Did you know?
- Concerned about COVID-19? We're still here.
- See this list of COVID-19 resources.
- Not sure where to find help? Call 211.
- CalFresh benefits temporarily increased.
- CalFresh student eligibility temporarily expanded.
- Market Match doubles CalFresh benefits.
- New: buy groceries online with your EBT card.
- Power out? CalFresh can replace spoiled food.
- Confused about Public Charge? Get the facts.
- SSI recipients can now get CalFresh.
- Beware of scams targeting EBT cardholders.
How can we help you?
The Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services offers programs to help people maintain their health, improve their economic security, and protect their safety. How can we help you?
Health coverage
- Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health coverage for households with low incomes.
- Covered California offers affordable health insurance. (We don't run this program, but we can help you apply.)
Food aid
- CalFresh helps you buy food, with a card that works like a debit card at the grocery checkout.
- We can provide referrals to other community food resources too.
Cash aid
- CalWORKs provides families with temporary cash aid and Welfare to Work services.
- General Relief provides individuals with temporary cash aid, and job services or SSI advocacy.
Job services
- Workforce Resource Centers provide job search, job readiness, and career guidance services.
- Job training is available through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Child Services
- Child Welfare Services responds to reports of child abuse or neglect, and helps strengthen families.
- Resource Families give care and shelter to children who cannot safely return home.
Adult Services
- Adult Protective Services responds to reports of elder or dependent adult abuse or neglect, and suggests services.
- In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) helps elderly or dependent adults continue to live with dignity at home.
- The IHSS Public Authority helps new IHSS providers through the payroll enrollment process, and maintains a registry of providers.