Resources

This guide is designed to help young people navigate upcoming changes to CalFresh eligibility and work requirements. The information reflects what is currently known and will be updated as LA County DPSS releases additional guidance.

We’ve included information about Workfare because DPSS identifies it as one potential way to meet CalFresh ABAWD work requirements. However, LA County DPSS has not yet released full details about how Workfare will be implemented under the new rules. We strongly encourage young people to contact DPSS or a trusted support person to find out whether Workfare applies to their specific situation.

Resources

General Info

Benefits Cal
Website where you can find your current status of your CalFresh Benefits & MediCal

California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
State agency that runs Medi-Cal. You can find updates, eligibility info, and guidance on changes.

Medi-Cal Member Helpline
1-800-541-5555 | You can call to ask questions about your coverage, eligibility, or notices you received.

Covered California
1-800-300-1506 | Helps you understand your options if your Medi-Cal changes or ends.

CalFresh Customer Service
1-877-847-3663 | Call to ask about your benefits, work requirements, or reporting hours.

LA County DPSS
For CalFresh case questions, notices, renewals, interviews, and benefit updates. CalFresh Customer Service: 1-877-847-3663

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA)
Provides free legal help to LA County residents with benefits, healthcare, housing, and other civil legal needs.

OYC Food Bank Resources
Local food resources if your benefits are affected during this transition

DPSS Public Information:

General Information:

Access Points

Below is a list of locations where young people can access resources directly in the community.

Coordinated Entry System Access Points

Mental Health Services Access Points

Youth Fact Sheets

2024 Foster Youth Benefit and Entitlement Charts

Independent Living Program (ILP)

Electronic Benefits Finder

Housing Resources

Holistic Supports

Housing Stability

Economic Mobility

Checking Your Credit Report & Addressing Identity Theft

Health & Wellness

Immigration Resources

General Resources

OYC Immigration Resources Newsletter

CHIRLA

Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)

Downloadable Materials

Know Your Rights

CA Governor’s Office – Fact Sheet English and Español
St. John’s Community Health – Educational Weekly Sessions
YDD and CIFD – Undocumented Youth Resources
Immigration Legal Resources Center – Handout – Toolkit
CA Attorney General’s Office – Resources
LAUSD – We Are One Know Your Rights Workshops – Flyer
National Immigration Law Center – Fact Sheet – Resources
AILA – Know Your Rights Handouts
We Have Rights – Rights videos
NHLC – What to do before, during, and after a raid
National Immigrant Justice Center – Resources
CLIC – Flyer
ILRC – Know Your Rights printable Card English and Español – Multiple Language Red Cards
Immigrant Defense Project – Resources
California Courts – Self-help guides
Immigration Resources in East LA – Handout
Know Your Rights Camp App – Resource
ACLU – Immigrants’ Rights
Public Counsel – Immigration Resources

Family and Emergency Preparedness

Health Services Los Angeles County – Immigrant Services – Health Services Locations
ILRC – Family Preparedness Plan – Preparedness Toolkit
Immigrant Defense Project – Resources
NPNA – Preparedness Plan English and Español
ACLU – Southern California Rapid Response Network
CCIJ – How Rapid Response Works

Legal Assistance

LAC4YOU – Immigrant Affairs
Immigration Law Help – Find Legal Help
California Courts – Legal Resources
CDSS – Referrals for Immigration Legal Services – Contact Lists – Immigration Services – Programs – Immigration and California Families – Refugees
Immigrant Defense Project – Resources
IMMI – Find Legal Assistance
National Immigration Project – Find an Attorney
US DoJ – Pro Bono Legal Service Providers
Mexican American Opportunity Foundation – Immigration Services
JUSTIA – Los Angeles Immigration Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services

Detainee Information

US Immigrations – Online Detainee Locator System
California Immigrant Policy Center – Rapid Response Network
CCIJ – CA Rapid Response Network
US Dept. of Justice – Immigration Case Status Information
CA Attorney General’s Office – File a Complaint
ILRC – Detention Resources
NHLC – What to do before, during, and after a raid

Student and Educational Institutions Guidance

CA Dept. of Justice – Know Your Educational Rights English and Español – Quick Reference for Schools English and Español
CA Attorney General’s Office – Safe Learning Environment Policies – Guidance for Immigrant Students and Families
CFT – Resources to support undocumented students and families
AFT – Resources for educators and advocates

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit DACA Final Rule – Issued Decision
USCIS – Resource
Covered California – DACA Toolkit – California Immigration Guide – Information for Immigrants – Resources – FAQS – Information on Public Charge

Open Youth Supports

The Alliance helps children in or at risk of foster care find stability by connecting them to healthcare, education, housing, and other vital support.

The Individualized Transition Skills Program (ITSP) offers one-on-one support right in your home for up to two years — plus a chance to earn $300!

The County of Los Angeles Youth@Work program gives young people access to paid work experiences, job readiness training, and other great opportunities to build skills and explore careers.

CASA of Los Angeles supports young people ages 0–21 in LA County who have an open dependency or juvenile justice case.

The Family Urgent Response System (FURS) offers a free, 24/7 hotline and mobile teams that bring immediate, caring support to current and former foster youth and their caregivers.