Public Social Services
Riverside County CA Public Social Services provides assistance programs that support individuals, children, seniors, adults with disabilities, and families throughout the county. This article explains the programs offered by the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, how residents can apply for benefits, where to find office services, and which programs may help with food, health coverage, cash assistance, employment, housing, caregiver support, and family services.
Riverside County Department Overview
The Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) provides county-administered programs designed to support the health, safety, and wellbeing of children, adults, and families. DPSS serves residents through multiple program areas, including Self-Sufficiency, Adult Services, Children and Family Services, In-Home Supportive Services, employment services, housing assistance, and community outreach.
DPSS programs are organized around different needs. Some residents may need help with food or medical coverage, while others may need temporary cash assistance, employment support, caregiver services, or protection services for vulnerable adults and children. Selecting the correct program area can help residents reach the office or service that handles their specific situation.
Benefits and Assistance Programs
The DPSS programs page provides information about the department’s major service areas. These programs include assistance for working-class individuals and families with low or no income, older adults, people with disabilities, and children who need support and protection.
Self-Sufficiency programs help eligible individuals and families access food, housing, cash, child care, employment, and health coverage assistance. Adult Services focuses on helping older adults and dependent adults remain safe and independent. Children and Family Services works with families, communities, and agencies to support children and help achieve positive outcomes.
CalFresh Food Assistance
CalFresh helps eligible households purchase food by providing food-buying assistance through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Residents can learn about eligibility, application options, and program requirements through the DPSS CalFresh Food Assistance page.
There are several ways to apply for CalFresh:
Online through BenefitsCal.
In person at a DPSS office location.
By phone by calling 1-877-410-8827.
By mail after requesting an application.
By fax using the fax number for the appropriate DPSS office location.
The minimum information needed to file a CalFresh application includes the applicant’s name, address, and the signature of a responsible household member or authorized representative. Applicants may appoint an Authorized Representative to help complete the application process if that person has permission to access personal information, make decisions on the applicant’s behalf, and provide identification.
CalFresh benefit amounts are based on household size, gross monthly income, housing expenses, utilities, and other allowable income deductions. Some households may qualify for faster processing when they meet specific emergency circumstances listed by DPSS.
Medi-Cal Health Coverage
DPSS provides information about Medi-Cal for individuals and families who need health coverage and meet program requirements. Medi-Cal offers comprehensive health coverage for qualifying residents, including access to health-related services.
Residents seeking health coverage assistance can review the Health Care Coverage information provided by DPSS. The page also includes information about other health coverage programs and related services available through county resources.
Cash Assistance Programs
CalWORKs provides temporary cash assistance and supportive services for eligible families with children. The program is designed to help families meet basic living needs while working toward employment and self-sufficiency.
Eligible CalWORKs families may receive assistance related to:
Temporary cash aid.
Education and employment training.
Child care assistance.
Transportation support.
Work-related expenses.
Counseling services.
Residents may apply for CalWORKs online through BenefitsCal, visit a DPSS office, or call 1-877-410-8827. During the application process, an Eligibility Technician reviews program requirements and determines eligibility.
Self-Sufficiency Services
The Self-Sufficiency program helps individuals and families with limited income access services that support economic independence. Programs include CalFresh, CalWORKs, Child Care, Employment Services, Homeless Programs, Medi-Cal, and Community Outreach.
Residents who need help locating their case worker for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWORKs can contact the Self-Sufficiency customer service line at 1-877-410-8827. The department uses Eligibility Technicians to assist customers with benefit-related questions and case support.
Employment and Training Support
The Welfare-to-Work program provides employment preparation and supportive services for eligible CalWORKs customers receiving cash aid. The program helps participants identify employment barriers and develop skills needed to enter or return to the workforce.
Services may include:
Job readiness preparation.
Occupational skills training.
Education planning.
Transportation assistance.
Child care assistance.
Work experience and on-the-job training.
Most CalWORKs recipients who are required to participate are enrolled through their eligibility worker. Residents who are unsure about their status can contact their eligibility worker through DPSS.
Adult and Senior Services
Adult Services supports older adults and dependent adults by helping them remain safe and maintain independence. DPSS works with individuals and families to create plans based on personal needs and provides services related to protection, support, and in-home care.
Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services (APS) responds to reports of abuse involving older and dependent adults in Riverside County. APS operates a 24-hour service for reports involving vulnerable adults.
Residents who suspect abuse or neglect involving an older or dependent adult can report concerns through the Adult Protective Services hotline.
In-Home Supportive Services
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a home care program that helps eligible older adults, dependent adults, and minors remain safely in their own homes. Eligibility includes meeting Medi-Cal requirements, having a disability expected to continue longer than 12 months, and having a medical professional determine that the person cannot safely remain at home without IHSS.
The IHSS Public Authority manages a registry that connects Riverside County Adult Services clients with in-home caregivers. The client chooses the caregiver who can meet their needs.
Individuals applying to become IHSS providers must complete required enrollment steps, including submitting identification documents, completing Live Scan and a background check through the California Department of Justice, completing orientation requirements, and registering for electronic timesheets and direct deposit.
Children and Family Services
Children and Family Services partners with families, communities, and agencies to help children thrive. Services include support for reunification with birth parents, permanent placement options, foster care, adoption, and legal guardianship.
The Children and Family Services information page provides information about programs for families and individuals interested in becoming resource families or learning about child safety services.
Child Abuse Reporting
DPSS provides a 24-hour hotline for reporting suspected child abuse. Reports involving child safety concerns are handled through Children and Family Services.
Housing Assistance Options
DPSS provides housing support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or facing housing instability. Housing programs include assistance connected to CalWORKs, temporary housing support, hotel or motel vouchers, and rental assistance programs.
The Housing Help services page explains available programs for eligible families and individuals who need support finding stable housing.
Temporary Housing Support
Families receiving CalWORKs may qualify for certain housing-related assistance. DPSS provides information about programs that help eligible households address immediate housing needs and work toward longer-term stability.
DPSS Office Locations
Residents who need in-person assistance can visit DPSS office locations throughout Riverside County. Office services vary depending on the program area, including administration, adoption, In-Home Supportive Services, Children’s Services, CalWORKs, CalFresh, Child Care, General Assistance, Medi-Cal, and Welfare-to-Work.
Before visiting an office, residents should identify the program they need help with so they can access the correct service location and department.
Applying and Avoiding Delays
Residents applying for benefits should provide accurate information and required documents requested by DPSS. Different programs have different application processes, eligibility reviews, and documentation requirements.
Common steps that help avoid delays include:
Providing complete application information.
Responding to requests from DPSS Eligibility Technicians.
Keeping case information updated.
Using official county and state benefit systems when applying or managing benefits.
Benefit Card Security
CalFresh and cash assistance recipients access benefits through an EBT card. DPSS advises customers to protect their EBT card information and personal identification number.
Customers should not provide their EBT card number or PIN to anyone requesting that information. DPSS also advises customers to avoid third-party applications that request access to benefit account information.
Final Department List
Riverside County Department of Public Social Services — 4060 County Circle Drive, Riverside, CA 92503 — (951) 358-3000
Riverside County Adult Protective Services — 4060 County Circle Drive, Riverside, CA 92503 — (800) 491-7123
Riverside County In-Home Supportive Services / Public Authority — 10281 Kidd Street, Riverside, CA 92503 — 1-888-960-4477
Public Social Services FAQs
How can I apply for benefits through Riverside County Public Social Services?
Residents can apply for available assistance programs through the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services by using the official application options provided through Apply for Benefits. Depending on the program, residents may apply online, visit a DPSS office location, or request assistance with the application process. Programs available through the department include food assistance, cash assistance, health coverage, housing help, child care assistance, and employment support. Applicants should provide accurate information and complete requested steps to help prevent delays during the review process.
Which programs can help families with low income?
Riverside County offers several assistance programs through its Self-Sufficiency services for individuals and families experiencing financial challenges. The Self-Sufficiency program includes services related to food, housing, cash aid, child care, employment services, and health coverage. CalWORKs may provide temporary cash assistance and supportive services for eligible families with children, while CalFresh may help qualifying households purchase food. Residents can review program details and determine which service matches their needs before starting an application.
Where can I find the correct DPSS office for my needs?
Riverside County Public Social Services has multiple office locations that provide different types of assistance. The services available at each location may vary, including programs such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, Child Care, Welfare to Work, In-Home Supportive Services, Children’s Services, and administrative support. Residents can use the DPSS Office Locations page to identify the appropriate location before visiting in person.
How do I get help with services for seniors or adults with disabilities?
The Adult Services division supports older adults and adults with disabilities who need assistance remaining safe and independent. Eligible individuals may receive information about programs such as Adult Protective Services and In-Home Supportive Services. Residents seeking home care support can review the Adult Services information to learn about available assistance, eligibility requirements, and service options.
How can I report concerns about a child or vulnerable adult?
Riverside County provides dedicated reporting services for concerns involving child safety or suspected abuse of older or dependent adults. Child and family concerns are handled through Children and Family Services, while Adult Protective Services responds to reports involving vulnerable adults. Residents can review the department’s Children and Family Services information for guidance on available services and reporting options.