Welfare Reform

Monterey County Department of Social Services
CalWORKs Benefits Child Care

General Information: What does CalWORKs mean?
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids.

Principles of CalWORKs

  1. Welfare is temporary in times of crisis.
  2. Personal responsibility and accountability encouraged and rewarded.
  3. "Work First" attitude fostered through strict work requirements.
  4. County flexibility to meet recipients needs

The 3 Stages of CalWORKs Child Care

Stage 1. Paid by the Department of Social Services (DSS) The first 6 months a family is on aid or is stabilized.

Stage 2. Paid by the Alternative Payment Program (APP), Children’s Services International (CSI). Family is stabilized. Maximum limit is being off aid for 2 years and the family is not above 75% of the State median income level for the family size.

Stage 3. Paid by the Alternative Payment Provider (APP/CSI) Family is eligible until the family income reaches 75% of the State Median Income level for the family size.

For more information Please Call: Monterey County Department of Social Services at (831) 755-4400