CalWorks Supportive Services

To help clients succeed, the CalWORKs program helps with child care, transportation and work- or training-related expenses as follows:

Child Care Costs

If the child care is necessary for clients to participate in CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work activities, they may get child care for each child in their family, up to a child's 13th birthday.

Clients choose the type of child care they want: child care centers, licensed family homes, relatives, friends or neighbors. Any unlicensed provider (except the child’s aunt, uncle, grandparent, great grandparent, great aunt or great uncle by blood, marriage or court decree) must apply for TrustLine Registration, a background check based on fingerprints.

Transportation Costs

Clients can get some transportation costs to travel to and from their CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work activity, and for clients and their children to travel to and from child care. Certain restrictions apply.

Work- or Training- Related Costs

Clients can get work- or training- related costs for books, tools and special clothing needed for their CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work activity. Certain restrictions apply.

Interview and Work Clothing Costs

Clothes That Work provides a wide selection of clothing for men and women who are seeking employment or who are currently employed. Shoes, accessories and haircuts may also be available. A referral is required.

Relocation Costs

Clients may be able to get help with moving expenses if they find a job or to improve their chances of finding a job. Certain restrictions apply.