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Apply for CalWORKs cash aid

Find county CalWORKs family cash-aid information. Other cash programmes have separate eligibility rules.

Before you start

Choose your county to find its benefits office and local programme information.
CalFresh helps with food; CalWORKs provides cash assistance to eligible families. The eligibility rules differ.
Check the dates on income tables and county work-rule waivers. Your notice gives your case-specific reporting and renewal deadlines.

1 guide with reviewed service links · Santa Cruz

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U.S. Census boundaries via U.S. Atlas · 2017 edition, simplified for display.

County government · Santa Cruz

Social Services

Social services

CalWORKs application instructionsOfficial instructions

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

Service 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.

Official information checked October 14, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 14, 2026

California Department of Social Services · CalWORKs — eligibility, county administration and online application (opens in a new tab)

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

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

Saved evidence: 5b4b1eb0d38d3e19 · Agent source review

Santa Cruz County — CalWORKs cash aidOfficial instructions

Local CalWORKs programme information from the county benefits agency.

Source checked October 15, 2026

Santa Cruz County · Santa Cruz — calworks programme (opens in a new tab)

County calworks programme introduction / application information

The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program offers temporary cash aid assistance, nutrition benefits, employment services and health insurance to eligible families who have children under age 18 or who are graduating before they turn 19. This is California's version of the Federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program.

Saved evidence: 1881459d22504e5e · Agent source review

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