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.
CDSS Local Assistance Estimates for the 2019-20 Governor's Budget
The CDSS Local Assistance Estimates for the 2019-20 Governor's Budget encompasses Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-19 and FY 2019-20, and provides detailed tables caseload projections, and methodologies used for developing the estimates for CDSS' local assistance programs. This include specific details, data, background information and additional resources to provide a better understanding of CDSS programs and the estimate methodologies.
Click here to find out more information about CDSS programs.
Proposed Changes to the Public Charge Determination
The Federal Government is proposing new rules that could change how immigration officials determine whether applicants for lawful permanent residence, and those seeking to extend or change their immigration status, are or will become a public charge. 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.
Housing and Homelessness Programs
The California Department of Social Services has several programs to help individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. To find out more information about the services you may
qualify for go to our
Housing and Homelessness Programs webpage.
Mandated Reporting: Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse and Neglect in California eLearning
In California many professions are legally designated as mandated reporters of elder and dependent adult abuse. This online course
will address reporting responsibilities; help participants to understand how, when and where to report suspected abuse or neglect; and inform participants of what to expect after a report is made.
Don’t be the victim of a scam to steal your EBT benefits!
If you receive a text or phone call asking for your personal information, DO NOT PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION. No legitimate state or county representative would ever ask for your PIN. If you think your benefits may have been stolen, you should immediately call the customer service telephone number on the back of your EBT card, at (877) 328-9677 or contact your county.
Learn more about protecting your EBT Card.