Disaster Help Center
See below for information on public assistance and services available to individuals and families impacted by California disasters:
SUN Bucks Summer Food Program for Kids
SUN Bucks provides $40 per month for food for June, July, and August ($120 total) when children do not have access to school meals. Most children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through a school meal application or an alternative income form, or who receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, and/or Medi-Cal, are automatically enrolled. Most families do not need to take action to receive SUN Bucks. Children not automatically enrolled must submit a school meal application or Alternative Income Form to their child’s school or school administrator’s office by August 31, 2024. As of August 11, 2024, over 5 million SUN Bucks cards have been mailed to families across California and over $318 million in food purchased have been made by families throughout the state. Access the news release (English, Spanish) and videos (English, Spanish). Learn more about SUN Bucks.
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.
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.
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.
Free Access to State Parks and Beaches for CalWORKs Recipients
Recipients of California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) benefits are eligible for free access to state parks and beaches through the Golden Bear Pass program. Sign up for a 2024 pass. Tribal TANF recipients may apply for a pass through their local Tribal TANF administrator.
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.