What is TANF?
TANF stands for “Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.” This federal cash aid program (welfare) is available to very low-income parents who have a child under the age of 18 in the home, and who meet stringent income and need guidelines.

Who is eligible for CalWORKs services?
The CalWORKs Program at the College serves TANF recipients who are referred from the Sonoma County Human Services Employment and Training Division, SonomaWORKS Program .In addition, CalWORKs can serve former TANF recipients who have left cash aid within the past two years and are working. The program may also serve Marin CalWORKs participants and Cal-Learn teens.

What will I need to do if I receive TANF?
If you receive TANF, you will be required to participate in California’s welfare-to-work program. This is called CalWORKs. In Sonoma County this program is called SonomaWORKS. Other counties may use other names, but all have the same basic program requirements. Adults in TANF families are required to sign and participate in a Welfare-to-Work Plan. This plan outlines mandatory activities that help adults in the family secure employment. There is a lifetime limit of 60 months for adults to receive TANF.

Enrolling in classes at SRJC to gain skills leading to future employment may be a part of the Welfare-to-Work Plan. You can ask the SRJC CalWORKs staff for information about California’s welfare-to-work program requirements.

What do I need to know before I apply for TANF?
The SRJC CalWORKs staff can answer questions about TANF and provide you with information on how to apply for this county-operated program. If you are thinking about going to school, it is very important that you contact the CalWORKs staff before you apply for welfare. Students who are enrolled in school prior to going on welfare have some additional rights and more time to finish their college programs. These students are called “SIPs”.

What is a “SIP”?
“SIP” stands for “self-initiated program” and refers to students who had started the enrollment process for college prior to applying for welfare. SIPs are guaranteed education as their welfare-to-work activity as long as they meet the standards set by the county for satisfactory progress. SIPs have the full 60-month federal time limit to complete their education.

For more information about SIPs, you can visit LIFETIME or Legal Services of Northern California.

What is Cal-Learn?
Cal-Learn is a program that supports pregnant and parenting teens age 19 and younger in achieving high school graduation, a high school equivalency or GED. Eligible students receive TANF as well as assistance with child care and transportation while attending school. Services are provided through the county’s Teen Parent Connection Program. Eligible Cal-Learn teens can attend SRJC as a part of their educational plan, and use the CalWORKs office at the college for academic counseling and other services.

What if I received TANF in the past?
The SonomaWORKS Program can help former TANF recipients who have left cash aid within the past year and are working. These students may be eligible for financial assistance while attending the College to build their job skills.