California Partnership believes that welfare programs are essential parts of our society. "Welfare" generally refers to the government cash assistance programs that help people make ends meet in hard times. These helping programs provide a safety net when people lose their jobs or can't find work that pays enough to support themselves and their families, and is a lifeline for those who are too sick or old to work and for families who need to be at home to take care of their families. Welfare programs not only protect vulnerable people but they are investments in the well-being of our communities.

Welfare programs that we monitor and act on include:

TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) - called CalWORKs in California

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)