CalWORKs is the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids program. It provides cash aid, employment services, and other benefits to needy families.

CalWORKs may also be referred to as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which is the name for the federal program that funds CalWORKs. Some people may simply call CalWORKs "Welfare".

We refer to CalWORKs recipients as receiving cash aid/welfare on our website so as not to confuse cash aid through CalWORKs with financial aid offered by the college.

Eligibility requirements for cash aid/welfare include having dependent children, a low income and other requirements that are described by the Department of Human Services.

You may also go here for more general questions about CalWORKs.

The CalWORKs Program at City College is here for CalWORKs cash aid/welfare recipients who have education as their designated Welfare-to-Work activity. We work closely with the Department of Human Services and on-campus services to support participants with their academic studies and financial needs.

The purpose of the CalWORKs program is ultimately employment, while the primary focus of both EOPS and CARE is assisting students to achieve their educational goals through academic retention and transfer.

Eligibility requirements are different as well. CalWORKs students must be parents or guardians, and they and their children must be receiving cash aid/welfare. They must also have an approved County Welfare to Work Plan, fulfill work participation requirements, and can take both credit and non-credit classes.

If you have been referred by your Employment Specialist, contact our office to schedule an appointment with a counselor at (415) 452-5700. They will be happy to help you through the process.

If you think you are eligible for CalWORKs but would like to apply for school first, apply through the Office of Admissions and Records. You may contact our office for further help.