The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, often referred to as GAIN in some counties, is designed to provide crucial support to families, including assistance with child care costs. If you’re a current or former CalWORKs recipient in California seeking employment or participating in Welfare-to-Work activities, understanding how the GAIN program supports child care expenses is essential. This guide clarifies how CalWORKs child care benefits can help you access quality child care while pursuing your work or training goals.
CalWORKs child care assistance is available to current and former cash aid recipients who are employed or engaged in county-approved Welfare-to-Work activities. Pregnant and parenting teens participating in the Cal-Learn program are also eligible for this support. This program aims to ensure that parents can participate in work or training without the burden of unaffordable child care. Child care is typically provided for children up to 12 years of age, and for children with exceptional needs or severe disabilities, support can extend up to age 21.
While the GAIN program doesn’t provide a fixed dollar amount for child care payments, it offers substantial assistance by subsidizing the cost of care. The program is designed to help families afford child care with a provider of their choice, whether it’s a licensed center, family child care home, or even care provided by a relative. The actual amount covered by CalWORKs depends on several factors, including your income, the cost of child care in your region, and the number of hours of care needed due to your work or Welfare-to-Work activities. It’s important to note that the program is intended to assist with, and not necessarily fully cover, all child care expenses.
To determine your specific eligibility and the level of child care assistance you can receive, it’s crucial to apply through your local county welfare department. These departments administer the CalWORKs program at the county level and can provide detailed information about the program’s child care benefits in your area. You can find contact information for your local county welfare department to begin the application process and discuss your child care needs.
If you are already receiving CalWORKs child care and have questions about your services or current arrangements, reaching out to your Child Care Worker or Welfare-to-Work worker is the best course of action. They are equipped to address your concerns and provide guidance on navigating the program.
For those not currently receiving CalWORKs cash assistance but needing help with child care costs, local resources are available. Child Care Resource and Referral (R&R) agencies and Alternative Payment Programs (APP) in your county offer valuable information and support. R&R agencies maintain directories of child care providers and offer resources for parents seeking care, while APPs can help manage child care payments. You can contact the California Child Care Resource & Referral Network at 1-800-KIDS-793 or visit their website to find local support and explore other child care assistance options that may be available to you.
