April 2024

Dear Community Members,

Scroll down for important CalFresh renewal information; free tax filing help available; news about veterans programs and services; upcoming career workshops; and more!

More Californians Eligible for Food Benefits

Beginning Oct. 1, 2025, the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will expand to cover all income-eligible Californians aged 55 and older, regardless of immigration status. Undocumented immigrants age 55 and older who meet the same income requirements as all other individuals receiving CalFresh or CFAP benefits will be eligible to receive monthly food benefits. These benefits will be available through the same Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card as CalFresh.

Please complete this survey to share information about the food situation in your home and how the CFAP expansion will benefit your household. The best person to complete the survey is an adult from your household who shops for food or prepares meals. This input will greatly help in the expansion process.

For more information, call the CalFresh benefits helpline at 1-877-847-3663 or email CFAP@dss.ca.gov.

Is it Time to Renew Your CalFresh Benefits?

CalFresh clients must complete a recertification application and be interviewed before the end of their current certification period to continue receiving CalFresh benefits. If you're currently receiving CalFresh benefits and are approaching the end of your certification period, an interview appointment letter should be arriving to your mailbox to discuss your application.  

Call during the month of your scheduled interview appointment to complete your CalFresh renewal interview over the phone:

1-888-472-4463, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

The phone recertification may take up to 45 minutes to complete.

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 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.

Calling All Older Adult Artists!

In honor of Older Americans Month in May, the County of Ventura is hosting an art exhibit featuring artworks produced by the county's older adults. All artworks will be displayed at the Hall of Administration, 800 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura.

If you are age 60 or older and would like to have your artwork on display, please:

1.) Register your entry online by April 28, 2024. For assistance filling out the form, call the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging at 805-477-7300.

2.) Once your submission has been approved, you'll be provided with information on where to deliver your artwork (most likely at your local senior center).

In addition:

• Entries are limited to ONE per person.
• Mediums accepted include painting, drawing and photography. These artworks must be hang-ready, with hooks included.
• Limited space is available for three-dimensional works, such as sculptures, jewelry and ceramics, which must be less than 12" in height and freestanding.

Visit VCArtsCouncil.org for additional information.

Looking Out for Our Local Farmworkers

Are you a farmworker who needs help with health care or a workplace issue? Contact our Farmworker Resource Program (FRP) today. FRP team members are fluent in Spanish, Mixteco, Zapoteco, Purepecha and English. Call 805-385-1899 or email: HSA-AGFRP@ventura.org

To learn more about resources and services available through our Farmworker Resource Program, visit: VCHSA.org/ag

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, April 9, 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.

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

How to Apply for a County of Ventura Job

Join the County of Ventura recruitment staff for a FREE workshop, where you'll learn:

• About the application process.
• How to review a job bulletin to help you understand what recruiters are looking for.
• How to complete an application.
• Application do’s and don’ts.

Upcoming workshop dates:

Wednesday, June 26 | 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Location:

America’s Job Center of California

2901 N. Ventura Rd., 3rd Floor

Oxnard

Individuals who require a disability accommodation (including interpreter, sign language translation, alternate document format, or other auxiliary aid) should contact the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) staff at (805) 477-5306 at least 5 business days prior to the meeting in order to ensure the availability of the requested accommodation.

If you have questions about the workshop, please contact HSA-Info.WDB@ventura.org. For information about the WDBVC, visit: WorkforceVenturaCounty.org

Fresh Start Legal Clinics

The Ventura County Public Defender invites you to attend one of their upcoming Fresh Start Legal Clinics at the GEO-RCC, 4601 Telephone Rd., Suite 102, in Ventura:

Wednesday, April 24, 4 - 7 p.m.

Wednesday, July 24, 4 - 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4 - 7 p.m.

Volunteer attorneys from the Public Defender's office can help you dismiss misdemeanor convictions that are eligible for expungement. An expungement can help clear your record and help to secure better employment, education and housing opportunities. View the expungement application.

The Public Defender's office also provides access to Homeless Court sessions, which give eligible applicants an alternative option to perform community service or treatment hours in lieu of paying fines/fees owed to the court. View the Homeless Court application.

For more information, call 805-654-2201.

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