Application & Eligibility/Need

CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care, in partnership with the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), offers childcare to eligible adult participants receiving public assistance. This includes potential access to in-home childcare services. It supports families for up to 24 months after discontinuing cash assistance, provided they meet eligibility criteria.

No application is needed if the eligible participant is a current CalWORKs recipient. The participant must contact their GAIN or TAD case worker and ask them to be referred to our services. 

CalWORKs Stage 2 Child Care provides financial assistance to families who were previously on public assistance through the Department of Public Services. It supports families for up to 24 months after discontinuing cash assistance, provided they meet eligibility criteria.

• A family who has a member of its household who is certified to receive benefits from the following means-tested government: Medi-Cal, CalFresh, California Food Assistance Program, California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), The Federal Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Head Start, Early Head Start, CalWORKs

 

 

 

 

 

Family Size	Family Monthly Income	Family Annual Income
1-2	$6,595	$79,143
3	$7,472	$89,660
4	$8,712	$104,544
5	$10,106	$121,271
6	$11,500	$137,998
7	$11,761	$141,134
8	$12,023	$144,270
9	$12,284	$147,407
10	$12,545	$150,543
11	$12,807	$153,679
12	$13,068	$156,816

 

Parents who wish to apply through Stage 2 can request to speak to a Caseload Technician for enrollment process HERE

CalWORKs Stage 3 Child Care offers ongoing childcare support to families who have completed 24 months of eligibility in CalWORKs Stage 1 or Stage 2. It ensures a seamless transition without interruption in childcare services. 

 

 

Family Size	Family Monthly Income	Family Annual Income
1-2	$6,595	$79,143
3	$7,472	$89,660
4	$8,712	$104,544
5	$10,106	$121,271
6	$11,500	$137,998
7	$11,761	$141,134
8	$12,023	$144,270
9	$12,284	$147,407
10	$12,545	$150,543
11	$12,807	$153,679
12	$13,068	$156,816

 

Active adult participant from Stage 1 or Stage 2 will be automatically transferred into the Stage 3 program. No application is necessary.

The Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) provides financial support for employed parents, students, or individuals in job training by subsidizing childcare costs. Eligible participants must meet State income guidelines and engage in approved activities, with payments made directly to childcare providers. It serves as an alternative child care option for parents who do not qualify for CalWORKs Stages 1, 2, or 3. 

The Emergency Child Care Bridge Program, in collaboration with the Department of Children and Families Services, aims to improve the placement success of foster children by expanding opportunities for placement in home-based family care settings. It provides financial assistance to foster families for childcare needs.