How to Apply

  • Online

Apply at BenefitsCal.

  • In Person

Visit us at an Alameda County Social Services Agency office.

  • By Phone

If you would like to apply over the phone, call us at (510) 272-3663.

If you need an application to be mailed to you, call us at (510) 272-3663 or 1-888-999-4772.

  • By Mail

You can mail your application to:

P.O. Box 12941
Oakland, CA 94604.

Click here for a blank application.

  • By Fax

You can fax your application to  (510) 670-5095.

What Happens Next?

After you apply, you will be contacted by an eligibility worker to be interviewed. 

  • You can now request to reschedule your initial CalWORKs and/or CalFresh interview online here.

During this stage, you may be asked to provide: 

  • Photo identification
  • Proof of income
  • Information of citizenship status or legal immigration status
  • Social security number
  • Work or school status

Adults who apply for CalWORKs are no longer required to be fingerprinted but instead must present a form of photo identification in-person to complete the application and eligibility determination requirement. 

Please note that the processing of a CalWORKs application may take up to 45 days. If you are in urgent need of assistance, you may be eligible to receive Immediate Need cash assistance.