Appendix I: Applying for CalWORKs
From CalWORKs | Welfare Resources
Applying for CalWORKs
The initial application is one page long and is very simple. A screening worker reviews the application to determine if the family meets base line eligibility criteria. If the worker claims the family is not eligible, s/he must give the client a written "Notice of Action" stating the reasons why the client was denied and the date of denial. The client should never sign papers stating they are withdrawing their application as this may preclude a later challenge to the denial.
After the one page application is reviewed, the screening worker will give the client additional forms to fill out and will schedule another "intake appointment." This next appointment must be scheduled within one week. If a two parent family is applying, both parents must come to this next appointment and must bring all the children who are not in school. The screening worker will also have told the client what documents to bring to the next appointment, the official intake. These may include:
- Identification
- Birth certificates for all family members
- Social security numbers for all family members
- School records for school age children
- Rent and utility receipts
- Bank books
- Unemployment verification (from the unemployment office)
- Wage stubs
- Car registration
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificates
- Pregnancy verification
- Citizenship or residency papers
- Insurance policies
- Financial aid records
- Shared rent/expense statements for non related household members to fill out.
An application cannot be denied because the client was unable to get all the requested documentation. The application can only be denied if the client does not supply a pregnancy verification (if this is the first child) or if the client's citizenship is in question and proof of citizenship has not been provided. As long as the client makes a good faith effort to get the other documents, the county must grant the application! The county must assist clients with obtaining documents and to pay costs associated with obtaining documents.
Record Keeping
Advocates should help clients get receipts for all documents s/he turns in, should keep copies of all forms and documents relating to the CalWORKs case, and should keep a notebook/log of all conversations and/or attempted contacts with county personnel.
Depending on the information the client provides on these initial forms, s/he may have to fill out additional papers. The number of possible forms fills a 8 foot by 8 foot room at the welfare department. Any form the client fills out must be signed under "penalty of perjury."
Confidentiality
The client has a right to refuse a credit check on the client or his/her family members without being denied CalWORKs. The county must also get the client's written permission, in the form of a signed consent form, before contacting any third parties.
