Apply for CalWORKs cash aid in Contra Costa County, CA

County government

Social Services

Read CDSS’s CalWORKs application instructions. Apply using BenefitsCal or contact the welfare office in the county where you live.

Availability: There are welfare offices located in each of the 58 California counties. Families may apply for CalWORKs at any office located in the county where they live.
Source & saved evidence
California Department of Social Services · CalWORKs — eligibility, county administration and online application (opens in a new tab)
About CalWORKs — county of residence
There are welfare offices located in each of the 58 California counties. Families may apply for CalWORKs at any office located in the county where they live.
Agent source review: October 14, 2026 · Snapshot 5b4b1eb0d38d3e19

Source & saved evidence

CalWORKs application instructions — statewide instructions linked to the separately cited county office

Apply online: BenefitsCal.com or contact Social Services within your local county.

Agent source review: October 14, 2026 · Snapshot 5b4b1eb0d38d3e19

County programme information entry. Detailed local requirements are only shown below when separately verified.

Before you start · 2 requirements & conditions

Information & documents · Start a cash-aid application: Cash aid requires questions 1–5 on application pages 1–2 and a signature to start; the CalFresh minimum-filing rule differs.
Source & saved evidence
California Department of Social Services · Food and cash benefits — form-saws2plus (opens in a new tab)
SAWS 2 PLUS — cash-aid application information
For cash aid you must fill out questions 1 through 5 on pages 1 and 2 of the application and sign it to begin the application process.
Agent source review: October 15, 2026 · Snapshot eda5bbc71909ecc8
Processing time · Cash aid decision / urgent needs: Cash-aid processing may take up to 45 days. Tell the county about an emergency and ask about immediate assistance.
Source & saved evidence
California Department of Social Services · Food and cash benefits — form-saws2plus (opens in a new tab)
SAWS 2 PLUS coversheet — cash aid processing
For cash aid and Medi-Cal, it may take up to 45 days. Ask the County how to get your benefits or health care right away if you have an emergency.
Agent source review: October 15, 2026 · Snapshot eda5bbc71909ecc8

Source & saved evidence

County calworks programme introduction / application information

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)

Agent source review: October 15, 2026 · Snapshot 0ee93e248847148d