CalWORKs Summary Program Services & Utilization Caseload Dynamics

Caseload Dynamics


This graphic shows the proportion and total number of CalWORKs cases that exclude the adult portion of aid, including Safety Net, Fleeing Felon, Long-term Sanction, and Child-Only cases inclusive of non-needy caretakers, as compared to fully aided cases (e.g., One-Parent/All (Other) Families), Two-Parent, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) timed out cases.

Safety Net, Fleeing Felon, and Long-term Sanction case types were created in 2014 and are state funded only. Individuals with these case types receive the Child-Only portion of the grant and have either the K1 or 3F aid codes, as described in ACL 15-46.

Child-Only: These are cases in which only the children in the family are aided because the parents are ineligible due to reasons including, but not limited to: immigration status, being a participant of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or when a non-parental non-needy caretaker is caring for the children.

Adults are eligible to receive aid for 60 months under CalWORKs. However, CalWORKs provides a state-funded Safety Net program that continues the child portion of a grant even after the adult in question reaches the lifetime limit. This visualization shows the number of families that rely on CalWORKs aid despite the loss of adult aid. In 2021, while the national percent of children in poverty receiving TANF was only 14.4 percent, California served 48.3 percent of children in poverty – more than three times the national share. CalWORKs policies that strengthen supports for children include providing aid up to age 18 and continuing to provide aid when a parent’s portion of aid has ended.

As a reminder, individuals who have exhausted their federal 60-month time limit but have months remaining in CalWORKs receive a full grant amount if they are participating in CalWORKs. Families with cases subject to a CalWORKs penalty (for example, parent does not provide a child’s proof of immunization) or Welfare to Work (WTW) sanction (for example, parent does not attend assigned WTW activity) receive a reduction of the adult portion of the CalWORKs grant and do not have the whole adult grant removed and are therefore not contemplated in the above.

This pie chart provides a representation of the CalWORKs caseload based on the program status of the adult(s) in the family. Families with adults subject to Welfare-to-Work (WTW) program rules are in the Exempt, Sanctioned, and Participant categories. Families without an aided adult, and not subject to WTW, comprise the Child-Only category. Families in the Non-MOE Moved Out category are funded with state-only general fund (outside the federal funding structure) and include families where the adult(s) reached the maximum allowable 60-months of CalWORKs assistance or who have been in WTW sanction for 12 months or longer.

Understanding the different proportions of each case type within the CalWORKs caseload allows partners to assess the effectiveness of the WTW program in helping adults transition into employment and become self-sufficient. By categorizing families based on WTW program rules (i.e., Exempt, Sanctioned, and Participant categories), trends can be identified, as well as patterns in terms of adherence to program requirements and outcomes.

Understanding the distribution of case types helps in resource allocation and program planning - if a significant proportion of families are in the Sanctioned category, it may signal the need for targeted interventions, additional supportive services to address barriers to program activities, or the need for policy clarification. Also, analyzing the caseload by status of the adult(s) in the family provides insights into the dynamics of program participants. For instance, the Child-Only category represents families where the adults are not aided and are not subject to WTW requirements, highlighting a different set of needs and circumstances within the program.

While WTW program statuses and the rules governing them have not changed recently, how they are used in response to macroeconomic trends does shift with time. Additional information is available in subsequent tables and charts.

This chart shows the time on aid characteristics of CalWORKs families. Time on Aid has been calculated using the cumulative, not continuous, number of months a family has received aid during the look-back period. For these calculations, all aided months within the look-back period are considered, regardless of whether a month was exempt or not. The time on aid in this table is calculated by looking at the individual, adult, or child, in the Assistance Unit (AU) who has been on aid the longest. The data in the chart can be viewed by median or mean.

Average Months on Aid is most useful for mathematical calculations (i.e., for developing budget estimates). Median Months on Aid is most useful for describing a typical case, as most of the caseload would be found near this center point.

state law permits adults to receive cash aid for a lifetime amount of 60 cumulative months. there are exceptions and exemptions to the time limit, which allow an adult to exceed the time limit or allow an adult to receive aid that does not count towards the time limit. time on aid is the total number of months a family has received assistance during the look-back period, which could be consecutive or non-consecutive months. it is a different calculation than the calworks 60-month clock, as a family may receive assistance in a month that does not count toward their 60-month time on aid limit due to a qualifying exemption. time on aid for calworks families is calculated by the aided adult on aid longest (as an adult) since the beginning of the look-back period. time on aid for families in calworks non-maintenance of effort (moe) cases (safety net, fleeing felon and long-term sanction), as well as families in the child-only cases, is determined by the child member who has received aid longest since the beginning of the look-back period.

understanding time on aid characteristics for calworks families grouped by case types such as welfare to work (wtw) active, wtw exempt, wtw sanction, child-only, non-moe, and overall is crucial for evaluating program effectiveness and tailoring support. analyzing the duration of aid receipt for families in each case type helps partners assess participants' progress towards independence and identify challenges that may prolong their reliance on aid. for example, examining time on aid for families in wtw active cases provides insights into participants' engagement levels in employment-related activities, while analyzing time on aid for families in wtw exempt cases reveals factors contributing to exemption from program requirements and its impact on outcomes. similarly, understanding time on aid for families in wtw sanction cases highlights barriers faced by participants subject to sanctions and informs targeted interventions to support their re-engagement with the program.

additionally, families in safety-net cases and child-only cases do not have a time-on-aid clock associated with their case since there are no adults aided and these cases are funded with state general funds only and are excluded from the moe. safety-net cases comprise of aus where the adults are excluded because they have exhausted their 60-month time limit. families are in child-only cases when the children are only being aided because the adults are ineligible due to reasons including their immigration status, if they are an ssi recipient, or if the au has a non-needy caretaker relative.

time on aid analysis for families in child-only cases can assist in customizing support services for families where adults are not aided, focusing on child care, education, and family stability. furthermore, examining time on aid for families in non-moe cases offers insights into long-term aid participants and aids in evaluating program sustainability and strategies aimed at promoting self-sufficiency. overall, understanding time on aid characteristics for families in different case types facilitates informed decision-making, program evaluation, and interventions to assist participants in achieving economic independence. 

No significant policy changes in the most recent 12 months.


This chart provides a comprehensive overview of the program's caseload dynamics, presented through fiscal quarter line graphs showcasing averages for each case type. The case types depicted in the chart include Safety Net, representing cases where assistance acts as a safety net for vulnerable individuals or families; Single Parent cases, reflecting households headed by a single parent receiving CalWORKs support; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Timed Out cases, indicating families who have reached the time limit for TANF benefits; Two Parent cases, encompassing households with two parents receiving assistance; and Zero Parent cases, which typically involve families in child-only cases without aided adults.

Understanding the CalWORKs quarterly caseload analysis, including averages for each case type such as Safety Net, Single Parent, TANF Timed Out, Two Parent, and Zero Parent, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides insights into the demographic and situational diversity of CalWORKs participants, allowing partners to tailor interventions and support services to meet the specific needs of each Case Type. For example, understanding the proportion of Single Parent cases helps in designing programs that address challenges unique to single-parent households, such as child care assistance and job training targeted at single parents.

Secondly, analyzing trends over fiscal quarters helps in identifying patterns and shifts in caseload dynamics. This information is valuable for assessing the impact of policy changes, economic conditions, or program initiatives on different case types within CalWORKs. For instance, an increase in TANF Timed Out cases over several quarters may indicate a need for reevaluation of time limits and supportive services for families transitioning off assistance.

Moreover, understanding the averages for each case type enables benchmarking and performance evaluation. Partners can compare outcomes and progress across Case Types to identify best practices, areas for improvement, and disparities that require attention. This data-driven approach supports evidence-based decision-making and the efficient allocation of resources within the CalWORKs program to maximize positive outcomes for participants and promote economic self-sufficiency.

This analysis aids policymakers and partners in understanding the distribution and trends within each Case Type over time, facilitating targeted strategies and resource allocation to meet the diverse needs of CalWORKs participants.

Two significant Welfare-to-Work policy changes took place in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023. First, the “blanket good cause” exception which was instituted in response to the Covid-19 pandemic was repealed. This exception allowed County Welfare Departments (CWDs) to grant “good cause”, and thus not face a reduction-in-aid sanction penalty to participants who were not meeting their work requirements because of pandemic-related factors. Second, the maximum allowable time on aid for adult Welfare-To-Work participants was increased from 48 months to 60 months. These policy changes are evidenced in the chart as a marked decrease in safety net and TANF timed-out cases in FY 2021-2022 Q4 and a marked increase (following the end of the 12 months increase between the 48-months to 60-months of time on aid) in FY 2022-2023 Q4. This policy change took place amidst an overall caseload decrease.

These charts depict CalWORKs application approvals and provide a comprehensive view of program dynamics and trends across different dimensions from 2015 through 2023. The first chart shows overall application approvals within a specified timeframe, providing insights into the demand for CalWORKs assistance and the program's overall reach.

The second chart, organized from largest to smallest County in terms of application approvals, offers a comparative analysis across counties, highlighting geographical variations in application approval rates and identifying counties with the highest and lowest approval volumes.

the third chart, depicting trends by fiscal quarter, adds dimension to the analysis by showing how application approvals vary over time. by including lines for different case types such as safety net, single parent, tanf timed out, zero parent, and two parent, this chart allows for a detailed examination of trends within each case type, identifying seasonal patterns, shifts in demand, and programmatic impacts.

The second chart contains information that is valuable for resource allocation, identifying areas of high need, and tailoring county-specific strategies to optimize service delivery. High and low approval numbers should be interpreted in the context of the overall number of applications submitted.

in the third chart, this level of granularity aids assists in identifying effective interventions, understanding caseload dynamics, and making informed decisions to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of calworks.

understanding the data referenced in the charts depicting calworks application approvals is crucial for several reasons. firstly, it provides partners with actionable insights into the demand for calworks assistance, allowing them to allocate resources effectively and efficiently based on geographical variations and trends. for example, understanding which counties have the highest and lowest application approvals helps in prioritizing support and interventions where they are most needed.

secondly, analyzing trends by year and case types (such as safety net, single parent, tanf timed out, zero parent, and two parent) enables a nuanced understanding of caseload dynamics. this information is valuable for identifying shifts in demand, seasonal patterns, and the impact of policy changes or program initiatives on different participant groups. it also aids in evaluating the effectiveness of targeted strategies and interventions tailored to specific case types.

moreover, understanding the data allows for benchmarking and performance evaluation, comparing application approvals across counties and case types to identify best practices, areas for improvement, and disparities that require attention. this data-driven approach supports evidence-based decision-making, program optimization, and the delivery of responsive services that meet the diverse needs of calworks participants effectively.

Data is available monthly. There are no significant policy changes in the most recent 12 months.

This chart depicts CalWORKs application denials and provide a comprehensive view of program dynamics and trends across different dimensions. The chart shows overall application denials within a specified timeframe, providing insights into the demand for CalWORKs assistance and the program's overall reach.

The chart depicts trends by year and adds dimension to the analysis by showing how application denials vary over time. By including lines for different case types such as Safety Net, Single Parent, TANF Timed Out, Zero Parent, and Two Parent, this chart allows for a detailed examination of trends within each case type, identifying seasonal patterns, shifts in demand, and programmatic impacts.

The data presented in these charts provides insights into the trends of application denials over time, highlighting potential areas of concern and opportunities for targeted interventions. For instance, tracking denials for Single Parent cases may reveal specific obstacles faced by single-parent households in accessing CalWORKs assistance, such as childcare issues or employment barriers. Similarly, monitoring denials for Two Parent and Zero Parent cases allows policymakers to identify trends related to family composition and socioeconomic factors influencing application outcomes. This granular analysis supports informed decision-making, program evaluation, and the development of strategies to reduce denials and improve access to vital support services for CalWORKs applicants.

This level of granularity aids partners in identifying effective interventions, understanding caseload dynamics, and making informed decisions to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of CalWORKs.

Knowing the information about annual CalWORKs application denials is crucial for identifying trends and barriers in application processing. This data helps partners design targeted interventions to improve access to CalWORKs assistance and address challenges faced by different applicant groups. Understanding the reasons behind application denials informs policy changes and program improvements, such as expanding childcare subsidies for families in Single Parent cases experiencing high denial rates due to childcare issues.

Additionally, tracking denials over time provides insights into program effectiveness and efficiency, guiding interventions to reduce denials and enhance program outcomes. Overall, this information empowers decision-makers to make data-driven decisions, improve program accessibility and effectiveness, and ultimately enhance outcomes for CalWORKs applicants and participants.

No significant policy changes in the most recent 12 months.

This chart shows annual CalWORKs application denials by fiscal year quarter with lines representing categories such as: Failure to Comply, No Eligible Child, Financial, and other reasons.

Failure to Comply includes, but is not limited to, failure to include all mandatory persons on the application form, failure to comply with photo image requirements, not participating in the gathering of evidence to support eligibility, and not participating in the face-to-face interview.

No Eligible Child refers to the CalWORKs requirement that the family include a minor child who resides with a custodial parent or other adult caretaker relative of the child.

“Financial” combines “Resources that exceed limits” and “Income that exceeds standards” categories in the CalWORKs Report on Reasons for Denials and Other Non-Approvals of Applications. “Financial” refers to CalWORKs requirements that applicants must have earned income below the stated earned income limits for the family size. Applicant limits for unearned income are generally $1 less than the Minimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC). Applicants with property valued at more than $10,888 or $16,333 (if over 60 or has a disability) are ineligible.

“Other” includes cases not approved for reasons not previously listed, including but not limited to, nonresident status; the application was cancelled or withdrawn; and the participant moved and/or cannot be located.

The second chart is the same data but shown in percentages.

Understanding the reasons for annual CalWORKs application denials by fiscal year quarter and specific denial categories such as “Failure to Comply”, “No Eligible Child”, “Financial”, and “Other” reasons is crucial for several reasons:

Targeted Interventions: Knowing the specific reasons for denials allows partners to design targeted interventions to address the underlying issues. For example, if denials are primarily due to “Failure to Comply”, efforts can be focused on improving applicant education and compliance with program requirements.

Resource Allocation: Understanding denial trends helps in allocating resources effectively. For instance, if denials due to “Financial” reasons are high, additional resources can be directed towards providing financial literacy education or assistance with meeting income and asset thresholds.

Program Evaluation: Analyzing denial data over time helps in evaluating the effectiveness of program policies and procedures. It provides insights into areas where program improvements are needed to reduce denials and improve access to CalWORKs assistance.

Equity and Access: By identifying barriers to access, such as denials related to “No Eligible Child” or “Financial” reasons, stakeholders can work towards ensuring equity and access to benefits for eligible individuals and families.

Performance Monitoring: Tracking denial trends allows for ongoing performance monitoring and the implementation of corrective measures when necessary. It supports a data-driven approach to program management and decision-making.

The Minimum Basic Standard of Care (MBSAC) is required to be adjusted annually to reflect any increases or decreases in the cost-of-living allowance (COLA). For FY 2022-2023, the COLA increased the MBSAC levels by 6.63 percent (ACL 22-39).

The CalWORKs resource limit is required to be adjusted in accordance with the California Necessities Index (CNI) for the fiscal year. For FY 2022-2023, the resource limit was increased to $10,888 or $16,333 for families that include at least one member who is aged 60 years or older or is disabled (ACL 22-66).

This graph displays total number of participants that received subsidized employment in California each month.

Expanded Subsidized Employment (ESE) is an optional County Health and Human Service Agency (HHSA) program which fully or partially subsidizes the wages of CalWORKs participants for six months to a year. While in an ESE placement the CalWORKs participant obtains specific skills and experiences relevant for employment in a particular field, with the goal of obtaining permanent unsubsidized employment with the participating employer. The HHSA partners with employers, nonprofits, and local public agencies to match participants with jobs.

52 counties are currently participating in ESE. ESE can be a steppingstone to financial stability, reducing reliance on public assistance by providing participants with the experience and skills needed to transition to unsubsidized employment. All counties are eligible to receive ESE funding to expand current or develop new subsidized employment programs.

This chart includes data from calendar years 2020 and 2021 that was not reported in the corresponding 2022 and 2023 CalWORKs Annual Summary graphs, due to COVID-19 pandemic-related reporting delays. Many counties experienced a significant drop in participation in ESE during those years due to worksite closures and subsequent economic instability related to the COVID-19 pandemic.