How CalWORKs Benefits Are Calculated
The Maximum Aid Payment table, Region 1 vs Region 2, exempt vs non-exempt, and how earnings reduce the monthly grant.
CalWORKs starts from a Maximum Aid Payment (MAP) set by family size, county region and exempt status, then subtracts the family's countable income. A non-exempt family of 3 in a Region 1 county gets up to $1,175 a month. Once on aid, the first $600 of monthly earnings is ignored and only 50% of the rest reduces the grant.
The Maximum Aid Payment table
These are the monthly MAP levels in effect since October 1, 2024 (CDSS All County Letter 24-55). The Department of Social Services hasn't issued a new MAP letter since.
| Family size | Region 1 non-exempt | Region 1 exempt | Region 2 non-exempt | Region 2 exempt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $734 | $809 | $695 | $770 |
| 2 | $930 | $1,039 | $884 | $987 |
| 3 | $1,175 | $1,314 | $1,115 | $1,248 |
| 4 | $1,416 | $1,579 | $1,346 | $1,498 |
| 5 | $1,659 | $1,850 | $1,578 | $1,758 |
| 6 | $1,902 | $2,123 | $1,808 | $2,018 |
| 7 | $2,145 | $2,395 | $2,039 | $2,274 |
| 8 | $2,389 | $2,669 | $2,271 | $2,537 |
| 9 | $2,631 | $2,939 | $2,501 | $2,791 |
| 10 or more | $2,876 | $3,215 | $2,731 | $3,054 |
"Family size" means the people in the assistance unit: the children on aid and the parents or caretakers aided with them, not everyone in the house.
Region 1 or Region 2?
Region 1 is Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Orange, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Ventura counties. Every other county is Region 2, where grants run a few percent lower.
Exempt or non-exempt?
A family is exempt when every parent or caretaker in the home receives SSI/SSP, In-Home Supportive Services, State Disability Insurance, or temporary workers' compensation or disability benefits, or when the child lives with a non-needy relative caretaker who isn't on aid. Exempt families can't be expected to work, so their MAP is higher. Everyone else is non-exempt.
How earnings reduce the grant
For a family already on aid, the county works out net nonexempt income:
- Take gross monthly earnings (and any disability-based unearned income).
- Subtract the first $600.
- Count only 50% of what's left.
- Add other unearned income, such as most child support or unemployment benefits, in full.
The grant is the MAP minus that net income. For a non-exempt family of 3 in Region 1 (MAP $1,175):
| Monthly earnings | Counted income | Monthly grant | Earnings + grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | $0 | $1,175 | $1,175 |
| $800 | $100 | $1,075 | $1,875 |
| $1,600 | $500 | $675 | $2,275 |
| $2,400 | $900 | $275 | $2,675 |
Because only half of each extra dollar counts, working always leaves the family with more total income than not working, until the grant reaches zero.
Applying with earnings
New applicants face a different, stricter test. To get on aid at all, the family's income after a $450 disregard per employed person has to fall below the state's eligibility standard. A family that's already on aid uses the more generous $600 plus 50% rule above, so some families can keep CalWORKs at incomes they couldn't have applied with.
Time limits and other rules
- 60-month adult limit. Adults can get cash aid for 60 months in a lifetime (up from 48 since May 1, 2022). Children can keep receiving a "child-only" grant after that.
- Welfare-to-Work. Non-exempt adults generally have to take part in work, training or job search activities, and get child care and transportation help to do it.
- Other benefits. CalWORKs families are usually eligible for Medi-Cal and CalFresh, although CalFresh counts the CalWORKs grant as income.
Estimate your grant
The CalWORKs Benefit Estimator looks up the MAP for your family size, region and status. For how food benefits are figured, see how CalFresh benefits are calculated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is CalWORKs for a family of 3?
Up to $1,175 a month in Region 1 and $1,115 in Region 2 for a non-exempt family with no other income, or $1,314 and $1,248 if the family is exempt. These Maximum Aid Payment levels have applied since October 1, 2024.
How does working affect my CalWORKs grant?
Once you're on aid, the first $600 a month of earnings is ignored and only 50% of the rest counts. The countable amount comes off the Maximum Aid Payment, so a family keeps more than half of every dollar earned above $600.
What is the difference between Region 1 and Region 2?
Region 1 is 17 higher-cost counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange and the Bay Area counties; every other county is Region 2. Region 2 grants are a few percent lower for the same family.
What makes a CalWORKs family exempt?
A family is exempt when every parent or caretaker relative in the home gets SSI/SSP, IHSS, SDI, or temporary workers' compensation or disability benefits, or when the caretaker is a non-needy relative who isn't on aid. Exempt families get a higher Maximum Aid Payment.
How long can I get CalWORKs?
Adults can get cash aid for up to 60 months in their lifetime (the limit went from 48 back to 60 months on May 1, 2022), with some exemptions and extensions. Children can keep getting aid after a parent reaches the limit.
This article is for general information only. Your county human services agency decides eligibility and the grant amount. Sources: CDSS All County Letter 24-55 (CalWORKs payment standards effective October 1, 2024); Los Angeles County DPSS policy 44-315 and 44-111.23 (income disregards); CDSS All County Letter 20-113 (60-month time limit).