Crisis Intervention - CalWORKs Intake

Financial instability often precedes the CalWORKs (CW) intake process. Imagine living paycheck to paycheck with only $20 left until payday. The gas tank is empty, the refrigerator is bare and rent is due. Payday arrives, but the check does not. What do you do? How do you feel?

When someone applies for CW, it is because of a financial crisis. Although regulations allow the county 45 days to process a CW application, imagine waiting that long for relief. Intake workers play a critical role in responding quickly, processing applications as soon as possible and screening for Immediate Need (IN) to help stabilize families during a crisis.

After attending this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand Immediate Need requirements

• Review intake requirements for CW

• Determine efficient ways to complete CW intake applications

• Create systems that allow for fast approvals or denials