SUN Bucks Summer Food Program for Kids
SUN Bucks provides families $40 per month for food in June, July, and August ($120 total) when children do not have access to school meals. Most children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals through a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application, or receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, and/or Medi-Cal benefits (certified at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level), are automatically enrolled. SUN Bucks cards for summer 2025 are being mailed starting in June and will be sent out through the fall. Children who are not determined to be automatically eligible must apply by submitting a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application to their school or school administrator’s office by September 1, 2025, or they will not receive SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2025. For more information, access the news release (English, Spanish) and visit the SUN Bucks webpage.
Free Access to State Parks and Beaches for CalWORKs and Tribal TANF Recipients
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) and Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients can enjoy a free Golden Bear Pass to access more than 200 California state parks and beaches. This pass provides free vehicle day-use access and will be valid until December 31 of the year in which the pass was issued. Learn more: https://cdss.ca.gov/goldenbearpass.
Disaster Help Center
See below for information on public assistance and services available to individuals and families impacted by Southern California fires:
Taking Steps to Better Serve Foster Youth
California has made transformative changes to the way the State cares for children and youth in the foster care system. The Continuum of Care Reform (CCR) was founded upon the collective belief among stakeholders involved in California’s child welfare system that all children served by the foster care system need, deserve, and have an ability to be part of a loving family, and not to grow up in a congregate setting. When CCR implementation began in 2017, an interim foster care rate structure was created. However, statute required a payment structure by January 1, 2025. To this end, the Department recently unveiled a new, permanent rate structure, which was informed by feedback from current and former foster youth, county placing agencies, Tribes, and other interested parties. California is restructuring rates so that they are based on the needs of each child, not placement type. By restructuring the system this way, California can help address historical racial inequities and help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and trauma. The new rates will take effect beginning July 1, 2027. Read additional information and a detailed summary on the new rate structure.
NEW: Access an issue brief on the efforts underway in California to better meet the needs of individual foster youth and improve California’s foster care system.
Progress Report: California’s Master Plan for Early Learning and Care
California has made significant progress in implementing the Master Plan for Early Learning and Care, which provided a road map for building a stronger, more equitable early learning and child care system. Access a progress report.
CalWORKs Housing Support Program Celebrates 10 Years
Since its establishment 10 years ago, the CalWORKs Housing Support Program has offered housing assistance and comprehensive supportive services to families in receipt of CalWORKs who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Learn more about the program and access a related newsletter.
Community Care Expansion Grants Expand Housing
Nearly $570 million in Community Care Expansion (CCE) program grants have been awarded to new housing projects across the state. CCE projects – many of which are already underway – will create new housing at licensed adult and senior care residences, permanent supportive housing sites, and other housing options, including a first-of-its-kind housing project on Tribal lands for elders. These housing options will offer an array of services to support independent living for older adults and adults with disabilities who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Additional information on CCE program grantees and awards is available on the CCE data dashboard. Access a video about the project.
CDSS Teams up With UCD, UCLA to Fortify the Future of the Child Welfare Workforce
The California Department of Social Services is supporting a major effort to promote child welfare workforce development. The California Workforce Innovation, Support, and Education (CalWISE) program embraces a partnership model to strengthen and develop the statewide child welfare workforce through data-informed education, training, and support initiatives. As part of this effort, the Title IV-E social worker education program, previously administered by the California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC), is now co-led by the University of California, Davis (UCD) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Together, these two sites are leveraging their expertise to enhance program outcomes for the child welfare workforce continuum. UCD is spearheading curriculum development and connection with child welfare workforce practice, and UCLA is leading the evaluation of training resources to ensure that training decisions are data-informed and result in intended impact. These combined efforts demonstrate a commitment to provide human-centered, high-quality services to youth and families impacted by the child welfare system. To learn more, visit the UCD website.
Training and Stipends Offered for Social Work Education
The California Department of Social Services is partnering with San Jose State University (SJSU) to promote training and stipends for social work education in exchange for employment in Adult Protective Services after graduation. These are available for both Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Social Work students. To learn more, visit the SJSU website.
Report Highlights Success of Project Roomkey
The California Department of Social Services has announced the release of a report that highlights the success of Project Roomkey, the State’s groundbreaking program that provided non-congregate shelter options, such as hotels and motels, for people experiencing homelessness, to protect human life, and to minimize strain on the health care system during the pandemic. The Department also issued an issue brief (English, Spanish) and news release (English, Spanish) on Project Roomkey.
Beware of EBT Theft and Scams
California has been experiencing an increase in Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) theft. The California Department of Social Services created videos with security tips for EBT cardholders (English, Spanish). If you think your benefits may have been stolen, immediately call the customer service telephone number on the back of your EBT card, (877) 328-9677, or contact your county social services agency.
A mobile app and web-based portal called ebtEDGE provides EBT cardholders in California with tools to protect their CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits. The free app is available for download in the Apple App store and Google Play store. Web-based access is also available. The Department offers videos about the app (English, Spanish).
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
You may qualify for cash assistance if you are an immigrant living in California and are:
- 65 years or older, or
- blind, or
- disabled
CAPI is a program that is based on meeting certain immigration, income, and resource requirements. Please visit the CAPI program website for more information and how to apply!
Alert: Important Change to Public Charge Rule
Immigrants and their loved ones across California can seek and accept medical care, food assistance, and public housing without fear or confusion about public charge consequences thanks to a public charge rule published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which went into effect December 23, 2022. Under the final rule, participation in CalFresh, public housing, or Medi-Cal (except for long-term care), will not be considered as part of the public charge determination. Also, a reminder that medical testing, treatment, and preventive services for COVID-19, including vaccines, are not considered for public charge purposes. For additional information, please see the following:
- Joint statement from California health and human services leaders in response to the federal public charge changes.
- Public Charge Guide for individuals and families with questions about the these changes in federal policy: (English) ( Español)
Individuals in California seeking assistance are encouraged to consult one of many state-funded organizations that provide legal services to immigrants. Here is a list of immigration services providers funded by CDSS.
IHSS Program Celebrates Over 50 Years of Supporting Californians
Since its inception more than 50 years ago, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program has been enabling California residents to live independently and safely in their own homes, avoiding institutionalization. To learn more about the IHSS program, please visit the IHSS webpage or contact your local county IHSS office. Access a video.
Adult Protective Services Hotline
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.
Foster Care Ombudsperson Hotline
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 Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 8 am to 5 pm.