- What is Welfare to Work?
- What are some requirements to be eligible for Welfare to Work?
- How do I apply?
- Do I have to have children to be eligible for the Welfare to Work program?
- Do I have to be a US citizen to be eligible?
- I am homeless. Could I still be eligible for benefits?
- If I receive SSI/SSP am I eligible for the Welfare to Work program?
- How will you help me with my Welfare to Work program?
- Are there other places I can go to get help looking for jobs?
- How will what I earn affect my benefits?
- How do I find out who my case manager is?
- I can’t reach my worker, what should I do?
- What is Welfare to Work?
Welfare-To-Work is a program developed to help CalWORKs (cash aid) customers find and keep a job. We can also help pay job expenses so you can continue working, worry free. We may even be able to help you get job training to help you upgrade to a higher paying job that will lead to more money for your family.
- What are some requirements to be eligible for Welfare to Work?
You must be an adult receiving CalWORKs/TANF. All adult CalWORKs recipients are required to participate, unless you have an allowable exemption. Talk to your case manager. Exempt individuals may volunteer to receive Welfare-To-Work services, and must meet all program requirements upon entering the program
- How do I apply?
If you are a recipient of CalWORKs/TANF benefits, you should be enrolled in the Welfare to Work program by your case manager. Contact your case manager to get more information.
- Do I have to have children to be eligible for the Welfare to Work program?
Yes, you must be in receipt of CalWORKs/TANF benefits to be eligible for the program. See CalWORKs to find out more information about eligibility requirements.
- Do I have to be a US citizen to be eligible?
No, you must be either a U.S. citizen or have legal alien status.
- I am homeless could I still be eligible for benefits?
Yes, you will still be asked to participate in the Welfare to Work program even if you are homeless.
- If I receive SSI/SSP am I eligible for the Welfare to Work program?
No, if you receive SSI/SSP you have already been found to be unable to work.
- How will you help me with my Welfare to Work program?
You will be assigned a Family Services Specialist who will be your personal guide to the benefits and services of CalWORKs and Welfare-To-Work. Your Family Services Specialist can help you:
- Locate job openings and apply for jobs
- Get into a Job Club where you can update your resume and practice your interviewing skills
- Enroll in a training or education program
- Obtain proper clothing, uniforms, or other necessary items to help you become or stay employed
- Pay for services, such as child care and transportation, so you can get and keep a job
- Obtain counseling services through Behavioral Health Services (BHS), if necessary, so you are able to work.
- Gain work experience and job skills by placing you in a “Community Service Program”, a non-salaried position in the community. Many of our Community Service Participants get hired by the employers they work for, if they do a good job. This is another great stepping stone to full time employment.
- Are there other places I can go to get help looking for jobs?
The Alliance WorkNet Resource Center has two locations in Modesto. One is located inside the StanWORKs Lobby at the Community Services Agency in Modesto at 251 E. Hackett Road. You can call them at (209) 558-3978 or (209) 558-3979. The other AllianceWorkNetResourceCenter is located at the Modesto EDD Office at 629 – 12th Street. The phone number there is (209) 558-8556. The Resource Centers are open to the public. You can drop-in for job seeking services such as resume updating, online job searches, interview tips and use of phones, copiers and fax machines.
Employment Development Department (EDD) - You can access current job openings and receive other job services. In Modesto, you can visit the EDD Office at 629 – 12th Street. In Turlock, the EDD office is located at 125 N. Broadway, Turlock.
- How will what I earn affect my benefits?
CalWORKs can still help you, even if you become employed. Working families receive certain deductions from their earnings, so they will usually still qualify for cash aid. Some people choose to stop their cases if they make enough to reduce their grant substantially, so they can save their “Once-in-a-lifetime” 60 months Time Limits for future emergencies. Even if you are no longer eligible to CalWORKs, or choose to stop your case, you may still receive Food Stamps and Medi-Cal for your family.
- How do I find out who my case manager is?
You can use our automated system to find out who your case manager is by calling (209) 558-2777.
- I can’t reach my worker, what should I do?
Please leave a message with your assigned case manager. If they do not return your call by the next day you may ask to speak to their supervisor and for their supervisor’s phone numbers. Our phone calls are our priority. Please let us know if you are not receiving a returned phone call.
