Assistance Programs provide benefits to low-income adults and families. Staff works with clients to determine eligibility for assistance and provide referrals for related services.

• Phone Customer Service Center 
• CalFresh
• CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program
• CalWORKS Cash Aid
• CalWORKS Child Care
• CalWORKs Employment Services
• Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants
• General Assistance
• Medi-Cal Health Benefits Program

Immigration and DACA Resources

Find answers to questions regarding public benefits and immigration.

• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals FAQs
• Immigration Resource Guide (PDF, 132 KB)
• Public Benefits FAQs (PDF, 134 KB)
• Santa Cruz County Immigration Resources and Information

Electronic Benefit Cards - EBT

Check your account balance, find retailers and free ATM locations at www.ebt.ca.gov.

• Understanding the EBT Client Website (PDF, 1.5 MB)  or
• Spanish Version (PDF, 1.3 MB)

Our Benefit Representatives will assist you to obtain the benefits and coverage for which you are eligible.

Apply for or manage existing benefits easily online!

Learn how to apply for new benefits or manage your existing benefits online:

• Create a New BenefitsCal Account before you apply for or manage existing benefits online, then
• Apply for or manage existing CalFresh, CalWORKs or Medi-Cal benefits at BenefitsCal 

Don't want to apply for or access your benefits online? You can also:

• Call us toll free 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at 1 (888) 421-8080 or
• Mail your application to one of our Customer Service Centers or
• Fax your application to 1 (831) 786-7100

• 1020 Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz
• 18 West Beach St., Watsonville
• Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Striving for Excellence!

Please take our short survey and provide feedback on your last interaction with us.

Benefits Services Survey

CWES Services Survey