Helps eligible families become self-supporting through temporary cash aid and assistance in finding and keeping a job (Welfare to Work). It is California's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program and provides a number of services, including cash aid, child care, and job search guidance. When receiving CalWORKs cash aid, the family also receives Medi-cal and may be eligible for CalFresh benefits.

The purpose of CalWORKs is to provide equitable access to the services, resources and opportunities families need to increase resilience, achieve economic mobility, and break the cycle of poverty.

General Assistance is a county funded temporary cash assistance program for unemployed single adults and couples who may not have dependent children and are not receiving other public assistance benefits including, Supplemental Security income (SSI) or unemployment benefits. Employable recipients must attend the Job Link workshop, actively search for employment, and are required to repay county funds. The employable recipients are limited to three months of General Assistance payments in a year period.