California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids, also known as CalWORKs, provides temporary cash assistance to low-income families with children along with services to help parents find and keep a job. CalWORKs can also help children who are not receiving financial support and care from their parents. HSA staff can also assist with health insurance and food assistance.
Who is Eligible?
- A family with a child or children under the age of 18
- A pregnant person, at any stage during their pregnancy
- An individual/family who is a resident of California
- An individual/family who meets the income and property limits
- An individual/family who is a citizen or meets the immigration requirements
How Do I Apply?
- In Person:
If you want to apply in person, you may do so at any of our regional offices. You may also use any of the options below to submit your application. - By Phone:Call San Mateo’s Service Center’s 1-800-223-8383
- Online: www.benefitscal.com
What do I need to apply?
- Identification-Driver’s license, California ID card, passport, birth certificates for children in your family
- Proof of residency-Rent, mortgage receipt or utility bill
- Proof of income-Paystubs, Social Security award letter, Child Support/alimony, unemployment/disability stubs or veterans benefits
- Proof of Resources- Documents verifying the value of checking and savings accounts, savings bonds, stocks, or retirement accounts
If you do not have all the documents listed, you can still apply. The County will provide you with a list of what is needed, give you some time to provide, and can help you obtain missing verification.
Common Forms:
- CW2.1 Notice and Agreement for Child, Spousal and Medical support English Spanish
- CW2.1Q Support Questionnaire English Spanish
- CW80 Self-Certification form for Motor Vehicles CalWORKS English Spanish
- CW2186A CalWORKS Exemption Request Form English Spanish
Submit Verifications:
Submit your verifications for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKS, General Assistance, and/or CAPI by clicking the link below.
Additional Resources
- Call 211 to connect with community services for food, shelter, job services, childcare, senior services, counseling and much, much more. To use the services just dial “211.”
- For employment services and training questions, please email smcworks@smchsa.org
- For emergency food and to apply for CalFRESH (food stamps): San Mateo County Food Connection 1-800-934-3663