How do I apply for TANF in California?

Apply directly at https://benefitscal.com/. The state must decide within 45 days of your application.

TANF · California

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)

Run by the California Department of Social Services (administered locally by county welfare departments).

The number

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs): the most a family of three can get each month in Region 1 counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego and the Bay Area, from October 1, 2026 is $1,196.

Primary source: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACLs…

Apply for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) California Department of Social Services (adminis…

Quick facts

Application channel: Multiple channels
Decision deadline: Within 45 days of applying
The most a family of three can get each month in Region 1 counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego and the Bay Area, from October 1, 2026: $1,196

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) in California

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) is California's cash assistance program for families with children, run by the California Department of Social Services (administered locally by county welfare departments).

The most a family of three can get each month in Region 1 counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego and the Bay Area, from October 1, 2026: $1,196.

Apply online at benefitscal.com, or by the other ways the state lists on its program page.

Federal TANF money cannot pay cash to a family that includes an adult who has already received it for 60 months, counting every month whether or not in a row; states may set a shorter limit. California says it decides applications within 45 days.

California's CalWORKs program is run by county welfare departments, and from October 1, 2026 its maximum monthly grant for a family of three ranges from $1,135 to $1,338 depending on the county's region and whether the state classes the case as exempt or non-exempt. Adults can receive aid for 60 months, and when an adult reaches that limit, only the adult is removed from the grant. Apply online at BenefitsCal or at your county office, and the county must act within 45 days.

Where to get help

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), California Department of Social Services (administered locally by county welfare departments)
Community health centers in California: federally funded centers discount their fees by income, with a full discount at or below the poverty line (42 CFR 51c.303(f)).
California Medicaid

Other safety-net programs in California

WIC in California SNAP in California

References & primary sources

Data refreshed: October 26, 2026

Get care in California

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) does not pay for medical care. Start here for coverage, clinics that see you without insurance, and clinicians taking new patients in California.

Medicaid in California Health coverage is decided on the same household income you just reported. See who qualifies and how to apply. All 2119 community health centers in California Community health centers charge on a sliding scale, take Medicaid, and cannot turn you away for inability to pay. 5 Black primary care clinicians in California These are the clinicians who handle everyday care for a household.