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Category Archives: Orange County Social Services Agency

The County of Orange Social Services Agency to re-open their Central Regional Office on July 6

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Orange County, Calif. (July 1, 2021) – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced that it will reopen another regional office location to the public effective Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The Agency’s Central Regional Office joins the following open SSA public assistance benefits offices, with lobby hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday:

Anaheim Regional Center
3320 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806 Garden Grove Regional Center
12912 Brookhurst St.
Garden Grove, CA 92840

Central Regional Office
2020 W. Walnut St.
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Laguna Hills Regional Center
23330 Moulton Parkway
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Cypress Regional Center
6100 Chip Ave.
Cypress, CA 90630
Santa Ana Regional Center
1928 S. Grand Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Per California Occupational Safety and Health guidelines, all visitors who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a mask when visiting an SSA office but may do so for safety. Unvaccinated visitors are required to wear a mask or cloth facial covering when entering an SSA office and for the duration of their visit. Children younger than 2, those who have breathing issues or those with an underlying medical or mental health issue are exempt from wearing a mask.
SSA continues to highly encourage Orange County households interested in applying for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Relief and CalWORKs benefits or wishing to review existing case information to visit SSA’s online portal or contact the SSA Call Center, as outlined below, to avoid long in-person wait times and help prevent the spread of illness.

  • Online: www.mybenefitscalwin.org
    • As another option, individuals applying for CalFresh benefits only may visit www.getcalfresh.org
    • Households interested in applying for Medi-Cal only may also visit www.coveredca.com
  • By phone: please call SSA’s Call Center at (800) 281-9799
    • Call Center hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays.
  • To apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or for questions related to ongoing IHSS cases, please call (714) 825-3000 or fax (714) 825-3001 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • In addition, if you suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, call our 24-hour Child Abuse Registry at (800) 207-4464 or at 714-940-1000.
  • Please call the 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline at (800) 451-5155 if you suspect a senior or dependent adult is at risk of abuse or neglect.

Family visitations and Live Scan appointments will continue by appointment only for Children and Family Services customers.

SSA has modified the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Benefits Issuance hours of operation to 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Clients may contact their case worker or the SSA Call Center to make an appointment.
For additional information on SSA programs, please visit www.ssa.ocgov.com, and to stay up-to-date with information concerning the COVID-19 situation in Orange County, please visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

The OC SSA agency expands public assistance office hours

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Orange County, Calif. (February 19, 2021) – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced that it will extend in-person office hours at its four currently open public assistance regional centers, effective Monday, February 22, 2021. The expanded hours will help to ensure a greater number of Orange County residents have in-person access to public assistance benefits and related services, while planning for the safety and protection of SSA clients and staff during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning Monday, February 22, 2021, the following locations will be open to the public with limited functionality, Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:

Anaheim Regional Center
3320 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806 Laguna Hills Regional Center
23330 Moulton Parkway
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Garden Grove Regional Center
12912 Brookhurst St.
Garden Grove, CA 92840 Santa Ana Regional Center
1928 S. Grand Ave., BLDG. B &C
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Clients who arrive at SSA facilities will go through a brief pre-check process prior to being allowed entry into an SSA lobby. SSA staff will inquire about the purpose of the client’s visit and will conduct a short health screening questionnaire. Visitors will be strongly encouraged to practice physical distancing throughout their visit. Further, all visitors, unless under the age of two, those who have breathing issues or those with an underlying medical or mental health issue, are required to wear a face mask or cloth facial covering for the safety of others.

SSA will continue to provide drive through benefits issuance of new and replacement EBT and Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Cards (BIC) by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call the SSA Call Center at (800) 281-9799 or contact your assigned caseworker.

Limited visitations and Live Scan appointments remain by appointment only for Children & Family Services clients.

All other SSA offices will remain closed to the public until further notice.

Orange County households interested in applying for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Relief and CalWORKs benefits or wishing to review existing case information are strongly encouraged to visit SSA’s online portal or contact the SSA Call Center, as outlined below, to avoid long in-person wait times and help prevent the spread of illness.

  • Online: www.mybenefitscalwin.org
  • As another option, individuals applying for CalFresh benefits only may visit www.getcalfresh.org
  • Households interested in applying for Medi-Cal only may also visit www.coveredca.com
  • By phone: please call SSA’s Call Center at (800) 281-9799
    • Call Center hours are Weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • To apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or for questions related to ongoing IHSS cases, please call (714) 825-3000 or fax (714) 825-3001.
  • In addition, if you suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, call our Child Abuse Registry at (800) 207-4464.
  • Please call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at (800) 451-5155 if you suspect a senior or dependent adult is at risk of abuse or neglect.

For additional information on SSA programs, please visit: www.ssa.ocgov.com. And, to stay up-to-date with information concerning the COVID-19 situation in Orange County, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

O.C. SSA call center open with limited functionality this weekend

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Orange County, Calif. (February 4, 2021) – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced that maintenance of its benefits eligibility and determination system will be performed on Saturday, February 6 and Sunday February 7, 2021. This scheduled work will lead to a system outage. As a result, the SSA Call Center will have limited functionality on Saturday, February 6th, and drive-through benefits issuance of Golden State Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Cards (BIC) will be suspended for that day.

The system is expected to resume its full operations effective 6 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021.

Orange County households interested in applying for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Relief and CalWORKs benefits or wishing to review existing case information are strongly encouraged to visit SSA’s online portal at www.mybenefitscalwin.org. Individuals applying for CalFresh benefits only may visit www.getcalfresh.org and households interested in applying for Medi-Cal only may visit www.coveredca.com.

While the SSA Call Center will continue to receive calls this Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (800) 281-9799, Call Center operators may not have the ability to fully assist clients with specific case information until the system is fully operational.

  • To apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or for questions related to ongoing IHSS cases, please call (714) 825-3000 or fax (714) 825-3001.
  • In addition, if you suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, call our Child Abuse Registry at (800) 207-4464 or at 714-940-1000.
  • Please call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at (800) 451-5155 if you suspect a senior or dependent adult is at risk of abuse or neglect.

For additional information on SSA programs, please visit: www.ssa.ocgov.com

To stay up to date with information concerning the COVID-19 situation in Orange County, please visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

The O.C. Social Services Agency will re-open four Regional Centers on Feb. 1

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Orange County, Calif. (January 28, 2021) – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced that it will re-open four regional offices with limited functionality effective Monday, February 1, 2021, in accordance with the State’s lifting of the stay-at-home order. The re-opening will provide Orange County residents with additional access to public assistance benefits and related services, while continuing to provide safeguards that help maintain the protection of SSA clients and staff during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Orange County households interested in applying for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Relief and CalWORKs benefits or wishing to review existing case information are strongly encouraged to visit SSA’s online portal or contact the SSA Call Center, as outlined below, to avoid long in-person wait times and help prevent the spread of illness.

  • Online: www.mybenefitscalwin.org
    • As another option, individuals applying for CalFresh benefits only may visit www.getcalfresh.org
    • Households interested in applying for Medi-Cal only may also visit www.coveredca.com
  • By phone: please call SSA’s Call Center at (800) 281-9799
    • Call Center hours are Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • To apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or for questions related to ongoing IHSS cases, please call (714) 825-3000 or fax (714) 825-3001.
  • In addition, if you suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, call our Child Abuse Registry at (800) 207-4464 or at 714-940-1000.
  • Please call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at (800) 451-5155 if you suspect a senior or dependent adult is at risk of abuse or neglect.

Beginning February 1, 2021, the following locations will be open to the public with limited functionality, Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.:

Anaheim Regional Center
3320 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806 Laguna Hills Regional Center
23330 Moulton Parkway
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Garden Grove Regional Center
12912 Brookhurst St.
Garden Grove, CA 92840 Santa Ana Regional Center
1928 S. Grand Ave., BLDG. B &C
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Clients who arrive at SSA facilities will go through a brief pre-check process prior to being allowed entry into an SSA lobby. SSA staff will inquire about the purpose of the client’s visit and will conduct a short health screening questionnaire. Visitors will be strongly encouraged to practice physical distancing throughout their visit. All visitors, unless under the age of two, those who have breathing issues or those with an underlying medical or mental health issue, are required to wear a face mask or cloth facial covering for the safety of others.

Limited visitations and Live Scan appointments will continue by appointment only for Children & Family Services clients.

All other SSA offices will remain closed to the public until further notice.

For additional information on SSA programs, please visit: www.ssa.ocgov.com.

To stay up to date with information concerning the COVID-19 situation in Orange County, please visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

The O.C. Social Services Agency will close public assistance lobbies as of Dec. 29, 2020

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Orange County, Calif. (December 28, 2020) – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced today it will close its four open public assistance lobbies effective Tuesday, December 29, 2020. This change in operations is being made as a precautionary measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Orange County households interested in applying for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Relief and CalWORKs benefits or wishing to review existing case information should visit SSA’s online portal or contact the SSA Call Center, as outlined below.

  • By Phone: please call SSA’s Call Center at (800) 281-9799
    • Call Center hours are Weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The SSA lobbies closing to the public effective December 29th include:

  • Aliso Viejo Regional Center*, 115 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
  • Garden Grove Regional Center, 12912 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove, CA 92840
  • Anaheim Regional Center, 3320 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806
  • Santa Ana Regional Center, 1928 S. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705

SSA eligibility staff will be stationed in front of the Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana and Aliso Viejo Regional Centers on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide critical benefits assistance to individuals who may not have access to telephone or internet services.

SSA’s other office locations will remain closed and services currently provided by appointment only will continue.

*Effective December 31, 2020, the Aliso Viejo Regional Center will shut its doors, with staff and services from that location transitioning to the Laguna Hills Regional Center (LHRC) at 23330 Moulton Parkway. The LHRC lobby will remain closed, however, eligibility staff will be stationed in front of the office on January 4, 2021 to assist individuals experiencing accessibility issues by phone/internet.

Residents can access other SSA services and programs as follows:

• SSA will continue to provide drive-through benefits issuance — for the distribution of new and replacement Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Cards (BIC) — by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call the SSA Call Center at (800) 281-9799 or contact your assigned caseworker.

• To apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or for questions related to ongoing IHSS cases, please call (714) 825-3000 or fax (714) 825-3001.

• To apply for Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), please call (800) 281-9799.

• If you suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, call our Child Abuse Registry at (800) 207-4464 or (714) 940-1000.

• Please call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at (800) 451-5155 if you suspect a senior or dependent adult is at risk of abuse or neglect.

For additional information on SSA programs, visit: www.ssa.ocgov.com.

To stay up-to-date on information concerning the COVID-19 situation in Orange County, go to: www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

Donate to the O.C. Operation Santa Claus toy drive

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Orange County, Calif – The Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa & Friends holiday gift drives are currently collecting donations for children and seniors across the county, respectively.

Operation Santa Claus, which began as a small effort to meet the needs of a handful of children in 1962, has become a major event for the community. This program provides gifts and toys to children who are in foster care in Orange County as well as to children of disadvantaged families who are receiving services from the County of Orange. Last year, Operation Santa Claus distributed over 41,000 toys/gifts to children in need. This would not be possible without the generosity and collaborative effort of County of Orange employees, community-based organizations, businesses and individuals in the community who play an important role in collecting toys.

In addition to Operation Santa Claus, SSA also runs Senior Santa & Friends. This program is geared toward providing gifts and special request items to low income elderly or severely disabled adults who are clients of SSA and/or the Orange County Health Care Agency.

Each year, SSA staff identifies clients who would benefit from having items such as household appliances, special medical equipment, nutritional supplements or clothing. Items received through Senior Santa & Friends help to make life easier, more comfortable or more independent. Last year, Senior Santa & Friends provided over 2,300 gifts and necessities to low-income seniors and adults with disabilities in Orange County. This was largely due to the efforts of volunteers and donations received from County employees, private companies, community-based organizations and private individuals who donate to Senior Santa & Friends annually.

“Now more than ever, Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa and Friends is looking to our local volunteers and donors to help make the holidays special and hopeful for Orange County children, elderly and disabled adults,” said Second District Supervisor Michelle Steel, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She continued, “In past years we have seen an amazing outpouring of support from County staff and from the community to bring joy to our vulnerable populations during the holidays. We are hopeful the same tradition of giving will continue this season.”

The two programs are hoping to achieve a goal of $20,000 in total donations received by the end of this year. Orange County residents can take part by donating to Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa & Friends as follows:

• Donate new and unwrapped toys at the collection boxes placed in many County buildings including every County Library throughout Orange County. In addition, Orange County residents may also drop off toys and other gifts at 1505 E. Warner Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705. Please call 714-679-2438 or email operationsantaclaus@ssa.ocgov.com to ask about drop off times and locations.

• Orange County residents may also donate online at: http://ssa.ocgov.com/ssa_volunteer/donations/osc_donation http://ssa.ocgov.com/ssa_volunteer/donations/sr_santa_donation

For more information about Operation Santa Claus, please call (714) 679-2438 or email OperationSantaClaus@ssa.ocgov.com.

And, for more information about Senior Santa & Friends, please call (714) 825-3111 or e-mail Senior.Santa@ssa.ocgov.com.

The O.C. Social Services Agency approves a Hot Food Waiver for CalFresh clients

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Orange County, Calif. (November 4, 2020) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently approved a request by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) that allows current CalFresh households to purchase hot, prepared foods using their California Golden State electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card through November 22, 2020. The request was made to help residents impacted by the recent wildfires and power outages who may not be able to store food or have access to cooking facilities.

The hot food waiver applies to 35 California counties, including Orange County.

Who is eligible?

· All Orange County households and individuals who are currently receiving CalFresh benefits.

Where can hot food be purchased?

· CalFresh recipients wishing to purchase hot, prepared foods with their EBT cards should visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator for a list of authorized EBT retailers in their area.

For more information, or to check your EBT balance, please visit the CalFresh Benefits Helpline at (877) 847-3663 (FOOD).

For immediate food assistance, please contact Orange County Food Bank at (714) 897-6670 or Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County at (949) 653-2900.

The OC Social Services Agency consolidates Saturday drive-through benefits issuance

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Orange County, Calif. (September 2, 2020) – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced that beginning Saturday, September 5, 2020, the Agency’s Saturday drive through benefits issuance services will be consolidated at SSA’s Santa Ana Regional Center (SARC), by appointment only.

The Agency will continue to provide weekday benefits issuance by appointment from its Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Garden Grove and Santa Ana Regional Centers. These offices are open to the public with reduced hours, from Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Clients requiring drive through benefits issuance services should continue to follow current processes by scheduling appointments through the SSA Call Center at (800) 281-9799.

The decision to consolidate Saturday benefits issuance at SARC was made based upon evaluation of client utilization of these services at the four centers.

Orange County households interested in applying for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Relief and CalWORKs benefits or wishing to review existing case information are strongly encouraged to visit SSA’s online portal or contact the SSA Call Center, as outlined below, to avoid long in-person wait times and prevent the spread of illness.

  • Online: www.mybenefitscalwin.org
    • As another option, individuals applying for CalFresh benefits only may visit www.getcalfresh.org
    • Households interested in applying for Medi-Cal only may also visit www.coveredca.com
  • By phone: please call SSA’s Call Center at (800) 281-9799
    • Call Center hours are Weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • To apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or for questions related to ongoing IHSS cases, please call (714) 825-3000 or fax (714) 825-3001.
  • In addition, if you suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, call our Child Abuse Registry at (800) 207-4464.
  • Please call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at (800) 451-5155 if you suspect a senior or dependent adult is at risk of abuse or neglect.

Limited visitations and Live Scan appointments will continue by appointment only for Children & Family Services clients through their assigned social worker.

For additional information on SSA programs, please visit: www.ssa.ocgov.com.

To stay up to date with information concerning the COVID-19 situation in Orange County, please visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

The Orange County Social Services Agency to modify public assistance operations and office hours

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New office hours, temporary closure of Cypress Regional Center, effective August 10, 2020; residents encouraged to continue to utilize online and phone access points for benefits

Orange County, Calif. (August 6, 2020) – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced that it will modify some of its limited functionality operations beginning Monday, August 10, 2020. The Agency will continue to keep its Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Garden Grove and Santa Ana Regional Centers open to the public with reduced hours, from Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

In addition, SSA will close its Cypress Regional Center (CRC) to the public until further notice as part of the modifications and will reallocate some of its California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program staff to the Garden Grove Regional Center to meet client demands. CRC has experienced the lowest volume of client traffic among the SSA facilities that are currently open to the public.

Guided by its mission of delivering high quality, responsive and accessible services to the public, SSA is committed to serving the community by making crucial public assistance benefits available to those in need. The Agency is dedicated to balancing the needs of its clients while working to ensure the safety of its staff and the community it serves—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When SSA initially re-opened some of its offices in late June to the public, the Agency’s re-entry plan allowed for the periodic evaluation of visitor traffic during its first month of operation. The modification to refine SSA’s core business hours to the public reflects peak coverage times over the past four weeks and works to ensure SSA continues to remain a stable physical presence in the community, available to those who require in-person assistance for their immediate needs.

SSA has implemented numerous protective measures to ensure the safety of its clients and employees. These safeguards include modifying lobby seating configurations, installing protective barriers and performing enhanced cleaning to help prevent the spread of illness. Clients who arrive at SSA facilities will go through a brief pre-check process prior to being allowed entry into an SSA lobby. SSA staff will inquire about the purpose of the client’s visit and will conduct a short health screening questionnaire. Visitors will be strongly encouraged to practice physical distancing throughout their visit. It is highly recommended that all visitors, except those under the age of two or individuals with an underlying medical or mental health issue, wear a face mask or cloth facial covering for the safety of others.

Orange County households interested in applying for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Relief and CalWORKs benefits or wishing to review existing case information are strongly encouraged to visit SSA’s online portal or contact the SSA Call Center, as outlined below, to avoid long in-person wait times and help prevent the spread of illness.

  • By phone: please call SSA’s Call Center at (800) 281-9799
    • Call Center hours are Weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • To apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or for questions related to ongoing IHSS cases, please call (714) 825-3000 or fax (714) 825-3001.
  • In addition, if you suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, call our Child Abuse Registry at (800) 207-4464.
  • • Please call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at (800) 451-5155 if you suspect a senior or dependent adult is at risk of abuse or neglect.

Limited visitations and Live Scan appointments will continue by appointment only for Children & Family Services clients. Assigned social workers will contact clients directly to schedule appointments as applicable.

For additional information on SSA programs, please visit: www.ssa.ocgov.com.

To stay up to date with information concerning the COVID-19 situation in Orange County, please visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

The O.C. Social Services Agency will begin phased office re-openings on June 22

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Orange County, Calif. – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced that it will begin to open some offices with limited functionality effective Monday, June 22, 2020, in accordance with the State’s variance to safely reopen business. This phased re-opening will help to ensure a greater number of Orange County residents have access to public assistance benefits and related services, while planning for the safety and protection of SSA clients and staff during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Orange County households interested in applying for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Relief and CalWORKs benefits or wishing to review existing case information are strongly encouraged to visit SSA’s online portal or contact the SSA Call Center, as outlined below, to avoid long in-person wait times and help prevent the spread of illness.

  • By phone: please call SSA’s Call Center at (800) 281-9799
    • Call Center hours are Weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • To apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or for questions related to ongoing IHSS cases, please call (714) 825-3000 or fax (714) 825-3001.
  • In addition, if you suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, call our Child Abuse Registry at (800) 207-4464.
  • Please call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at (800) 451-5155 if you suspect a senior or dependent adult is at risk of abuse or neglect.

Beginning June 22, 2020, the following locations will be open to the public with limited functionality, Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:

  • Aliso Viejo Regional Center, 115 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
  • Garden Grove Regional Center, 12912 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove, CA 92840
  • Anaheim Regional Center, 3320 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806
  • Santa Ana Regional Center, 1928 S. Grand Ave., BLDG. B &C, Santa Ana, CA 92705
  • Cypress Regional Center, 6100 Chip Ave., Cypress, CA 90630

Limited visitations and Live Scan appointments will resume by appointment only for Children & Family Services clients. Assigned social workers will contact clients directly to schedule appointments as applicable.

All other SSA offices will remain closed to the public until further notice.

Clients who arrive at SSA facilities will go through a brief pre-check process prior to being allowed entry into an SSA lobby. SSA staff will inquire about the purpose of the client’s visit and will conduct a short health screening questionnaire. Visitors will be strongly encouraged to practice physical distancing throughout their visit. It is highly recommended that all visitors, unless under the age of two, those who have breathing issues or those with an underlying medical or mental health issue, wear a face mask or cloth facial covering for the safety of others.

“At SSA, the health and well-being of our clients and staff is paramount. In addition to asking members of the public as well as our employees to practice good health habits and perform physical distancing, we have taken precautions to modify lobby seating configurations, install
protective barriers and perform enhanced cleaning to help prevent the spread of illness, among other safety measures,” said SSA Director Debra Baetz. She continued, “While some of our offices are opening in this first phase of re-entry, we urge visitors to continue to apply for new benefits or check on their existing cases by phone or online in order to remain safe at home.”

For additional information on SSA programs, please visit: www.ssa.ocgov.com

To stay up to date with information concerning the COVID-19 situation in Orange County, please visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

EBT Card online purchasing expedited during the COVID-19 crisis

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Orange County, Calif. – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced that the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has expedited the implementation of EBT online purchasing to allow greater access to food and other necessary household items during the COVID-19 crisis and statewide stay at home order.

EBT online purchasing is set to begin on April 28, 2020. The new functionality will provide eligible California recipients with more purchasing options to avoid in-person interaction at stores and ensure adherence to social distancing guidelines that help prevent the spread of illness.

Online purchasing functionality will initially be available through two major California retailers, Amazon and Walmart. Both merchants accept EBT payments for food purchases using CalFresh benefits; Walmart also accepts EBT payments for non-food items using CalWORKs cash benefits.

CDSS is working to expand the number of participating retailers once online purchasing is fully implemented and operational in California.

When buying groceries at either of the designated retailers, customers are charged a grocery delivery fee when less than $35 of food is purchased; for food purchases over $35, delivery is free. At this time, CalFresh food benefits cannot be used to cover delivery fees at either retailer. Eligible CalWORKs recipients may use their cash benefit to pay for delivery fees at Walmart.

“We are pleased that CDSS is expediting this enhanced functionality to Orange County EBT cardholders to redeem their benefits online,” said SSA Director Debra Baetz. She continued, “This additional purchasing capability provides our vulnerable populations with greater access to the essential food and non-food items they need, and at the same time allows them to remain at home for their health and well-being, as well as for the safety of the community.”

Orange County residents who are interested in applying for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief can apply as follows:

·         By phone through the SSA Call Center at (800) 281-9799

o   The SSA Call Center is available from Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

·         Online:

o   www.MyBenefitsCalWIN.org

o   Additionally, individuals can apply for CalFresh only through www.GetCalFresh.org

To apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or for questions related to ongoing IHSS cases, please call (714) 825-3000. You can stay up-to-date with information concerning the COVID-19 situation in Orange County, by visiting http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus

New O.C. hotline set up for current in-home supportive services recipients during the COVID-19 crisis

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Orange County, Calif. (April 22, 2020) – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced today the availability of a dedicated hotline for current recipients of In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Hotline staff are now available to discuss recipients’ urgent needs amid the COVID-19 crisis and Governor Newsom’s subsequent stay-at-home order to prevent the further spread of illness.

SSA’s IHSS program provides supportive services to eligible individuals who are aged, blind, and/or disabled, are limited in their ability to care for themselves and cannot live at home safely without assistance.

Orange County IHSS recipients are encouraged to call at (714) 825-3000 and press option 4 if they have an immediate need (needed within three days from the initial call to the hotline) for food or other essential items. The hotline is available during business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers will be connected with SSA staff who will further assess the recipient’s needs and provide linkages and access to appropriate programs and services.

The IHSS hotline serves as a primary touch point for current IHSS recipients. For information on community resources for older adults, caregivers or persons with disabilities, please call the Office on Aging at 714-480-6450.

To learn more about SSA’s In-Home Supportive Services program, please visit the Agency’s website at http://ssa.ocgov.com/elder/ihss, and to stay up-to-date on the COVID-19 situation in Orange County, visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.