New Welfare-to-Work Rules

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There are important changes in the CalWORKs (family cash aid) program!

  • There is no longer an 18-24 month limit on how long you can do welfare-towork activities.
  • You can get training, education, and services for up to the full 60- month lifetime limit, based on your employment needs assessment.
  • The new rules require that you do at least 20-hours in “Core” activities. Core activities are work, unpaid work, and up to 12 months of vocational Education. The rest of the hours can be made up of any other “Non-Core” welfare-to-work activity that you need, such as other training and education, and counseling and treatment services.
  • SIPs (those already enrolled in school before welfare-to-work appraisal) have up to 60 months to finish their program. The rule about doing “core” work hours does not apply to SIPs.

The chart below lists what are “Core” and “Non-Core” activities. If you meet certain rules, a “Non-Core” activity could be counted as “Core.”


Core ( 20 hours ) Non-Core ( 12-15 hours )
  1. Employment
  2. Work-Study
  3. On the Job Training (OJT)
  4. Grant Diversion (Grant-Based OJT)
  5. Supported Work/Transitional Employment
  6. Self-Employment
  7. Work experience
  8. Community Service
  9. Vocational Education (for only one year)
  10. Job Search
  1. Adult Basic Education (including
  2. Job Skills Training Directly Related Employment
  3. Education Directly Related to
  4. Secondary School (High School)
  5. Vocational Education (After
  6. Other necessary activities
  7. Services
a. Domestic Violence
b. Substance Abuse
c. Mental Health Services


When “Non-Core” Activities Can Count as “Core”

1.  Classroom, labs, and internship hours can count towards your 20-hour “core” time, if:

  • They can’t be done during the 12-15 non-Core hours
  • The program will lead to self-supporting work
  • You are making satisfactory progress.

2.  Domestic Violence, Mental Health, and/or Substance Abuse hours can count towards your 20-hour “core” time, if:

  • They can’t be done during the 12-15 non-Core hours
  • You need them so you can do your Core activities

After 12 months, Vocational Education can only be a non-core activity. Non-credit study time, if a welfare-to-work activity in your county, can only be a non-core activity.

Need More Help?

For more legal help and information, you can use LawHelpCalifornia to contact a local legal advocate.

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