State Launches RESPONSE.CA.GOV to provide tools and resources for Californians who have been impacted by wildfires and utility-directed power shutoffs. This new website combines emergency response, recovery and resilience information on a one-stop portal that includes local and state resources, health services, shelters and housing, preparedness information, and more.
Key Resources:
- A digital resource guide includes access to toolkits for emergency planning, crisis counseling and sites to replace important documents like birth and death records.
- A hotline (833) 284-3473 is now available for those who need medical assistance during a power shutoff.
- The Rx Open, a mapping tool, finds open pharmacies near areas impacted by wildfires.
- Tools and resources created for IHSS recipients and providers in emergency situations can be found at the IHSS Program page.
- Replacement CalFresh Food Benefits: CalFresh recipients can request replacement of food benefits if their food spoiled because of a power outage. To learn more, click here: (English) (Spanish).
Resources Available for Earthquake Recovery
The California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) has compiled a list of resources available to assist with recovery from the significant earthquakes that struck July 4 and July 5, causing significant damage in Kern and San Bernardino counties. The list includes contact information for crisis counseling, recovering important records, finding shelter, and accessing other benefits.
For more information, please visit the CHHS website.
Help Available For Survivors of California 2018 Fire Disasters
A new assistance program offers fire survivors help to recover from the 2018 wildfire disasters in Butte, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties. The Disaster Case Management Program connects fire survivors with trained case managers to help them find assistance with food, clothing, health care, employment, and more.
To learn more about this assistance program, click here: (English) (Spanish).
Support for Resource Families
The Foster Family Home and Small Family Home Insurance Fund has been expanded to resource families for incidents that occur on or after January 1, 2019. This insurance fund provides liability insurance coverage for resource families related to incidents in providing foster care services.
Click here for more information about coverage, and how to file a claim.
Expansion of CalFresh to SSI/SSP Recipients!
Beginning June 1, 2019, recipients of SSI/SSP benefits may be eligible for CalFresh Food benefits for the first time! There is no change to the SSI/SSP monthly benefit. To learn about this policy change, see the Expansion of CalFresh to SSI Recipients Partner Flyer located here: (English) (Spanish).
For more information on how SSI recipients may apply for CalFresh Food benefits, visit CalFreshFood.org.
Protecting Savings with CalABLE Accounts
Californians living with disabilities have a new resource available to protect their savings and help build a secure future without jeopardizing access to vital benefits and assistance programs. Savings in CalABLE accounts are tax-exempt and not counted against the means testing on personal assets for Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicaid, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility.
To learn more about the CalABLE program, go to the CalABLE website.
Proposed Changes to the Public Charge Determination
Current federal rules regarding public charge remain in effect. Individuals in California seeking assistance may consult one of many state-funded organizations that provide legal services to immigrants.
For a list of immigration services providers funded by CDSS, visit our webpage.