2026 OCAP State of the Child Report

CalWORKs CalWORKs SEES SPIKE IN ENROLLMENT AFTER YEARS OF

DECLINING PARTICIPATION DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR

This indicator measures the number and percentage of children under age 18 in Riverside County who receive CalWORKs assistance, including variation over time, differences by age group, and geographic distribution by community of residence.

Why is this indicator important?

Findings 1-3 • Between fiscal years 2015–2016 and

CalWORKs provides critical financial assistance and supportive services to families with children who are experiencing economic hardship. Participation in CalWORKs is an important indicator of family economic stability, as it reflects both the prevalence of poverty and the need for public assistance to meet basic needs. Understanding trends in CalWORKs participation among children helps inform policy decisions and program planning aimed at reducing poverty, supporting family well-being, and promoting positive educational and developmental outcomes for children.

2024–2025, the number and share of children under 18 receiving CalWORKs declined overall before rising again. Participation fell steadily from 74,743 children (12.2%) in 2015–2016 to 45,681 children (7.6%) in 2021–2022. It then increased, reaching 54,815 children (9.2%) in 2024–2025. This trend shows a multi-year decline followed by renewed growth, indicating both rising economic strain for Riverside County families and increased access to CalWORKs as pandemic supports ended. • CalWORKs participation varied by age groups in the 2024–2025 fiscal year. Children between 5 and 12 accounted for the largest share (46.2%) of those receiving assistance. Children under 5 comprised 24.8% of recipients, while youth ages 13 to 17 represented 29%. • Geographic differences in CalWORKs participation were evident across Riverside County communities. In 2024-2025, the percentage of children receiving CalWORKs ranged widely by city of residence, from as low as 1.1% in Indian Wells to more than 20% in communities such as Blythe and Desert Hot Springs. Higher participation was also observed in cities including Hemet, Palm Springs, and San Jacinto while lower rates of participation were seen in communities such as Eastvale, Canyon Lake, and Temecula.

1 Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Office of Research, Assessment, and Data Services (RADS). (2025). Self Sufficiency Data 2 U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). American Community Survey (ACS). Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs 3 Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Office of Research, Assessment, and Data Services (RADS). (2025). Self Sufficiency Data

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