Child Care Assistance
Child care is one of the free Supportive Services provided to CalWORKs Participants while they participate in employment activities.
Eligibility
Child care is available to children age 12 years old or younger. If you have questions about whether or not you qualify for CalWORKs child care you may call the CalWORKs Child Care Program Specialist at (510) 271-9186.
You may receive child care for a child who lives with you but does not receive aid if not having child care would keep you from getting a job. You can choose the kind of child care you want, such as child care centers, relatives, friends, or neighbors.
Payments can be made to licensed child care providers and, in some cases, to persons who don't need to be licensed. If your provider is not licensed, he or she must apply for Trustline registration. A provider who is your child's aunt, uncle, or grandparent does not have to apply for Trustline registration.
Paying your childcare provider
Your childcare provider will be paid the going rate for child care in the area where you live.
Restrictions
We cannot pay for child care if you choose somebody in your CalWORKs assistance unit (the child's legal guardian, the parent, or somebody under 18 years old) as the care giver.
Choosing a provider
If you need information about how to choose a child care provider or other child care information you may call the Resource and Referral Agencies in Alameda County:
- North County - Bananas at (510) 658-0381
- South County - 4C's at (510) 584-3101
- East County - Child Care Links at (925) 417-8733.
Frequently asked questions about child care
1. How long can I receive child care?
You can receive child care from the date you attend a CalWORKs Orientation and begin your CalWORKs activity (school, vocational training or work). Childcare continues for 24 months after cash assistance has been discontinued, or until your income reaches 75% of the State Median Income.
2. Can my mother or my sister, who is not in the assistance unit with me, but have their own cash assistance case, provide child care?
Yes, but they must report the income they receive on their monthly CW-7 report. The CW-7 is a form that people receiving aid complete monthly to remain eligible for CalWORKs.
3. Can I receive child care assistance if I am caring for a child that receives CalWORKs cash assistance, but I do not receive CalWORKs cash assistance for myself?
No, in order to receive child care assistance you must be a current recipient participating in the Welfare to Work Program or have received cash assistance within the last 24 months.
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