NEW! Retroactive CalFresh Replacements for Stolen Benefits!
If your CalFresh benefits were stolen on or after 10/1/2022, you may be eligible for retroactive benefit replacements! CalFresh recipients who were victims of electronic theft between October 1, 2022 through November 30, 2023 must complete a Report of Electronic Theft Form (EBT 2259) by February 29, 2024 to be eligible to receive retroactive benefit replacements. Cardholders may be eligible to receive retroactive replacements for any of the following reasons:
- The cardholder did not file an EBT 2259 form,
- An EBT 2259 was previously submitted and denied for not meeting reporting requirements, or
- The cardholder was previously provided with only one month’s worth of benefit replacements but had lost more than that amount.
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:
- Wednesday, November 15th
- Wednesday, November 29th
- Wednesday, December 13th
- Wednesday, December 20th
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.
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 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.
County Holiday Observances
Please view 2023 County Holiday Schedule Here.
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Resources