New Payments on Former CalWORKs Cases

How Former Assistance Pass-through Payments Work

A new law takes effect in May 2024 that could lead to new child support payments for parents or legal guardians who used to receive CalWORKs. We call cases of this type “former assistance” or “former CalWORKs” cases.

Who Might Receive These Payments

Parents who receive support might get these new payments if there is past-due support that built up when they were receiving CalWORKs.

As with all payments on past-due child support, you can receive these payments even if the child no longer lives with you. The child’s age does not matter.

Read more details about these new payments on the California Department of Child Support Services’ website.

When You Might Receive These Payments

The new law applies only to payments made after May 1, 2024.

Any kind of payment may qualify under the new law. That includes payments made through income-withholding, through direct payments, or through enforcement measures.

How We Will Send out These Payments

We will send these new payments using direct deposit to your bank account or to your electronic payment card that you currently use to receive child support.

If you do not currently receive electronic payments, sign up on the California State Disbursement Unit website.

People who have not signed up for electronic payments will receive paper checks. We will send these to the address we have on file for you.

To make sure we have your current address, call us at 1-866-901-3212.

Who Will Not Receive These Payments

You will not receive these payments if you are currently receiving CalWORKs.

But if you are currently receiving CalWORKs, you can receive up to $100 per month in current support if you have one child. If you have two or more children, you can receive up to $200 per month. Read more about “current” and “past-due” support for CalWORKs recipients.

This new type of payment does not apply to people who have never received public assistance or people who received public assistance outside of California.

Where to Go If You Have Questions