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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 · Merced

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County government · Merced

Social Services

Social services

CalWORKs application instructions (opens in a new tab)Official 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

Merced County — CalWORKs cash aid (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Local CalWORKs programme information from the county benefits agency.

Source checked October 15, 2026

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

County calworks programme introduction / application information

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) is a program that provides cash aid and services to eligible California families in need. The amount of the family's monthly assistance payment will depend on a number of factors, including the number of people who are eligible and the special needs of any of those household members. The income of the family is considered in calculating the amount of cash aid the family will receive.

Saved evidence: f684fdf3365dc1f1 · Agent source review

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