NEW! Enhanced Security for EBT Card Holders

EBT Cardholders now have a new tool to better protect your account and benefits — the new “ebtEDGE”! This mobile app and cardholder portal gives EBT users new security features:

• Manage/change your PIN whenever and as often as needed
• Card “freeze/unfreeze” to lock and unlock card access as needed
• Transaction blocking for out-of-state use or for internet purchases
• Request a replacement if your card is compromised, damaged, lost, or stolen
• Biometrics access with touch ID or facial recognition to securely log in

The ebtEDGE mobile application is available and ready to download! Go to the Apple App Store for iPhone or the Google Play Store for Android devices and download the application today! Need more info? Download this flyer or visit https://www.ebt.ca.gov/cardholder for more information in English and Spanish.

HSD Benefits Call Center - Notice of Temporary Closure

The County's call center (our 1-888-421-8080 phone line) will be temporarily closed to facilitate processing of paperwork, on the following dates:

During this time, you may reach us by visiting: www.BenefitsCal.com, 1020 Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz, or 18W Beach St., Watsonville. For more details in English and Spanish, CLICK HERE. Thank you for your patience. We look forward to serving you.

Six-Month Report on Santa Cruz County’s Housing for a Healthy Santa Cruz Framework

On August 22, 2023, the Human Services Department presented its regular 6-month update to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on the Housing for a Healthy Santa Cruz strategic framework. You can watch this August 22, 2023 presentation to the Board of Supervisors to hear specifics updates and learn about our strategic achievement from our Housing for Health Director, Dr. Robert Ratner.

• Read the full Housing for a Healthy Santa Cruz Six Month Update Report, January to June 2023, by CLICKING HERE
• Access the Housing for a Healthy Santa Cruz Strategic Framework for Addressing Homelessness in Santa Cruz County
• Check out the new public-facing Housing & Homelessness Dashboard, and read about it in this October 5, 2023 Press Release
• Learn more about Housing for a Healthy Santa Cruz County by CLICKING HERE

Santa Cruz County Earns AARP Age-Friendly Designation

In line with state and local efforts to develop a statewide Master Plan for Aging, the County of Santa Cruz has been designated an “Age-Friendly Community” by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

• Watch this August 8, 2023 presentation to the Board of Supervisors to hear specifics about this collaborative achievement from our Adult & Long Term Care Director, Alicia Morales
• Read the County's Age-Friendly designation press release to learn more
• Email us at sccmpa@santacruzcounty.us to learn more about the local Master Plan for Aging efforts
• KSBW Action News 8 reports on our new Age-Friendly Communities designation!

“The safety net for older adults and people with disabilities is a blending of county administered programs, health care services, city services, and non-profit programs which together provide a network of essential services. while the safety net needs to be strengthened as we prepare locally to meet our aging community’s needs, significant expansion and investment has already been made locally and at the state level.” - Randy Morris, Human Services Director

It's Time to Create Your New BenefitsCal Account!

Access to MyBenefitsCalWIN ended July 3, 2023. All applicants and benefits recipients can now create a new BenefitsCal account:

• Go to www.benefitscal.com to apply for, view or renew benefits for health coverage, food & cash assistance.
• Select “log in.”
• Create a new account (you’ll need an email address).
• Link your account if you have an existing case.

Learn more here: 

Medi-Cal Renewals are Back!

Medi-Cal renewals are back! Do not lose your benefits, be on the lookout for your Medi-Cal renewal inside a yellow envelope in the mail. Ask a benefits representative when your renewal is due next time you call the county at 1-888-421-8080, or when you visit at 1020 Emeline Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or 18 W. Beach St., Watsonville, CA 95076.

Medi-Cal Renewals Flyer (pdf, 724 kb)

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The federally funded Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers a monthly discount of up to $30 on home internet service for qualifying households. That means your internet service could be free when used with special high-speed internet plans offered by many providers. If you’re enrolled in a program like Medi-Cal, Calfresh, Lifeline, WIC, or SSI, or if your household income is less than $53,000 (for a family of four), then you qualify for ACP!

Visit: internetforallnow.org/applytoday or call 866-745-2805 to learn more.

• ACP Digital Inclusion Flyer - English (pdf)
• ACP Digital Inclusion Flyer - Spanish (pdf)

County Holiday Observances

Please view 2023 County Holiday Schedule Here.

Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Resources

• January 2023 Post-Disaster Assistance Guide
• Check the forecast regularly at the National Weather Service report for Santa Cruz County to stay informed on weather conditions.
• Sign up for CodeRed at www.scr911.org and download the CodeRed app for your phone.
• Santa Cruz County, disaster preparedness/recovery resources related advice to prepare for potential disaster events Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience
• Most importantly, you should always have an emergency kit, including food, water, and a plan! Emergency disasters can disrupt power, transportation, and other lifelines. Find more preparedness tips Here.
• If told to evacuate, please do so immediately. Find your zone through ZoneHaven-Aware.