CalWORKs (formerly AFDC- Aid to Families with Dependent
Children) was established by the Federal Social Security Act of 1935. The
program is mandated in California under Section 11200-11489 of the Welfare and
Institutions code which implements Federal law and regulation. Effective 1-1-98,
in compliance with AB1542, the AFDC and GAIN programs were replaced by the
CalWORKs program. The primary recipients of CalWORKs cash aid are poor children.
The CalWORKs cash aid program has three major components:
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Family Group (CalWORKs-FG) for children who lack financial support because of the
absence, incapacity, or death of either parent.
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Unemployed Parent (CalWORKs-U) for children who lack financial support because of
the unemployment of a parent living in the home.
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Foster Care (CalWORKs-FC) for children who need placement and 24-hour care
outside of their own home.
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The CalWORKs-FC and "U" components both provide, in addition to the payments based on family income and size, special payments for needs not common to all families. Special need payments are available for eligible families who experience unusual medically-related costs, disasters, and homelessness. The Homeless Assistance program provides payments for both temporary and permanent shelter as a once in a lifetime use.
