CDSS-ISO-5310.1-P002, Privacy Notice on Collection

California Department of Social Services

General Privacy Notice on Collection

Effective: June 2016
Revised: March 2025
Last Revision: June 2026

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Privacy Notice on Collection covers our practices regarding personal information collected when you complete applications and forms (online or hardcopy) for our various programs. Personal information may include name, social security number, physical description, home address, home telephone number, and educational, financial, medical, or employment information. Any personal information collected is governed by the requirements of the following authorities and all other laws pertaining to personal information:

• Government Code Section 11015.5
• Health and Safety Code Section 1500 et seq.
• Information Practices Act - Civil Code Section 1798 et seq.
• California Public Records Act (California Government Code Sections 7920.000, et seq.)
• Safeguarding Information for the Financial Assistance Programs - 45 CFR Section 205.50
• Statewide Administrative Manual (SAM) Section Privacy 5310 et seq.
• Statewide Information Management Manual (SIMM) 5310 - A & B
• Welfare and Institutions Code Section 10850 et seq.

CDSS collects personal information directly from individuals who opt to obtain some of our services. Collection of this information is required to deliver the specific services; however, use of these services is voluntary. Failure to provide required information for the service may result in a denial of services.

The information collected will not be shared with any other government agency, unless required or allowed by law. In addition, CDSS will not commercially distribute or sell any personal information about individuals to any third-party entity without the individual's written consent.

Please do not provide personal information that is not requested. Any fields in the application or form are intended for the requested information only.

CDSS may use information-collecting methods or devices, such as cookies, to enhance user experience on its websites. Any such device that resides on an individual's computer will remain for a period consistent with its intended purpose. Users can remove these devices through their browser settings or by following removal instructions provided in the website's privacy settings.

Individuals who provide personal information to CDSS have the right to review the information for accuracy and completeness and to request corrections or deletions. For personal information access requests send an email to CDSS' Public Inquiry and Response Unit at piar@dss.ca.gov and/or call (916) 651-8848. PIAR will direct you to the program representative who can help with your request.

For questions, comments, complaints, or requests related to this Privacy Notice on Collection, or if you would like to have any electronically collected personal information deleted please contact:

CDSS Information Security & Privacy Officer
744 P Street, MS 9-10-70
Sacramento, CA 95814
Email: ISO@dss.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 651-8848

This General Privacy Notice on Collection is intended to provide departmentwide notice of CDSS' general practices regarding the collection, use, maintenance, and protection of personal information. In addition to this General Privacy Notice on Collection, CDSS will provide a tailored Privacy Notice on Collection on or with each applicable CDSS form, application, or collection instrument that collects personal information. Each tailored Privacy Notice on Collection will be specific to the information being collected through that form or process and will identify, as applicable, the collecting program or division, the legal authority for collection and maintenance of the information, the principal purpose for which the information is collected, whether the requested information is mandatory or voluntary, the consequences of not providing the requested information, known or foreseeable disclosures, and contact information for access, correction, or questions regarding the records collected.

For more consumer information on security, please see the CDSS Privacy Statement and the California Department of Justice's, "Security Awareness" website.

Security Awareness