|
Dear Community Members,
November is Veterans and Military Families Month. We hope you'll join us for the upcoming Operation Green Light Ceremony in support of our military veterans (scroll down for details). This month's newsletter also contains information on the wide range of services offered by HSA's Veteran Services Office, details on our new supplemental income pilot program for former Ventura County foster youth, the importance of completing the Community Emergency Access Survey, and more!
| |
Ceremony to Honor Military Veterans
Join us Monday, Nov. 6, at the Ventura County Veterans Memorial, 6001 Telephone Rd., for a special lighting ceremony in support of our veterans.
The event will feature representatives from Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), including commanding officer and featured speaker Capt. Robert “Barr” Kimnach III and the NBVC Color Guard. Board of Supervisors Chair Matt LaVere will also deliver remarks during the ceremony.
The ceremony begins at 5:15 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and first come, first served. Visit the county website for additional event details.
The event location is physically accessible. To request a disability-related accommodation, please call 805-289-8205. Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help ensure availability.
The Veterans Memorial will remain lit through Sunday, Nov. 12, as part of Operation Green Light, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans.
| |
|
Serving Those Who Served
The Human Services Agency recognizes the courageous service of Ventura County veterans. Our Veteran Services Office (VSO) works hard to help these men and women, their dependents and survivors access benefits from federal, state and local agencies that they have earned, including financial assistance and medical treatment.
Veterans and their families may contact the VSO for assistance with the following:
- Claims to the VA for service-connected compensation
- Pension for wartime veterans with non-service-connected disabilities
- California Tuition Fee Waiver Program
- Memorial benefits
- VA life insurance
- Medical referrals and information
- Mental Healthcare for Other than Honorable (OTH) Discharged Former Service Members
- Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
Call 805-477-5155 for more information or to schedule an appointment at a Veteran Services Office near you.
| |
|
New Income Pilot Program for Former Ventura County Foster Youth
The application for VC Thrive—HSA’s new supplemental income pilot program for low-income former Ventura County foster youth—is NOW OPEN! The 18-month program provides participants with monthly stipends of $1,000.
By providing a supplemental monthly income to help cover necessities such as food, housing and utilities, VC Thrive aims to enable participants to focus on pursuing educational and career opportunities that will put them on a path toward self-sufficiency and a greater quality of life.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
- Be a former foster youth between the ages of 21 and 26 who aged out of care in Ventura County (eligible youth can apply up to 90 days before their 21st birthday or 30 days after their 26th birthday);
- Currently reside in California; and
-
Have an annual household income that falls at or below the HUD low-income limit for Ventura County (i.e. $74,400 for single-person household, $85,500 for two-person household, etc.).
Get full details at JamesStorehouse.org/VCThrive.
The application will close on Feb. 29, 2024, or as soon as 150 eligible applicants have been enrolled in the program.
| |
Complete the Community Emergency Access Survey
Please complete this brief survey to help us better understand the barriers faced by residents with disabilities and other functional needs in accessing emergency information and/or services. These barriers may include language, age, a low income, lack of housing or transportation, chronic illness or disability.
Your responses will help us identify gaps in our disaster planning, response and recovery efforts, and help ensure everyone in our community has equal access to emergency information and services.
Visit our website for more information.
| |
|
In November, the current EBT cardholder website (ebt.ca.gov) will be upgraded to the ebtEDGE Mobile Application and Web-enabled Cardholder Portal. This portal will give EBT cardholders access to self-service features that will help protect the benefits on their EBT card from fraudulent use.
New features include:
- Ability to block transactions from occurring out-of-state and/or internet purchases, either temporarily or permanently
- Ability to turn your card “off” (freeze) and “on” (unfreeze) when you want, and as often as you like
- Ability to request a replacement card if your card is damaged, lost or stolen
- Ability to change your PIN when you want, and as often as you like, to keep it secure
- Fingerprint or facial recognition on your mobile device
EBT cardholders will be able to download the ebtEDGE Mobile App from the Apple App Store for iPhone or the Google Play Store for Android devices. View full details.
| |
Get Banked
CalWORKs clients who request to receive their benefits through direct deposit are eligible to receive a $50 gift card (one per household limit while supplies last).
You can use the checking/savings account you already have, or open a new account for direct deposit. Please note, accounts must be held with a traditional bank or credit union.
Why choose direct deposit:
- It offers increased security and privacy.
-
It helps safeguard against EBT theft.
- Your funds are available the first of each month.
- You can continue to access funds at ATM machines and any store that accepts ATM cards.
To enroll in direct deposit and receive your $50 gift card, contact your CalWORKs worker or call 888-472-4463 and provide verification of your bank account.
| |
Need Help With Medicare Open Enrollment?
If you’re currently enrolled in Medicare, you can change your Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage during the open enrollment period for 2024. If you need help understanding Medicare changes and your healthcare insurance options, our Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is here for you.
Please call 805-477-7300 or visit the Ventura County Human Services Area Agency on Aging website to schedule a free in-person, phone or virtual appointment with an unbiased HICAP counselor.
| |
|
Camarillo Health Care District Presents “Knowing and Accessing Your VA Benefits”
Camarillo Health Care District is hosting an informative presentation on Monday, Nov. 13, at the Camarillo Public Library as part of their “Elder Legal Answers Your Questions On...” series.
The “Knowing and Accessing Your VA Benefits” presentation will take place from noon to 1 p.m. with attorneys from the Elder Legal Services volunteer team.
Register in advance by calling 805-388-1952. For additional information, visit the Camarillo Health Care District website.
| | | |
Is It Time to Renew Your Medi-Cal? | |
|
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. | | | | |
