The Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), Social Services Call Center continues to be closed Wednesdays due to staffing shortages, but immediate access to eligibility information is available.
Staffing levels have continued to drop since the decision was made in December to close weekly. Between vacancies and staff on leave, the Call Center is currently at 41% staffing, with approximately 16 workers fielding all eligibility calls.
As a result, the Call Center has been forced to stay closed one day a week, on Wednesdays, to give staff time to conduct interviews and process existing applications for CalFresh and Medi-Cal.
Customers looking to reach staff on Wednesdays can go to one of the following Social Services offices which remain open five days a week:
- Eureka, 929 Koster St.
7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. - Fortuna, 3306 Renner Drive
8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. - Hoopa, 535 Airport Road
8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:00 p.m. - McKinleyville, 1615 Heartwood Drive
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Redway, 3156 Redway Drive
8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Customers can also visit www.BenefitsCal.com to apply for, maintain and check benefits online at any time. The secure, web-based portal allows customers to set up a free account to:
- Access up-to-date case and benefit information
- Check the status of an application or renewal
- Submit an application or periodic report such as a semi-annual report
- Recertify/renew benefits online
- Report changes and update information
- Upload verification documents
- Download and review any needed forms or notices
- Check appointment dates and times.
BenefitsCal.com can be used in addition to office contact methods, and customers can create an account at any time.
Existing customers can also contact the Call Center during closed hours and use the Interactive Voice Response system to access account balances and request replacement forms. EBT card holders can call the number on the back of their cards to get account balances.
The Call Center is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 1-877-410-8809.
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