CalWORKs Work Study

The CalWORKs Work Study Program provides part-time employment opportunities for CalWORKs students who qualify for financial aid through FAFSA and are receiving CalWORKs benefits. This program is specifically designed for students with financial need, enabling them to earn income without impacting their cash-aid, to help cover educational and personal expenses while pursuing their academic goals.

The program encourages on campus work related to the student’s course of study whenever possible. Our goal is to link education, work and training to improve the competitiveness within the workforce.

Benefits of the CalWORKs Work Study Program

- Income Exempt from CalWORKs Calculations
  Earnings from the Work Study Program do not impact or reduce your monthly CalWORKs cash aid or CalFresh benefits.
- On-Campus Employment
  Convenient work opportunities located right on campus.
- Meets the WTW GAIN Requirements
  Work hours can count toward your Welfare-to-Work (WTW) GAIN participation hours.
- Specialized Training & Professional Development
  Gain meaningful experience to strengthen your resume and future job prospects.

Eligibility & Participation Requirements

- To participate in the CalWORKs Work Study Program at Mt. SAC, students must:
  - Be receiving CalWORKs benefits
  - Complete the FAFSA application
  - Complete all required steps through the Mt. SAC Financial Aid Office
  - Be enrolled in at least 6 credit units for Fall/Spring Semesters
  - Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
  - Have availability to work various hours

Work Study Frequently Asked Questions

- 1Does the money that I earn from Work Study count against my CalWORKs or CalFresh?
  
  No. As long as the money that you earn is from CalWORKs Work Study funds or Federal Work Study funds, it does not count against your CalWORKs or CalFresh benefits.
- 2Does Work Study count toward my WtW GAIN hourly requirement?
  Yes. The County must count Work Study toward a student's 20/30/35 hours. If your County worker has informed you that Work Study doesn’t count, please contact your Program Specialist immediately.
- 3How many hours am I allowed to work, and can I work during the Winter and Summer intersessions?
  You are allowed to work up to 20 hours during the Fall and Spring Semester and up to 40 hours during Winter Session. However, this is based upon allocation and approval from your assigned supervisor. There is no CalWORKs work study hours offered during the summer session.
- 4If I am fired or resign from my current position, what should I do?
  Contact Danette Perkins in the CalWORKs Office immediately.
- 5Is it possible to exceed the limit of my allocation in Work Study per year?
  No. Close monitoring is given to prevent any student from exceeding allocation limit.
- 6Can I work more than one job simultaneously?
  Yes. You may work as a temporary employee on campus. However, temporary employment positions on campus are not exempt and can be counted as income. You cannot hold two Work Study positions at the same time.
- 7What is my allocation?
  Work Study allocations range from $2,000 - $8,000 based on department budget. Should you desire an increase, approval must be provided by CalWORKs director and Financial Aid.

Danette Perkins (G-M)
CalWORKs Program Specialist
(909) 274-4626
dperkins8@mtsac.edu

Lindsey Cardenas, Student Testimonial:

Being the second in my entire family to attend college came with a surplus of questions. I have been a student at Mt. San Antonio College for three years and have come to meet many barriers. The program has aided me through my many travails and supplied me with the resources to access funds for books, supplies, and most importantly to me, child care.

CalWORKs and their staff has guided me to overcome the obstacles in a timely manner, which has kept me on track to transfer out to a university and reach my goals to become an English Professor. CalWORKs has not only helped me with my dream, they have helped me give the life my child is entailed to and deserves. There is never enough help for parents and I’m grateful to have been a part of a program that not only helps low income students, but parents who want to build their future.