their county worker if they are facing a challenge and they have a good reason not to participate.

Exemptions from WTW Participation

An exemption means a client does not have to do WTW activities but can still get cash aid and supportive services. Clients can be exempt if they are:

• Age 60 or older,
• Younger than age 16, or younger than age 19 and in school full-time,
• Pregnant,
• Caring for a child younger than age 2,
• Caring for a relative’s child,
• Unable to do WTW activities because of a disability, and
• Caring for a family member who lives in their household and can’t take care of themselves.

Clients should talk with their county worker if they think they should get an exemption from WTW participation. Additionally, WTW participants may complete the CalWORKs Exemption Request Form (CW 2186A) at any time to ask for an exemption. NOTE: Many exemptions will also stop the CalWORKs 60-month time on aid clock.

Supportive Services

Clients who do WTW activities can get valuable supportive services that make it easier to take part in their activities. Supportive services include:

• Paid full-time child care,
• Paid transportation expenses,
• Paid books and supplies to attend school, and
• Diaper assistance.

Supportive services also include additional money needed to do an activity including tools, uniforms, and other supplies needed at the job or school.

If supportive services are not available or provided, clients have “good cause” for not participating in WTW.

Family Stabilization Program

Family Stabilization (FS) provides case management and services to help clients in crisis situations. CalWORKs clients can get FS when they are in a crisis that keeps them from doing WTW activities. Clients in FS do not have to do hours in WTW activities. Clients should talk with their county worker if they are in crisis and need additional help.

Domestic Abuse Waiver

If any WTW client has ever been abused by someone, they should contact their county worker about domestic abuse services, and “domestic abuse waivers” of program requirements. Abuse can include physical, sexual or emotional harm, threats, stalking, control over money, and control over contact with family, friends, and service providers (such as doctors).

Clients who are victims or survivors of domestic abuse may feel it’s not a good time to participate in WTW and request a domestic abuse waiver. While a WTW participant has a domestic abuse waiver, their time may not count toward their CalWORKs 60-month limit. Additionally, their county case worker can help them get special services that can support them and their children.

WTW Sanctions

If a client’s WTW plan says they have to do certain activities and they do not, they may be sanctioned. This means their portion of CalWORKs aid will stop, but their children’s aid will continue. Clients can fix their sanction and get back on aid anytime by contacting their county worker.

Welfare-To-Work Forms

The following forms provide additional information about the WTW program.

• WTW 2 - Participation Plan
  • The WTW 2 is the Welfare-to-Work “Plan” and supportive service request form.
• WTW 5 - Program Information
  • The WTW 5 explains what the WTW program is, how it can help, and what is required of clients.
• Other Welfare-To-Work related forms

Questions about Welfare-To-Work?

Please contact a county social services agency for more information about the WTW program.