Beware of EBT Text Message Scam
The Department is aware of a text messaging scam aimed at obtaining EBT card information, including PIN numbers. State and county officials would NEVER request such information via text. Please do not share any EBT information with anyone outside of your county welfare department or the EBT customer service center. The Department is working closely with our county and vendor partners on additional security measures. If you have received a message requesting such information, please forward a screenshot of the text to CDSSEBT@dss.ca.gov.
Wildfire Resources and Information
Impacted by a wildfire? For details on financial assistance, debris removal, and more, visit this Cal OES webpage.
Afghan Arrival Response
Concerned about the Afghanistan evacuation? Interested in locating resources or offering assistance to Afghan newcomers? Visit the Refugee Programs Bureau webpage for all of these details and more.
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information
Rent and Utility Relief
Rent and utility relief is available through the California COVID-19 Rent Relief program for income-eligible California renters and their landlords who have been impacted by COVID-19. Verify eligibility and apply today!
COVID-19 Community-Based Outreach Campaign
The Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) are working in partnership with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation and the California Community Foundation to administer funding, as authorized by Senate Bill 115 (SB 115), to support outreach via community-based organizations. to disproportionately impacted populations, including workers in higher-risk industries. The outreach will prioritize interactive engagements designed to connect individuals with information and resources related to the COVID-19 vaccine, public health guidance, workers’ rights, and other State resources, including the public safety net. Community-based organizations selected to participate will be awarded funding to conduct outreach over a period of 6 months that will end in August.
Golden State Grant Program
The Golden State Grant program provides a one-time $600 payment to all eligible CalWORKs Assistance Units as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/State Supplementary Payment (SSP) and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) recipients. These payments do not impact your CalWORKs or CalFresh eligibility or monthly benefits. The payments will be automatically sent to households. Read more: CalWORKs | SSI/SSP | CAPI
Golden State Stimulus Payments for IHSS Program Providers
To qualify for a Golden State Stimulus payment, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers
must have filed their 2020 tax returns and have received the CaliforniaEarned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC).
IHSS providers who are exempt from income taxes may still be eligible for the CalEITC but must file a tax return
using their year-to-date wages, which can be found on their last paystub of the 2020 tax year. To learn more about
the Golden State Stimulus, visit the
Franchise Tax Board (FTB) website, chat with an FTB representative online, or call the FTB at (800) 852-5711.
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.
Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Through Distance Learning
If you are an educator involved in distance learning, this guide from CDSS and CDE offers tips to help you fulfill your role as a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse and neglect.
For information on COVID-19, please visit:
Data:
COVID-19 Guidance:
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 changes in federal policy. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has stated that it will return to using policies in place before the 2019 Public Charge Final Rule. Therefore, 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)
- All County Letter which provides additional information on these changes in federal policy.
Individuals in California seeking assistance are encouraged to consult one of many state-funded organizations that provide legal services to immigrants. Read a list of immigration services providers funded by CDSS.