Welfare varies on a federal and state level, as well as from
county to county. We're talking about three different levels of benefits, grants and aid that people can draw from unique to their place of residence. I'm not even mentioning the independent organizations/outreach programs that receive funding from the government.
I don't really want to be bothered to look up every single individual program at 1:31 AM, but here is the general rundown from the Tulare WORKS site:
* Child Care - payments can be made for a child 10-years-old or younger who is either part of a TulareWORKs cash case, or is not part of a cash case, but lives with you under your care. You are responsible for choosing a child care provider and making the arrangements for child care payments. The County will not make child care payments to someone in your TulareWORKs case, or someone under 18 years old. If you choose a provider who is not licensed, finger-printing and Trustline registration will be required, unless your provider is the child's aunt, uncle or grandparent.
Their family members are paid for babysitting the kids even when daycare centers are available at schools. The family members do not need to be licensed. All that is required is that they be finger-printed and fill out some forms.
* Transportation - includes payments for public transportation or mileage reimbursement to offset gasoline and vehicle maintenance costs.
They are given a special credit card that they can use at food places, gas stations, etc. and when they don't use that all they need is a receipt to be reimbursed for the cost of gasoline and car repair up to a certain amount. If they do not have a car, but need one to commute to school or work, I know that there is also a program where they can get anywhere from $500-$4,500 towards the purchase of a car (depending on the size of the family).
* Work or training related costs - payments for special clothing, tools or books for work or training can be made as necessary.
This covers not only community college courses, but also the cost of books and supplies. They also get a special credit card for this like the one they use for gas or car repair.
As for the housing... just Google HUDs.
Everything I mentioned in my post is offered to families with children/single mothers in my county and other parts of California. Don't believe me? Come here and find out for yourself.
