Public Charge Guide for individuals and families with questions about the these changes in federal policy: ( English) ( Español).Joint statement from California health and human services leaders in response to the federal public charge changes.For additional information, please see the following: Also, a reminder that medical testing, treatment, and preventive services for COVID-19, including vaccines, are not considered for public charge purposes. Under the final rule, participation in CalFresh, public housing, or Medi-Cal (except for long-term care), will not be considered as part of the public charge determination. Department of Homeland Security, which goes into effect December 23, 2022. Immigrants and their loved ones across California can seek and accept medical care, food assistance, and public housing without fear or confusion about public charge consequences thanks to a new public charge rule published by the U.S.

If you think your benefits may have been stolen, you should immediately call the customer service telephone number on the back of your EBT card, (877) 328-9677, or contact your county social services agency.Īlert: Important Change to Public Charge Rule In an effort to educate EBT cardholders and mitigate this activity, the California Department of Social Services is providing security tips for those who use EBT cards to receive food and cash assistance in the following linked video. VIDEO: Tenga Cuidado Con Las Estafas De Las Tarjetas EBT!!!Ĭalifornia has been experiencing an increase in occurrence of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) theft. Read more tips from the Federal Communications Commission.Workers and agents who knock on doors of residences are required to carry official identification and show it upon request, and they may not ask for or accept money. Never reveal any personal information unless you've confirmed you're dealing with a legitimate official. If someone calls claiming to be a government official, hang up and call the number listed on that government agency's official website.Be wary of calls or text messages offering protection plans, free gift cards, and prizes in exchange for personal information.Do not share information with anyone outside of your county welfare department or EBT customer service center. State and county officials will never text or call you requesting private information, such as your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card number or PIN.Scammers may use phone, text, mail, email, and even go door to door to target residents of affected areas.Please be aware of potential scams and remember the following tips: Natural disasters and severe weather can create opportunities for fraud in their wake, occurring at a time when people may be especially vulnerable. Learn more and see a list of eligible providers. To support those who have been impacted but are not eligible for federal assistance due to immigration status, California created the Storm Assistance for Immigrants Project, which will help people with the recovery process by providing funding for food, shelter, and other basic needs. Guía de Servicios de Asistencia por Desastres para Californianos Inmigrantes.Guide to Disaster Assistance Services for Immigrant Californians.Guide to Disaster Assistance Services for Californians.

See below for information on public assistance and services available to individuals and families impacted by California disasters:

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