February 2024

Dear Community Members,

More people now qualify for Medi-Cal coverage after the recent elimination of Medi-Cal's asset limit and immigration status requirements. Scroll down for details.

This month's newsletter also includes a video featuring a former foster youth who shares how the VC Thrive supplemental income program is helping her achieve her goals, information on free tax filing assistance available to eligible community members, job opportunities, and more!

February is Black History Month

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout our country's history.

Throughout the month, we encourage you to discover and share stories of how Black Americans have helped shape and strengthen our community right here in Ventura County.

Black history is our history.

Assets No Longer Counted to Determine Medi-Cal Eligibility​​​​​​​​​

As of Jan. 1, 2024, Medi-Cal has stopped considering assets, such as savings and checking accounts, investments and property, to determine program eligibility.

Additionally, Californians age 26 through 49 are now allowed to qualify for full Medi-Cal, regardless of their immigration status.

One's income is now the only consideration to determine eligibility for Medi-Cal. If you've previously been denied for coverage, you may be eligible now. Visit the Medi-Cal website for more details and apply today.

VC Thrive Provides Greater Quality of Life for Low-Income Former Foster Youth

Since launching this past October, 130 participants have enrolled in our VC Thrive supplemental income pilot program for low-income former foster youth, with more applicants in line to be accepted soon. The 18-month program provides monthly stipends of $1,000 to help put young adults transitioning out of foster care on a path toward self-sufficiency and a greater quality of life.

The initial goal was to have 150 participants enrolled by the end of February 2024, the program's original application deadline; however, that deadline has been extended to April 10, giving more low-income foster youth the opportunity to receive much-needed supplemental income to meet basic needs, such as housing, food, transportation, and child care.

As of today, over $400,000 in payments have been distributed to participants. Many of them have already shared how the extra monthly income has allowed them to secure housing, buy food and clothes, attend school, and plan for their future.

Watch this video to hear Jasmine share how VC Thrive is helping provide stability and a brighter future for herself and her son.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance Available Through April 30

If you earned less than $64,000 in 2023, you may be eligible for FREE tax preparation and filing as well as state and federal earned income tax credit.

Self-employed workers, families and those with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) earning up to $30,000 are eligible for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC).

Tax preparation assistance is available in person, online and via secure document drop-off.

Visit our website for full details.

In anticipation of the March 5, 2024, California Presidential Primary Election, the Elections Division is seeking to fill TEMPORARY INTERMITTENT positions to perform a variety of ballot processing, customer service and data entry functions in support of the election. Depending on job assignment, term of employment may range from several days to several months.

View full details and apply today.

BenefitsCal is an online portal where you can easily request and manage medical benefits and food and cash assistance. Watch this video for step-by-step instructions.

Free Weekly Access to Credit Reports

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion have permanently extended a program that lets you check your credit reports once a week for FREE!

Reviewing credit reports on a regular basis helps you ensure their accuracy and address any errors or fraudulent activity that may be lowering your score.

Visit AnnualCreditReport.com now for complete details, and request your free credit reports.

Attention CalFresh Participants!

If you experienced food loss or power outages during the floods in Ventura County beginning Dec. 21, 2023, you have until Feb. 21, 2024, to request a replacement of your CalFresh benefits.

Call 1-888-472-4463 or visit your local Community Service Center for details.

Resource Families Needed

There are many youth in Ventura County ages 16-25 in need of stable, loving homes.

A safe place to call home can provide the confidence needed for a successful future. Please consider becoming a resource parent and helping these youth take their first steps toward independence.

With a little extra room in your home and a lot of love in your heart, you can change a life! Visit our website or call 805-654-3220 now to learn more about becoming a resource parent and supporting older youth.

Celebrate Library Lover's Month With Ventura County Library

Did you know: California residents can get a Ventura County Library (VCL) card at no charge, and all library services and programs are free! VCL has a variety of wonderful resources available, including:

• A CA State Parks Pass that allows you to visit parks, lakes, beaches and monuments in the CA State Parks system for free with your VCL library card, made possible through a generous partnership with the CA State Library;  

• A new e-reader, the Palace Project, where you can access even more eBooks & eAudiobooks at no cost; and

• Free online tutoring for K-12 students, provided by California State Library via HelpNow. Real-time homework assistance is available 24 hours a day by laptop, tablet, or phone from qualified tutors in English and Spanish.

VCL is also hosting programs for all ages throughout the month. Attend an upcoming event at a library near you.

HSA's Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) seeks applicants age 55 or older for an open senior assemblymember position on the California Senior Legislature (CSL). The term of this position runs through October 2026. The person chosen to fill the seat will also serve on the VCAAA’s Advisory Council.

The CSL is a volunteer body whose primary mission is to help preserve and enhance the quality of life for older Californians and their families. The CSL gathers ideas for legislation at the state and federal levels, crafts the ideas into formal proposals, prioritizes the proposals, presents them to members of the legislature or the Congress, and advocates for laws implementing the ideas.

More details and a link to the application are available on the CSL website, under the Forms tab. Submit completed applications via email to Roger.Horne@ventura.org or by mail to:

Roger Horne

VCAAA

646 County Square Dr., #100

Ventura, CA 93003

Applications are due by March 29, 2024, and must include:

• A resume outlining experience at the city and county levels on issues dealing with seniors;
• Signed Code of Ethics;
• Signed Volunteer Agreement Waiver; and  
• Signed Statement of Commitment.

VCAAA’s Advisory Council will hold an election at their May 8 meeting. Newly elected members from across the state will be sworn in during the October 2024 Annual Legislative Session.

Virtual Veteran Services Orientation

The Employment Development Department and America's Job Center of California (AJCC) invites veterans and their family members to attend an orientation of services available to veterans. This event will take place on Zoom, Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 10-11:30 a.m. and will include information about:

• AJCC employment and training programs
• Counseling and rehabilitation to get back to work and civilian life
• VA education and medical benefits as well as federal and local benefits

Please call (805) 288-8400 for additional information and the Zoom meeting link.

Medi-Cal members: Be sure to check your mail for important Medi-Cal renewal information. If you’ve moved in the last three years, make sure to update your contact information.

Renewing Medi-Cal coverage is FREE and can be done by mail, phone, in person or online to avoid a gap in health coverage.

For additional information, including instructions on how to complete your renewal form, visit: KeepMedicalCoverage.org

For more updates, visit the Ventura County Human Services Agency website: VCHSA.org

Follow us on social media to stay up to date on important programs and services that may benefit you, your family, and your neighbors.