TANF Appeals/Complaints

The agency provides CalWorks/TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) services to parents who have minor children (or who are pregnant), and who have income and property below State maximum limits for their family size. Services include TANF applications, and TANF appeals/complaints. There are no geographic restrictions.

In California, the TANF program is called CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids). It is a time limited (60 months) cash aid. 48 months is the total lifetime benefit available and includes benefits received in any state.

There are basic resident, income, children school attendance, child support, immunization, and welfare-to-work activity eligibility requirements. Some individuals may be required to participate in CAL-LEARN, or GAIN. Individuals should speak to a CalWorks/TANF eligibility worker for specific eligibility requirements.

CAL-LEARN is mandatory for mothers age 19 and younger. Pregnant or parenting teens are automatically enrolled. It is a case managed program which requires recipients to attend school and work for a high school diploma or GED.

GAIN (see separate entry) provides employment-related services to CalWORKs participants to help them find employment, stay employed, and move on to higher paying jobs, which will lead to self-sufficiency and independence.

CalWORKs may include basic support services such as domestic violence services, substance abuse services, and mental health services. Additional support services could include child care search assistance, and work transportation assistance.

Homeless individuals who meet certain qualifications may also receive housing related assistance, including temporary shelter payments, permanent housing payments, moving assistance, eviction assistance, relocation assistance, rental subsidies, and voluntary case management services.

Some applicants may be eligible for the Immediate Needs Assistance Program while their application is being processed. Applicants with less than $100 and an emergency related to food, shelter, utilities or medical care will be considered. Benefits may include expedited CalFresh, cash aid, or a pro-rated grant.

Some applicants may be eligible for the Diversion Program to cover a specific need, such as an eviction notice or a car repair, that may help them keep or obtain employment. Applicants must have a steady work history or strong earning potential, have a one-time unexpected problem preventing them from keeping or obtaining a job, have stable housing and child care, and not have significant barriers to employment.

Some applicants may be eligible for the Emergency Assistance to Prevent Eviction Program to pay for late rent and/or utilities. Applicants must be approved for CalWORKs, be actively participating in an approved GAIN WtW activity or Post-Time Limit service, and have proof of a financial hardship resulting from circumstances beyond the family's control that cause the nonpayment of rent and/or utilities. Individuals must have exhausted, or not be eligible for, the state's Permanent Homeless Assistance Arrearages payment.

Some participants may be eligible for the Non-Recurring Special Needs Program for household emergencies resulting from sudden and unusual circumstances beyond their control, including homelessness, while looking for permanent housing resulting from sudden and unusual circumstances. Participants with less than $100 and and an emergency resulting from an unexpected circumstance will be considered.

Upon intake, individuals may be eligible for the DL937 form for a discounted ID card which can be taken to the DMV for a low cost drivers license or ID card.