GCC CalWORKs Laptop Policy: 

Laptops are a critical educational tool for all GCC CalWORKs students, and should be approved by County DPSS Workers as an ancillary support under an SB 1232 education component.   

Both online and in-person classes require students to use a laptop from home to upload homework through the online Canvas platform. Homework submissions are often due at 11:59 p.m., so students must upload homework during times GCC computer labs are closed. Furthermore, most GCC tutoring and academic supports necessary for students to successfully complete their courses must be accessed online, rather than in-person, and many class resources, like zero-cost books, are only available to students online.  

Notes for CalWORKs Students Resting Laptops

• If approved, GAIN will pay up to $400,  unless you are in a major requiring specific computer programs.

• If you have asked GAIN to help pay for a laptop computer in the last 3 years, GAIN may not approve your new request.

• For spouses, if you each have an approved GAIN educational program, you each may request your own laptop computer.

• Both online and in-person students may request a laptop. 

There are Two Ways to Request a Laptop

Option 1: Reimbursement

1. Buy a laptop computer that costs $400 or less.

2. Upload three documents to BenefitsCal, under the "other" category:

   • "The CalWORKs Student Laptop Request." 

   • Your class schedule from MyGCC.

   • The receipt for your laptop.

3. Call your GAIN Worker to tell them you uploaded your laptop request to Benefits Cal. 

   • If you are in Burbank or Glendale, contact your Peer Mentor to learn the direct phone number of our GAIN Worker. 

   • If you are not in Glendale or Burbank, call (877) 292-4246.

4. If your GAIN Worker has not reimbursed you for your laptop after three weeks, let GCC CalWORKs know via our Laptop Advocacy Form

Option 2: Advancement

1. Find a laptop computer you would like to purchase. Laptop should cost $400 or less.

2. Upload three documents to BenefitsCal, under the "other" category:

   • "The CalWORKs Student Laptop Request." 

   • Your class schedule from MyGCC.

   • The receipt for your laptop.

3. Call your GAIN Worker to tell them you uploaded your laptop request to Benefits Cal. 

   • If you are in Burbank or Glendale, contact your Peer Mentor to learn the direct phone number of our GAIN Worker. 

   • If you are not in Glendale or Burbank, call (877) 292-4246.

4. Once the funds are issued to your EBT account, purchase your laptop computer.

5. Take a photo of your final receipt for your records.

6. Send the original receipt to your GAIN Services Worker (GSW).

7. If your GAIN Worker has not reimbursed you for your laptop after three weeks, let GCC CalWORKs know via our Laptop Advocacy Form