What Sacramento's welfare programs count as income

Sacramento County uses gross monthly income to determine whether you can receive CalWORKs (the main cash information program) or other welfare benefits. Gross income means what you earn before taxes and deductions are taken out. The county counts wages from jobs, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, Social Security, child support you receive, and some types of information from other programs.

The income limit changes based on how many people live in your household. A single person has a different limit than a family of four. Sacramento County also counts income from people who live with you — not just you alone. If you live with a parent, spouse, or adult child, their income counts toward your household total, even if they don't want it to.

Some income does not count. For example, the first $90 of monthly child support, food stamps (CalFresh), and certain types of work-study or vocational training money are excluded. If you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you cannot also receive CalWORKs cash aid, but you may be able to get other services.

Key Takeaways

  • Sacramento County counts gross monthly income from all household members, including wages, unemployment, Social Security, and child support received.
  • The income limit for CalWORKs varies by household size and is set by the state, not by Sacramento County alone.
  • Some income types — like the first $90 of child support and CalFresh benefits — do not count toward your limit.
  • You can contact Sacramento County Department of Social Services directly to learn the exact limit for your household size and get information about your specific situation.

CalWORKs income limits by household size

CalWORKs is California's cash information program for families with children. The state sets the income limits, and Sacramento County applies them. As of 2024, a household of one person has a different limit than a household of two, three, four, or more. The limits increase as household size increases, but not by the same amount each time.

Because these limits change annually and vary slightly by county, the exact dollar amount for your household size is best confirmed directly with Sacramento County Department of Social Services. You can call them at (916) 874-8000 or visit their office in person. They can tell you the current limit for your household size in minutes.

If your income is below the limit, you may be able to receive CalWORKs cash aid. If your income is above the limit, you may still be able to receive other services like child care help, job training, or transportation information, even if you don't get the monthly cash payment.

How Sacramento County calculates your household income

Sacramento County adds up all income from everyone in your household for the past month. If you work, they count your gross wages — the amount before taxes. If you're self-employed, they count your net business income (what's left after business expenses). If you receive unemployment insurance, they count that. If you receive Social Security or SSI, they count that.

The county also counts child support you receive, alimony, rental income, and money from boarders or roommates. If you have a spouse or parent living in the home, their income counts too. If a household member refuses to report their income, the county may estimate it or deny your case.

Once they have the total, they subtract the income that doesn't count — like the first $90 of child support each month, or CalFresh benefits. Then they compare what's left to the income limit for your household size.

Income that does not count toward the limit

California law excludes certain income from the welfare calculation. The first $90 of child support you receive each month is not counted. CalFresh benefits (food stamps) are not counted. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not counted, though if you receive SSI you cannot also receive CalWORKs.

Some work-related income is partially excluded. If you are working, you may be able to exclude some of your earnings under the "work incentive" rules, which allow you to keep more of your paycheck while still receiving benefits. These rules are complex and depend on your situation, so ask Sacramento County about them when you contact them.

Gifts, loans, and one-time payments (like a tax refund or inheritance) are usually not counted as monthly income. However, if they are large enough, they may count as a resource instead, which affects your case differently.

What happens if your income is above the limit

If your household income exceeds the CalWORKs limit, you will not receive the monthly cash payment. However, you may still be able to receive other services. Sacramento County offers child care information, job training and employment services, transportation help, and emergency information programs that have different income rules.

Some of these services have higher income limits than CalWORKs itself. For example, child care information may be available to families with income above the cash aid limit. The only way to know what you may be able to receive is to contact the county and describe your situation.

If your income drops later — because you lose a job or hours are cut — you can report the change and reapply. The county processes changes within a certain timeframe, so report changes as soon as they happen.

How to report income changes to Sacramento County

If you are already receiving CalWORKs and your income changes, you must report it to Sacramento County. You can report changes by phone at (916) 874-8000, by mail, by visiting an office in person, or through the county's online portal if you have set one up. Report changes within 10 days of when they happen.

If your income increases, your cash benefit may decrease or stop. If your income decreases, your benefit may increase. The county will recalculate your case and send you a new notice explaining what your benefit will be.

If you do not report a change and the county finds out later, they may reduce or stop your benefits and ask you to repay money you received while ineligible. Reporting changes protects you and keeps your case accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my spouse's income count if we're married but file taxes separately?

Yes. Sacramento County counts the income of your spouse if you live together, regardless of how you file taxes. If you are married and living in the same household, both incomes count toward the limit.

What if I'm self-employed — how do they count my income?

Sacramento County counts your net self-employment income, which is your gross business income minus business expenses. You will need to provide tax returns, profit and loss statements, or business records to prove your income. Keep records of what you earn and what you spend on the business.

Can I get CalWORKs if I'm working part-time?

Yes, if your total household income is below the limit. Many people receiving CalWORKs work part-time. The county counts your gross wages, so if you earn less than the limit, you may be able to receive benefits in addition to your paycheck.

What if a household member won't report their income?

Sacramento County may estimate their income based on available information, or they may deny your case. If someone in your household refuses to cooperate, tell the county caseworker. The rules about this are strict, so ask them how it applies to your situation.

Do I have to report income from a side gig or gig work like DoorDash?

Yes. All income counts, including gig work, freelance work, and cash jobs. Report it to Sacramento County so your case is accurate. If you don't report it and they find out, your benefits can be reduced or stopped.