CalWORKS
The CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity & Responsibility to Kids) program can provide cash assistance to families with children. Certain adults in the program are required to participate in welfare-to-work activities, such as looking for a job, attending job training, working, or furthering their education, which will improve their chances for long-term employment and self-sufficiency.
CalWORKs employment specialists help parents develop and achieve their career goals, and assist with referrals to Child Development Resources (child care) so that parents can work.
CalWORKs participants are automatically eligible for Medi-Cal and may qualify for CalFresh benefits.
You can sign up for CalWORKS online at BenefitsCal.com. Our staff is also available to serve you online, by phone, email, fax, drop-off/mail-in services, and in person. To schedule an appointment to meet with a worker, please call 888-472-4463. Learn more about the many ways to apply.
- View resources to help understand the Public Charge Rule.
- Download or view information for survivors of domestic violence
in English and Español. - Learn more about CalWorks by visiting our CalWorks Data Page.
- Get details on other cash assistance programs.
If you are currently receiving CalWORKs, you must report all changes to your worker at 888-472-4463.
For a limited time, CalWORKs clients who request to receive their benefits through direct deposit are eligible to receive a one-time $50 gift card. Learn how to get your $50 gift card..
HSA does not discriminate based on disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. If you have a disability and feel you have been discriminated against, please contact Francisco Mora, Civil Rights Coordinator, 855 Partridge Drive Ventura, CA 93003, 805-477-5166, TTY 800-735-2922 or 711.
Skip the Line with BenefitsCal.com
In 2023, Ventura County moved to a new system called BenefitsCal, where you can apply for and manage many of your benefits online.
Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief clients can check status or renew their benefits online, report changes, and upload documents at BenefitsCal.com:
New EBT Cards are Coming!
New, chip-enabled EBT cards are being mailed in early 2025. You do not need to take any action or contact HSA. Just start using your new card and discard the old one.
- Your PIN and personal information will stay the same.
- Your benefits automatically transfer to the new card.
- Cards arrive ready to use. There’s no need to activate.
- These new cards help to protect benefits from being stolen.
- Scan or insert the card, or swipe if the merchant cannot scan.
Other ways to protect your EBT benefits:
- Change your PIN often and never share your PIN.
- Use the ebtEDGE mobile and web-based app (PDF in English/Español)
If you think your benefits may have been stolen, take one of the following steps right away:
- Call the customer service telephone number on the back of your EBT card, 877-328-9677.
- Contact your eligibility worker.
- Call HSA’s Customer Service Center at 888-472-4463.
