MISSION

"Our responsibility to the community is to provide benefits and services in a quality manner. We promote personal responsibility, safety, job readiness and self-sufficiency in order to strengthen individuals and families. These services will be performed with the highest degree of integrity, trust and mutual respect. Our goal is to be one of the best service organizations of our kind and to be viewed as a model of quality." 

SOCIAL SERVICES CONTACT INFORMATION

10877 Conductor Blvd. Ste. 200

Sutter Creek, CA 95665

Phone: 209-223-6550

Toll Free: 844-835-3685

Business Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm

Interactive Voice Response Telephone System: 1-877-410-8802

24-hour access telephone number for our clients with active cases. You can call the Interactive Voice Response Telephone system (IVR) for information regarding: Office hours & location, Benefit amounts, Case status & activity, Reimbursements, SAR status, and much more. The first time you call in you will need to know your case number and Social Security number to create a Personal Identification Number (PIN). If you are unable to access the new interactive Voice Response telephone system, please call our office and we will be happy to assist you.

SERVICES & PROGRAMS

Cash Assistance Programs

CalWORKs: Benefit payment program to help needy families.

Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI): Provides cash assistance to certain aged, blind and disabled legal non-citizens ineligible for SSI/SSP due to their immigration status. 

Eligibility is determined if the individual meets all the following conditions:

o Non-citizen who meets the immigration status criteria in effect for SSI/SSP
o Aged 65 or older, blind or disabled 
o Ineligible for SSI/SSP solely due to immigration status—this means the individual must apply for SSI/SSP or submit other proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration. 
o Resides in California
o Has income less than the CAPI standards
o Has resources below the allowable limits

Foster Care: Financial Assistance for those children who are in need of substitute parenting and who have been placed in foster care. 

General Assistance Program: County funded assistance program for indigent adults not aided by other federal or state assistance programs.

Click here to view the latest General Assistance Program regulations approved by the Amador County Board of Supervisors: GA Regulations

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): Available for the first 12 months that a refugee (admitted for permanent residence) is in the U.S.

In California, the refugee must first have eligibility for CalWORKs determined. If it is determined that the refugee is eligible for CalWORKs, aid must be paid under that program rather than from RCA funds.

The 12 months of RCA benefits for refugees are generally based upon the date of entry into the U.S. Asylees are eligible for up to 12 months from the date their asylum is granted. Trafficking and victims of severe crimes, including non-citizen victims of domestic violence, can also qualify to receive RCA benefits after receiving certification. Again, eligibility for CalWORKs must first be determined and aid will be paid under that program if eligibility exists.

Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP): Provides eligible non-citizen victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and other serious crimes, services such as cash assistance, food benefits, employment and social services. Benefits and services are modeled after the Refugee Resettlement Program which follows the same grant amounts, structure and time frames as RCA and CalWORKs.

Food Assistance Programs

CalFresh: Provides food assistance to low-income families and individuals.  Follow the links below for more information on the CalFresh Program and how to apply. The minimum requirements to file a CalFresh application are:

o The applicant's name
o Household address (unless you are homeless)
o Signature of the head of household, any household member over 18 or an Authorized Representative

If you need help filling out forms or completing the application process, please let us know right away.  You may qualify for expedited CalFresh benefits.  If you qualify, you may get your CalFresh within 3 days.  

If you are a student who is eligible for state OR federal work study OR have an Expected Family Contribution of $0, you may be eligible for CalFresh food benefits. Visit https://www.getcalfresh.org/students for more information.  

If you are a student who is eligible for state OR federal work study OR have an Expected Family Contribution of $0, you may be eligible for CalFresh food benefits. Visit  https://www.getcalfresh.org/students/ for more information.

Printable Forms:

CalFresh Application

CalFresh Application (Spanish)

CalFresh Application for Seniors and Disabled Persons

Health Programs

County Medical Services Program (CMSP): Provides limited-term health coverage for uninsured low-income, indigent adults that are not otherwise eligible for other publicly funded health programs.

Covered California: This is California's official health care marketplace where individuals, families & small businesses can find low-cost health insurance. To apply, click here: Covered California

Former Foster Care Youth: Individuals who were in foster care at age 18 or older are now eligible for Medi-Cal until age 26 regardless of income. Please click the link for more information: DHCS Former Foster Youth Program

Medi-Cal: California's medical assistance program for eligible California residents.

MAGI is a Medicaid program that uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income based budgeting to calculate a person's household size and income, using federal income tax rules and a tax filer's family size to determine eligibility for Medi-Cal.

Medi-Cal for Kids and Teens: Medi-Cal for Kids and Teens: Under California and federal law, children and youth to age 21 enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal have the right to regular check-ups and all medically necessary preventive and treatment services. This right, known federally as Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT), is called Medi-Cal for Kids & Teens in California. Most services are free, though some may have a Share of Cost or be subject to Asset Limits ($130,000+) starting in 2026

Note: As of January 1, 2026, new full-scope enrollment for undocumented individuals is generally limited to those under age 19, though those already enrolled may keep their coverage.

WAYS TO APPLY

Electronically

www.BenefitsCal.com

BenefitsCal will make it easier than ever to:

· Apply online

· Renew your benefits

· Upload documents

· Report changes

· Connect with a caseworker

NOTE: CAPI Applications ARE NOT accepted electronically.

In Person

At the Social Services office Monday - Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Drop Off

In the drop box located outside the Social Services main doors

Mail

Mail your application to:

Department of Social Services 10877 Conductor Blvd. Ste 200 Sutter Creek, CA 95685

Fax

Fax your application to 209-257-0242.

Apply by Phone

You can apply over the phone by calling 209-223-6550 | Toll Free (844) 835-3685

Do you have any physical, mental, or emotional conditions that make it hard for you to apply for benefits or meet program requirements? We can give extra help. We call this type of help a reasonable accommodation. The law protects people with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities as well as others with serious health problems (42 U.S.C. § 12132).

 

Voter Registration Information

Are you registered to vote? You can register to vote right now by completing the online application. If you have any questions, visit Frequently Asked Questions, contact the Secretary of State's Elections Division at (800) 345-8683 or by email.

For more information click the link: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/

PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY

EBT Scam Public Service Announcement Video: The PSA video outlines how public assistance benefits can be stolen from EBT cards utilizing text message and phone scams, card skimming technology, and fake websites. It also provides suggestions on what recipients can watch out for when using their EBT cards to make everyday purchases, tips on how to protect their personal and EBT card information, and what to do if they think they have been a victim of EBT or benefit theft.  https://youtu.be/opg52FxKoSo

Beware of potential EBT card scams. Visit  CA EBT Project for more information.

CA Department of Social Services does not endorse or recommend any third-party apps for EBT. Only use the official, state-supported ebtEDGE mobile app, which is free to use. California will never charge EBT cardholders to use the Mobile application.

Why Third-Party Apps Are Risky:

· Your benefits and personal info could be stolen. Entering your EBT information into an unverified app can expose you to phishing, fraud, and identity theft. Stolen benefits may not be eligible for replacement.

· Your data may be shared. Third-party apps may collect and share personal data for marketing or other purposes.

· CDSS and your local county office can’t help if things go wrong. We may not be able to assist with issues caused by third-party apps.

· No security guarantees. Third-party apps may lack proper safeguards.

For more information on the official ebtEDGE application click here: CDSS ebtEDGE