Contact tracing has been conducted by local public health departments for decades to fight infectious diseases such as COVID-19. When someone tests positive for COVID-19, contact tracers identify those who have been in close contact with that person to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce outbreaks. This allows us to maintain our healthcare capacity and confidently modify our stay-at-home order. To prevent the spread of the virus, public health workers check symptoms and connect Californians with confidential testing.
Unfortunately, we are aware of malicious actors who are trying to impersonate contact tracers. Scammers may ask for information such as your social security number, money or financial information. A contact tracer NEVER would ask you for your social security number or financial or payment information. No one will ask about your immigration status during testing, care or follow-up calls. Contact tracers may ask you for your name and address, health information, and the names of places and people you have visited— only for the purpose of helping identify other people who may be infected or need to be tested. Your identity and health information is always kept private.
Contact tracers may call, email or text you to discuss COVID-19 only. You will be asked basic questions like your name and age, the places you’ve been, and the people you’ve spent time with.
To learn more about California’s contact tracing efforts, please visit the California Connected webpage. If you suspect that you have been contacted by a scammer, please contact your local public health department to verify that the call or message is valid, before providing ANY information.
The Pandemic EBT program is for students who are normally able to get free or reduced-price school meals. Eligible families will receive up to $365 in total benefits per child. Many eligible families across California received their P-EBT cards without applying. Those who do not receive their P-EBT cards in the mail may apply through July 15. Learn more about Pandemic EBT.
If you or someone you know needs protection from abuse and neglect, call the statewide Adult Protective Services hotline: (833) 401-0832. Individuals can enter their 5-digit ZIP code to be connected to their county Adult Protective Services staff, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
If you are concerned about the care, placement, services, or rights of children in foster care, call the Foster Care Ombudsperson hotline: (877) 846-1602. Service is available 7 days a week, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Internal Revenue Service is issuing Economic Impact Payments to help people during the coronavirus pandemic. If you or someone you serve hasn’t received an EIP yet, there is still time. Learn more at the new CDSS Economic Impact Payment Information and Resources Hub.
California Department of Social Services 744 P Street Sacramento, CA 95814
For public assistance case issues, inquiries, or complaints, e-mail our Public Inquiry and Response Unit at piar@dss.ca.gov.
For Out of State Inquiries please use the following list to reach the appropriate county.
The California Department of Social Services supports programs which serve more than eight million people across our state. This work, accomplished everyday, provides stability, opportunity and promotes wellness in communities throughout California. Come join our team to experience what it is like to enjoy 'Work With a Purpose'.