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Toll-Free Customer Service Number
(877) 292-GAIN (4246)
8:00 am. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
At the appointment, we will gather information about you to determine how we can help you. Soon after you are approved for CalWORKs, you will be scheduled to attend an appraisal appointment to go over what you need to succeed at meeting your employment related goals. This will also be your opportunity to let us know about any challenges you are currently facing so that we can give you the necessary help to succeed.
Your new job starts with Job Club. We will provide you with the tools and skills you need to find a job. Job Club is staffed with experts ready to help you with excellent job search advice. We will provide you access to a computer and will offer resume-building, employment application and mock interview workshops, motivational sessions, and introduction to potential employers. Our experts have helped thousands of people just like you secure a job and great careers too!
Vocational Assessment is an activity you will be referred to when you don’t obtain full-time employment through Job Club. It is a one-day activity that will help you identify job interests and vocational employment goals. You will receive information about how to qualify for the jobs in your areas of interest and the jobs available in that profession.
You and your GAIN Services Worker will develop a Welfare-to-Work Plan. This is a list of all the GAIN activities you agree to complete, based on your goals. The plan also includes supportive services such as transportation, child care, and other benefits to help you with these activities.
Welfare-to-Work activities include employment, job search, assessments, education and training, community service, substance use disorder treatment, mental health services, domestic violence counseling and many others.
Specialized Supportive Services
Once you enroll in CalWORKs and meet the welfare-to-work requirements, you may receive Domestic Violence services, treatment for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder, and other supportive services if needed.
Finding a job is great, but if you’re starting an entry-level job, your wages may still be too low to eliminate your need for CalWORKs benefits. Post-Employment Services provides you with supportive services and activities to help you keep your current job or find a better paying job so that you no longer need CalWORKs benefits.
The easiest and quickest way is to apply for CalWORKs online at BenefitsCal.
Paid Work Experience is temporary subsidized employment. Our goal is to help you gain current Paid Work Experience and learn new skills to help you get a permanent job. We can help pay for work items, transportation, and child care.
Educational and training opportunities are available to help you build on your existing skills and prepare you for a specific job that interests you. You may be assigned to an education or training program at an adult school or community college to earn a degree or certificate in a specific program.
You can also receive help with earning a high school diploma or a high school equivalency, such as General Educational Development (GED) and/or adult basic education courses, such as remedial instruction in reading and math, and English as a Second Language.
We can help pay for books, supplies, transportation, and child care costs.
Good Cause/Exemptions
What if I can’t participate in the GAIN program?
If you have a situation that stops you from working or participating in GAIN, you can ask to be excused by requesting good cause or an exemption. You may need to provide proof, such as a doctor’s note.
Remember, you have a limited time to participate in GAIN. The time you are in good cause or exempt for certain reasons count toward your 60-Month Time Limit. If you are exempt, you can still volunteer in GAIN.
Am I eligible for GAIN once I reach my CalWORKs 60-Month Time Limit?
You may continue to participate in GAIN through Post-Time Limit services for up to 12 months from when you reach your 60 months if you are still receiving cash aid for at least one child. You will not be eligible for cash aid for yourself, but can get help with transportation, books, clothing, and child care to attend your GAIN activity.
Cal-Learn Program
Are you, or someone in your household a teen who is pregnant or parenting? Did you know that the Cal-Learn Program can give your family additional money and services to help earn a High School Diploma? Each year many teens complete their high school education through this program and move on to higher education, vocational school, and/or work. These all lead to independence and a better life for you and your family.
GAIN receipts may be sent to the GAIN case manager using any of the following methods:
