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).
“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 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:
Benefits System Outage - June 30
We are moving to an updated benefits system on July 3, 2023. Limited lobby and phone services will be available during the following times:
- June 26 through July 14
- 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday
During the June 30 outage, you may apply for food assistance and medical coverage online by using on the following links:
Benefits Outage flyer, English and Spanish (PDF, 135 KB)
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)
CalFresh Emergency Allotments Have Ended
The CalFresh Emergency Allotments have ended. The last CalFresh Emergency Allotment was issued on March 26, 2023. Starting in April 2023 you will no longer get the additional CalFresh benefit at the end of each month. You will continue to receive the regular CalFresh benefit amount deposited onto your EBT card between the 1st and 10th of each month.
You may find additional information here: End of CalFresh Emergency Allotments FAQ or visit the California Department of Social Services CalFresh COVID-19 information page: CalFresh COVID-19
Los depósitos de emergencia temporales de CalFresh han terminado. El ultimo deposito de emergencia temporal de CalFresh fue depositado el 26 de marzo del 2023. A partir de abril del 2023, sus beneficios volverán a la cantidad regular que se le deposita cada mes entre el día primero al día diez.
Encontrará más información aquí: End of Emergency Allotments FAQ (ca.gov) . También puede visitar la pagina web del Departamento de Servicios Sociales de California sobre información del COVID-19: CalFresh COVID-19
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.
County Holiday Observances
Please view 2023 County Holiday schedule HERE.
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Resources