Dear County of Ventura Community Members,
Thank you for continuing to stay informed with the Ventura County Human Services Agency! Please read on for valuable information about how to apply for services during and after Ventura County transitions to a new benefits application system, latest news for Medi-Cal clients, how to find food resources, how to get discounts on transportation tickets and state park passes, and more.
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We are moving from MyBenefitsCalwin to BenefitsCal on April 24. The MyBenefitsCalwin website and its mobile app will be SHUT DOWN on Thursday, April 20, at 5 p.m. Customers will no longer have access to MyBenefitsCalwin or its mobile app.
If you need benefits assistance while our system is down, we are available to serve you:
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ONLINE: Submit documents and send email messages via vchsa.org/submit
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IN PERSON (limited): Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Find a location near you at vchsa.org/locations
- MAIL or drop-off services
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CALL your worker (Note: HSA’s customer call center will unavailable during this time.)
- FAX: 805-658-4530
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If you or someone you know is struggling, you are encouraged to apply directly to the County of Ventura Human Services Agency for cash aid and services for families with children (vchsa.org/CalWORKs), food assistance (vchsa.org/CalFresh), and health insurance (vchsa.org/Medi-Cal). You may apply online at vchsa.org/apply, by phone at 888-472-4463, fax at 805-658-4530, mail or drop-off services, and in person.
Remember to routinely check our Agency's Community-Based Resources page at vchsa.org/community-resources for up-to-date links to basic needs services and other free or low-cost resources.
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Medi-Cal Renewals Start June 1, 2023! To prepare, Medi-Cal members will need to update any change of address to ensure receipt of their renewal packet so that those who are eligible can keep their Medi-Cal coverage or can receive help to transition to another type of coverage. Learn more about how to report changes at: vchsa.org/medi-cal.
Have Medi-Cal Questions?
Call a health navigator for assistance completing any Medi-Cal forms.
- INTERFACE: Call 833-607-2650 to speak with a Medi-Cal Navigator or text “medical” to 211211
- MICOP: For support in Mixtec, Spanish or English, call 805-215-0730 or visit 135 Magnolia Ave, Oxnard
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Free Food in Your Area
If you need some extra support to keep the family fed, come on by for a box of nutritious, shelf-stable pantry items. You can pick up a free box of nutritious food at one of Food Share’s weekly pick-up locations, or check out the Food Resource List to find hot meals at designated locations countywide. For additional food resources, visit vchsa.org/calfresh.
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CalWORKs, Get Out & Enjoy the Outdoors!
All CalWORKs families are now eligible to receive a FREE annual Golden Bear Pass to visit 200+ state parks and beaches. The pass will not affect your ability to receive other public benefits.
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Low-Income Fare Discount Program |
Metrolink has launched a low-income fare discount program offering a 50% discount on any train ticket or pass with a California EBT card. Metrolink tickets also allow for free transfers on participating transit agencies in Ventura County.
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CalKIDS, a State of California program, offers eligible families access to higher education with up to $1,500 in free money for college! To learn more and register, visit CalKIDS.org today.
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FREE Tax Help
If you earned under $60,000 in 2022, you may be eligible for free tax preparation and filing, and you may qualify for State and Federal Earned Income Tax Credit through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Self-employed workers, families and those with ITINs earning up to $30,000 are eligible for the CalEITC. Free tax preparation and filing assistance continues through April 30.
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National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Keep kids happy and healthy! Together, we can increase community awareness, child and family well-being and work to prevent child abuse and neglect. Please call us to learn more at 805-654-3220 or visit us at StrengtheningVCFamilies.org.
On Tuesday, April 25, 6:30–8 p.m., join the Partnership for Safe Families & Communities for a no-cost parent workshop on Keeping our Kids Safe in honor of Child Abuse Prevention month. Former FBI special agent McAndrew will share critical information on how to keep children safe at home and in the community. There will be an opportunity for questions and live Spanish interpretation will be available. Keeping Our Kids Safe Parent Workshop (English/Spanish): Register Here
Learn more about the Partnership for Safe Families & Communities here!
If you think a child is in danger of abuse, call the 24-hour hotline immediately at 805-654-3200. Reports will be kept confidential, and callers may remain anonymous. For more information, visit vchsa.org/child-protective-services.
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National Month of Hope
April is the National Month of Hope. Webster’s Dictionary defines hope as “desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfilment.” Everyone needs confidence in the future, and we can all spread a little sunshine along our way and bring some hope into people's lives this month and every day.
If you need support, visit wellnesseveryday.org or call 866-998-2243. We know asking for help can cause anxiety, but you're not alone. You can also call 988 for help 24/7 every day. 988 is here for you. Don't forget to show yourself some love this week.
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Earth Day Is April 22: Invest in Our Planet
Every April 22 marks the anniversary of Earth Day since the onset of this environmental movement in 1970. Today, more than 190 countries participate and over 1 billion people mobilize during this day of action to change human behavior and create global, national and local policy changes for a better planet. This Earth Day, go to earthday.org to learn how you can step up and play a part in investing in our planet together.
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Register to receive local emergency notifications at: vcalert.org or call 805-648-9283.
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COVID-19 Update
As of April 3, 2023, per the California Department of Public Health: Masks are no longer required in indoor high-risk and health care settings. This includes health care, long-term care, correctional facilities, homeless, emergency, and warming and cooling centers. Ventura County Public Health supports organizations and agencies that may require, or highly recommend, masking for high-risk or vulnerable populations in their settings.
Ventura County residents continue to have access to vaccines, testing, and treatment to fight COVID-19. For COVID-19 information including vaccines, testing sites, boosted, therapeutics, and local data, visit www.vcrecovers.org.
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For more Ventura County Human Services Agency Updates, visit our website: vchsa.org
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Follow us on social media to stay up to date on important programs and services that may benefit you, your family, and your neighbors. |
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