Golden Bear Pass
Tax Filing Questions
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CalWorks
Miscellaneous
100
Who is eligible to receive the Golden Bear pass?
Any CalWORKs family is eligible to receive the pass, even if you become a CalWORKs recipient after January.
100
What Will a Simplified Tax return not include?
It Will NOT include credits like EITC, etc.
Does not file a state tax return (federal filing only)
100
How do I apply for CalWorks?
Apply online: BenefitsCal.com or contact Social Services within your local county.
100
What does Calworks stand for?
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids
100
What is PEAF 2?
One time $47 payment automatically sent to eligible CalWORKs families that were active on CalWORKs on 07/16/22.
200
How do I get a pass?
To sign up, use our secure form. Once CDSS confirms your information and eligibility, California State Parks will print and mail your Golden Bear Pass to you!
200
Where can client be directed if he or she needs to file their taxes and does not know what documents are needed?
Tax Preparation Checklist - My Free Taxes
200
How can a caller complain about the interview they just had with their worker?
They can fill out the Cal-OAR survey
- You may talk with someone at your county welfare department.
- You may file a formal complaint by writing California Department of Social Services
Public Inquiry and Response
P.O. Box 944243
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430
Email: PIAR@dss.ca.gov or calling the CDSS at (916) 651-8848 - You may also request a State Hearing to have an Administrative Law
200
Who is eligible for CalWORKs?
Families that have little cash on hand may qualify. It depends on citizenship, age, and income. We also consider your resources, assets, and other factors.
200
Who is eligible for the adventure pass?
Fourth grader from CA
300
When should I expect my pass in the mail?
Passes will be mailed out approximately 4 weeks following the date of application.
300
What should you do if Someone incorrectly claimed your qualifying child/dependent?
Make an appointment with an in-person VITA site or through https://www.getyourrefund.org/en • The tax return cannot be e-filed; a printed tax return must be mailed along with an IRS form and supporting documentation.
300
Who is eligible for an ITIN?
You must fall into one of the following categories:
1) Non-resident alien who is required to file a US tax return
2)US resident alien who is (based on days present in the US) filing a US tax return.
3) Dependent or spouse of a US citizen/resident alien.
300
What is CalWORKs Mission?
a) CalWORKs is a welfare program that gives cash aid and services to eligible needy California families. The program serves all 58 counties in the state and is operated locally by county welfare departments. If a family has little or no cash and needs housing, food, utilities, clothing, or medical care, they may be eligible to receive immediate short-term help.
b) CalWORKs is a benefit program that gives cash aid and services to eligible needy California families. The program serves all 57 counties in the state and is operated by local county welfare departments. If a family has little or no cash and financially needs house, food, utilities, clothes, or medical insurance, they may be eligible to receive immediate temporary help.
a) CalWORKs is a welfare program that gives cash aid and services to eligible needy California families. The program serves all 58 counties in the state and is operated locally by county welfare departments. If a family has little or no cash and needs housing, food, utilities, clothing, or medical care, they may be eligible to receive immediate short-term help.
300
What is Cal-Learn?
Program for parenting teens designed to encourage them to graduate from HS, become independent and form healthy families.
400
What happens if my address changes?
If your address changes you will need to submit a new application to get a pass with your updated address information. The address on the pass must match the address listed on your government ID
400
How is a Tax Credit Different From a Deduction?
Tax Deductions reduce your taxable income, which reduces the amount of money that you owe. Some popular tax deductions include child care expenses, medical expenses or education expenses. Tax Credits also reduce your taxable income but will return any remaining funds through your tax refund.
400
If a caller wants to know about tenant/landlord issues who can we refer them to?
211 
400
What is generally Not within scope for VITA?
Cryptocurrency out, itemized deductions (investments, non-cash charitable contributions, casualty or theft losses)
400
What is TANF
Program made for American Indians and Alaskan natives that assists in funding, tools, and resources necessary for each tribe.
500
What happens if my pass is lost or stolen?
Any lost/stolen passes will not be replaced. Applicants must reapply for a new pass.
Please email: passinfo@parks.ca.gov if you need additional assistance on reapplying.
500
Is cash aid taxable income? Why?
No, Welfare and Other Public Assistance Benefits
Don’t include in your income governmental benefit payments from a public welfare fund based upon need, such as payments due to blindness. Payments from a state fund for the victims of crime shouldn't be included in the victims' incomes if they're in the nature of welfare payments. Don’t deduct medical expenses that are reimbursed by such a fund. You must include in your income any welfare payments that are compensation for services or that are obtained fraudulently.
500
Define is AGI, and what adjustment examples you can provide to client?
Adjusted Gross Income is defined as gross income minus adjustments to income.
Adjustments to income include items such as Educator expenses, Student loan interest, Alimony payments or contributions to a retirement account.
500
If I am on CalWORKs, do I have to work?
Yes, however a client who meets specific criteria may be exempt from WTW participation requirements. Among other reasons, a client may qualify for a WTW exemption if they are disabled, if they are pregnant and cannot work, if they are caring for a young child or if they are caring for an incapacitated household member. Some exempt clients choose to voluntarily participate in WTW activities. A client may also be granted good cause when it has been determined that a condition or circumstance temporarily prevents the client from participating in WTW activities.
500
What is Project Roomkey?
Program that gives people who are experiencing homelessness and are recovering from COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 a place to recuperate and properly quarantine outside of a hospital.