Announcements

We understand your medical needs and food assistance is a priority for you and your family. To assist you in applying for public assistance benefits such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Assistance, or CalWORKs, we developed the following guides:

EBSD Guide to Benefits - English (PDF, 459 KB)

EBSD Guide to Benefits - Spanish (PDF, 483 KB)

Out of an abundance of caution, and in response to the recommendations from Public Health Officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Santa Cruz County Employment & Benefit Services walk-in customer service centers at 18W. Beach St., Watsonville and 1020 Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz are modifying office operations to limit unnecessary Face-to-Face contact.  Customers are being asked to conduct business by phone or electronically when possible. 

While visiting our offices, residents will be asked to wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing and should stay home if they have been sick or have a fever. Medical screening may occur at some buildings. Residents should also expect limits on the number of persons in lobbies, protective screens at public counters, additional signage, and other measures to protect the health and safety of residents and staff. 

All essential services continue to be provided by phone, online and by mail, while access to the walk-in service centers will be limited, in order to promote social distancing. Nearly all benefit services for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Assistance are available remotely by mail, phone or online through the following access points:

Electronically:

Mybenefitscalwin.org

Mysantacruzcounty mobile app

Getcalfresh.org

Phone:

1-888-421-8080

Mail:

P.O. Box 1320

Santa Cruz, CA  95061

IMPORTANT COUNTY UPDATE TO ALL RESIDENTS:

6/9/20 - REVISED HEALTH ORDER REMOVES LODGING RESTRICTIONS
 
Santa Cruz County, CA - Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel on Tuesday issued a new order removing local restrictions on lodging operators, allowing hotels, motels and vacation rentals to resume business activities in accordance with State guidelines effective Friday, June 12. 
The County was previously approved for a State variance and issued orders aligning the County with State guidance, which will allow movies theaters and family entertainment centers; museums, galleries and aquariums; gyms and fitness centers; swimming pools; campgrounds and RV parks; and tasting rooms, brewpubs and bars to reopen on Friday as well. The new order also extends partial beach closures through July 6, 2020, at which time the County will reassess beach access. Read more...

The variance attestation can be found on CDPH’s website here.

Prior to opening, businesses must implement Social Distancing Protocols and design worksite-specific plans, train employees and implement control measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Reopening guidance, including State guidelines for specific sectors, can be found here.

For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. Residents may also call (831) 454-4242 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week.

HSD and its partners seek to help older adults remain home and healthy during the public health crisis by providing up to 3 meals a day from local businesses.

Who qualifies for the program?

Individuals who are 65 or older (or 60-64 at high-risk *) and

• Live alone or with one other program-eligible adult;
• Are not currently receiving assistance from other state or federal nutrition assistance programs (e.g. CalFresh, Meals on Wheels);
• Annual income does not exceed $74,940 (single) or $101,460 (2-person); and
• Cannot currently prepare or obtain meals.

How do I apply for the program if I believe I may qualify?

Provide your full name, phone, date of birth, and preferred language on a confidential voice mail or send the information to the secure email below.

Santa Cruz Great Plates Delivered Message Line (831) 454-4406

hsd_greatplates@santacruzcounty.us.

HSD staff will contact you for a free screening to confirm if you qualify.

This is a program of the Human Service Department of Santa Cruz County, in partnership with local community based organizations, and is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of California with local support from the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. This short term program has been extended and runs until July 10, 2020, unless extended by the State.

Great Plates Flyer (Eng)

Great Plates Flyer (Span)