Employment & Social Services

Welcome to the Department of Employment and Social Services (DESS) website. DESS is committed to collaborating with our many partners to provide a safe, healthy and self-reliant community. At DESS we aim to administer employment and social services to all citizens of Butte County with dignity and respect. Please explore the website and learn about the many employment and social services programs we provide.

Our Mission

"We administer employment and social services, preserving the dignity of children, families and adults."

Our Vision

"Partnering for a safe, healthy, and self-reliant community."

California Mortgage Relief Program

$1 billion in mortgage relief funds are now available to California homeowners who have fallen behind on their housing payments during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Qualified homeowners will not have to pay back funds that are awarded.

The California Mortgage Relief Program is funded by the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act's Homeowners Assistance Fund. It was designed to provide assistance to qualified homeowners who have fallen behind on their housing payments due to pandemic-related financial hardships.

The program will be provided to homeowners through the CalHFA Homeowner Relief Corporation as part of the state's Housing is Key initiative. To learn more, visit the California Mortgage Relief Program website.

Services

Special Needs Awareness Program (SNAP)

The Special Needs Awareness Program (SNAP) is a voluntary program for individuals with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) such as physical/developmental or intellectual disabilities, chronic conditions or injuries, limited English proficiency, older adults, children and low income households, homeless and/or transportation disadvantaged (i.e. dependent on public transit), and pregnant women. Registration in the SNAP program will provide additional evacuation information which may include evacuation assistance, as well as notification for extreme heat/cold events and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) events.

If you would like to register for SNAP, please complete the registration card online by clicking here, calling Butte County Adult Services at 530-538-7538, option 2, or by calling toll free 855-398-8899. You can also send an email request to our SNAP contact.

Once registered, you will receive a SNAP packet containing community resources and information needed to prepare for an emergency.

ALERT FM Emergency Notification System

Butte County is partnering with Bare on the Ridge, Inc. and ALERT FM to provide ALERT FM devices to individuals that meet program eligibility guidelines and you may be eligible to receive a free ALERT FM receiver if you meet that criteria.

ALERT FM is a device that receives mass notifications in times of crisis or emergency. This device keeps citizens informed when the power, internet and/or cellular networks fail. Free devices are available on a first come, first-served basis for eligible households. Once supplies have been exhausted you may request to be added to a waitlist.

To register for the program please complete the ALERT FM Application (PDF) and submit or call 530-552-6887. Visit the ALERT FM website to learn more.

Senior & Adult Services

Adult Services provides services to help the elderly and persons with disabilities to live safely in their own homes. Investigates reports of elder or dependent adult abuse and neglect.

Children's Services

The Children's Services Division investigates child abuse and neglect and works to preserve or restore family stability. Visit the Parent and Guardian Information and Resources page to learn more.

California Work Opportunity & Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)

CalWORKs provides temporary financial assistance and employment-related services to needy families with minor children.

Calfresh (Formerly Food Stamps)

CalFresh helps low-income people buy the food they need to remain healthy. To qualify for CalFresh the minimum basic requirement(s) are:

• Identity of Primary Applicant
• Gross non-exempt income
• Non-citizenship Status
• Social Security Number(s)
• Residency

If you are unable to provide or need assistance obtaining any required documentation please let your worker know and the county will assist in obtaining needed verification.

If you are in need of immediate food assistance please use any available option to apply listed previously, under service options. Expedited Service CalFresh benefit(s) are potentially available within 3 days to all households that apply and qualify. You may qualify to receive benefits under Expedited Service if:

1. You have less than $150 monthly gross income and less than $100 available liquid resources
2. Your combined monthly gross income and liquid resources are less than the household's combined rent/mortgage and utility cost (SUA)
3. Identity is verified

Proof of identity is required for Expedited Service. Examples of proof of identity include, but are not limited to:

• Driver's License, picture ID, work or school ID, health benefits ID
• Birth Certificate
• Voter Registration Card
• Wage Stubs
• Collateral Contact
• Social Security Card

Medical Coverage

Medical coverage is available, including Medi-Cal, Expanded Medi-Cal, Health Care Reform Options, and the County Medical Services Program (CMSP).

Veteran Services

The County Veterans Service Office is an office established by the Butte County Board of Supervisors to assist veterans, their dependents and survivors, and the general public in obtaining benefits from federal, state, and local agencies administering programs for veterans.

General Assistance (GA)

General Assistance provides three months of cash assistance to eligible, employable adults and provides longer-term assistance to eligible adults who are temporarily disabled or who are awaiting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) approval.

Butte Community Employment Centers - One Stops

Each Butte Community Employment Center provides a wide variety of employment related services to both job seekers and employers, and a connecting point between the two.

See a full list of Butte Community Partners.