It is important to consider the 60 month limit on cash benefits in CalWORKs. These aren't necessarily consecutive months, but any month you receive a cash payment from CalWORKs counts, even if you are only receiving a minimal benefit. This time limit does not apply to children.
You or your family may be eligible for Medi-Cal or Food Stamps through other programs. When you use CalWORKs just to get these other benefits, those months will count against the time limit.
CalWORKs is a large program that provides both cash aid and employment services. All CalWORKs cash aid recipients must participate in the Welfare-to-Work Program to receive cash aid, unless exempt. You can be ineligible to receive cash aid but still be able to use Welfare-to-Work services.
Although paid child care accompanies participation in the Welfare-to-Work Program, there are different hourly requirements for child care and work activity, depending on the number of parents in the family.