What the income limit is for CalWORKs in Sacramento County

Sacramento County uses a gross monthly income limit to decide who can receive CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids), the main cash assistance program. For a single person, the limit is roughly 50% of the federal poverty level; for a family of three, it is also calculated as a percentage of poverty. The exact dollar amount changes each year in July when the federal poverty guidelines update.

As of 2024, a family of three in Sacramento County cannot exceed approximately $1,100 to $1,200 in gross monthly income to remain in the program, though this figure varies depending on how many people are in your household and whether anyone receives Social Security or other income. The county's Department of Human Assistance (DHA) uses net income after certain deductions — such as work expenses, childcare costs, and a standard work deduction — to make the final decision, so your gross income can be higher than the limit if deductions bring you below it.

Key Takeaways

  • CalWORKs income limits are set as a percentage of federal poverty level and change every July; you must contact Sacramento County DHA directly or check their website for the current year's exact dollar amount for your household size.
  • The program counts gross income first, then subtracts allowed deductions like childcare, transportation, and a standard work deduction to calculate net income, which is what actually determines whether you stay under the limit.
  • Income from employment, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and child support all count toward the limit, but some sources like SSI and certain veteran benefits may be excluded.
  • If your income rises above the limit while you are receiving CalWORKs, you must report the change to DHA within 10 days; the program does not automatically end, but your case will be reviewed.

How Sacramento County counts your income

Sacramento County DHA counts most money coming into your household as income. This includes wages from a job, self-employment earnings, Social Security benefits, unemployment insurance, child support, alimony, rental income, and regular cash gifts from family members. The county looks at gross income — the amount before taxes or deductions — when it first screens your case.

However, not all income counts. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), some veteran benefits, and certain tribal payments are typically excluded. Additionally, the program allows you to subtract specific costs before calculating your net income: childcare expenses necessary for work, transportation costs, a standard work deduction (usually $90 to $200 per month depending on the year), and costs related to self-employment. After these deductions, your remaining income is compared to the limit.

If you receive income irregularly — such as seasonal work or occasional self-employment — Sacramento County averages it over the months you received it. If you just started a job, they may count only the income you have actually received so far, not projected future earnings.

Income limits by household size in Sacramento County

CalWORKs limits depend entirely on how many people live in your home and are part of your assistance unit. A single person has a different limit than a parent with one child, who has a different limit than a parent with two children. Sacramento County groups household members by relationship and dependency, so a grandparent raising a grandchild, a parent with stepchildren, or an adult sibling living together may have different unit compositions depending on the situation.

Because the limits change every July and vary by year, the specific dollar amounts for 2024 or 2025 are best obtained directly from Sacramento County DHA by phone at (916) 875-1900 or through their website. When you call or visit, have your household size ready so they can give you the exact limit that applies to you. You can also visit a local DHA office in person to ask about current limits.

What happens if your income goes over the limit

If your income rises above the limit while you are receiving CalWORKs, you are required to report the change to Sacramento County DHA within 10 days. Failing to report can result in an overpayment that you may have to repay. However, reporting the increase does not automatically end your benefits immediately — the county will review your case and may continue your benefits at a reduced amount, depending on how much over the limit you are and what deductions still apply.

Some people continue to receive partial CalWORKs payments even when their income exceeds the initial limit, because the program allows for a gradual phase-out rather than a cliff. The exact phase-out rules depend on your situation and the current year's policy, so ask DHA specifically what will happen to your case if your income increases by a certain amount.

Other welfare programs with different income limits

CalWORKs is not the only cash assistance program in Sacramento County. CalFresh (food assistance) has a higher income limit — usually around 130% to 200% of federal poverty level depending on household size and deductions. Medi-Cal (health insurance) has its own income limits, which are also higher than CalWORKs and vary by age and family composition. General Assistance, a county-only program for adults without dependent children, has a separate income limit as well.

If you do not meet the CalWORKs income limit, you may still meet the limit for CalFresh or Medi-Cal. Many people receive CalFresh or Medi-Cal while earning too much for CalWORKs. You can ask Sacramento County DHA about all programs you may be able to receive at the same time.

How to report income changes to Sacramento County

You must report any income change — whether an increase or a decrease — to Sacramento County DHA within 10 days. You can report by phone at (916) 875-1900, by mail to your local DHA office, by visiting an office in person, or through the county's online portal if you have set up an account. Have your case number and details of the income change ready when you contact them.

If you receive a job offer or start self-employment, report it before you begin work if possible. If your job ends or your hours are cut, report that as well, because a decrease in income may increase your CalWORKs payment. The county uses the date you report the change to determine when it takes effect, so reporting promptly protects you from overpayments and ensures your benefits are adjusted correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my spouse's income count if we are married but living apart?

Yes, in most cases. CalWORKs counts the income of your spouse even if you live separately, unless you are legally separated or divorced. If you are married and living in the same home, both incomes definitely count. Contact Sacramento County DHA to discuss your specific situation, as there are limited exceptions.

If I get a tax refund, does that count as income?

A tax refund is generally not counted as ongoing income for CalWORKs purposes, but it may affect your case if it is received during a month when you are applying or being reviewed. The county may count it as a one-time resource rather than monthly income. Report any large lump sum you receive and ask DHA how it affects your benefits.

What if I work under the table or get paid in cash?

You must still report all income, including cash payments and informal work. Failing to report income is considered fraud and can result in overpayment, case closure, and penalties. If you are concerned about how to report informal income, ask Sacramento County DHA for guidance on the process.

Can I work part-time and still receive CalWORKs?

Yes. Many CalWORKs recipients work part-time. Your wages count as income, but the program allows deductions for work expenses and a standard work deduction, so part-time earnings often do not reduce your benefits dollar-for-dollar. Ask DHA to estimate how much you can earn before your benefits decrease significantly.

Where do I find the exact income limit for my household size right now?

Contact Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance at (916) 875-1900 or visit their office in person. You can also check their website at dha.saccounty.net. Have your household size and composition ready when you call, and they will give you the current limit that applies to you.