Immediate Need is a cash benefit of up to $200 available to CalWORKs applicant families within 24 hours who have an emergency situation and insufficient funds to meet the need. Aid payment is made in advance of a completed determination of eligibility for CalWORKs based on an emergency situation that may include, but is not limited to the following:

• Lack of housing
• Pending eviction
• Utility shut off notice
• Other immediate health and safety needs

By Mail or Fax

You may download an English or Spanish application from the California Department of Social Services website. You can also request an application by calling 559-675-2300. Once completed, the application can be mailed or faxed to:

Madera County Department of Social Services
P.O. Box 569
Madera, CA 93639
Fax: 559-675-7690

CalWORKs benefits are distributed via the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, also known as the Golden State Advantage card. The EBT card is used like any other debit card with a four-digit PIN, and it offers you privacy when making purchases.

Beware of Fake Smartphone Apps and Internet scams. The State of California and Madera County will never ask you to provide private EBT-related information by phone, email or text message. Protecting your information is one of Madera County Department of Services’ main priorities.

Here are a few ways to minimize the risk of compromising your identity:

• know who you share information with;
• store and dispose of your personal information securely, especially your Social Security number;
• ask questions before deciding to share your personal information; and
• maintain appropriate security on your electronic devices.

If you receive a request to provide information in this way, contact Madera County Department of Social Services immediately at (559) 675-2406.

Beware of fake smartphone apps and Internet, email, and text-message scams. To find out more, click here.

Work Number

Over Income Reporting Threshold/Household Composition without a 10-day Notice

Packets

Text messaging