CalWORKs February 2025 Payments: Eligibility, Dates & How to Apply

If you’re a low-income family in California, the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program provides essential financial assistance to help with everyday needs like food, housing, and childcare. With February 2025 approaching, it’s crucial to understand the payment schedule, eligibility criteria, and application process to ensure you receive your benefits on time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key details regarding CalWORKs payments in February 2025.

CalWORKs Payment Details for February 2025

Program Name	CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
Payment Dates	Payments are distributed between February 1 and February 10, depending on the last digit of your case number. Check with your county office for the specific schedule.
Eligibility Requirements	Families must have at least one child under 18 (or under 19 if still in school), meet income and asset limits, and comply with work requirements.
How to Apply	Applications can be submitted online via BenefitsCal, by phone, or in person at your local county office.
Payment Methods	Payments are issued through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, with some cases allowing direct deposit.
Official Source	California Department of Social Services (CDSS) – CalWORKs

The CalWORKs program plays a crucial role in supporting families in need by offering financial aid and services that promote self-sufficiency. Whether you are new to the program or an existing recipient, understanding your eligibility, payment dates, and application procedures will help ensure a smooth process.

What is CalWORKs?

CalWORKs is California’s version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It provides financial assistance to low-income families with children, aiming to help them achieve financial independence by offering job training, housing assistance, and childcare support. Administered by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and local county offices, CalWORKs benefits are disbursed monthly via EBT cards or direct deposit.

Eligibility Criteria for CalWORKs in February 2025

To qualify for CalWORKs benefits, applicants must meet specific requirements:

1. Family Composition

• The household must include at least one child under 18 (or under 19 if still in high school).
• Pregnant women may also qualify based on household income and assets.

2. Income Limits

Household income must fall below a certain threshold, which varies by county and household size. Here’s an example:

• A family of three (two adults and one child) in Los Angeles County must have a gross monthly income of $1,750 or less to qualify.
• To check exact limits, visit the CDSS website.

3. Asset Limits

• Families must have assets below a specified threshold, generally $2,250 for a household of two. This excludes primary residences but includes savings, cash, and certain vehicles.

4. Work Requirements

Most adults receiving CalWORKs benefits must participate in the Welfare-to-Work (WTW) program, which provides job training, education, and employment services. However, exemptions apply for:

• Individuals with disabilities,
• Caregivers of young children (especially those under six),
• Full-time students,
• Others who meet specific exemption criteria.

How to Apply for CalWORKs Benefits

If you meet the eligibility requirements and wish to apply, you can do so through multiple methods:

1. Online Application

• Visit BenefitsCal, the official platform for applying for California state benefits.
• Create an account or log in to complete your application.

2. In-Person Application

• Visit your local county social services office, where staff will guide you through the process and help submit your application.
• Bring proof of income, residency, and identification documents.

3. Phone Application

• Contact your county’s social services office to check if you can apply over the phone or receive assistance in submitting your application.

Once your application is submitted, a caseworker will review it and may request additional documents. If approved, you will receive benefits on the next scheduled payment date.

CalWORKs Payment Schedule for February 2025

Payments are distributed based on the last digit of your case number, typically between February 1 and 10. If a payment date falls on a holiday or weekend, it may be issued on the nearest business day.

Example Payment Schedule:

• Case number ending in 1 → Payment on February 1, 2025
• Case number ending in 2 → Payment on February 2, 2025, and so on.

To confirm your county’s exact schedule, check the CDSS website or contact your local county office.

How Are CalWORKs Payments Issued?

Recipients receive their benefits through an EBT card, which can be used for:

• Cash withdrawals at ATMs (note that some ATMs charge fees),
• Purchases at approved retailers,
• Online transactions at participating stores.

Some counties offer direct deposit as an alternative, so inquire about this option when applying.