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.
Shelby Boston, MSW
Director /Public Guardian / Public Administrator
Services
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, CALFRESH FOOD BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
RECEIVING SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI/SSP)
BEGINNING JUNE 1
The Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services is pleased to announce the expansion of the CalFresh food assistance program to serve people who receive Supplemental Security Income/Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP) benefits beginning June 1, 2019. There will be no change or reduction to their SSI/SSP benefits.
The Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services CalFresh food benefits stretch household budgets, allowing individuals and families to afford nutritious food, including more fruit, vegetables, and other healthy options. CalFresh food benefits are delivered on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) debit card and can be used at any grocery store and farmers market that accepts EBT. Food benefits for one person range from $15-$192 per month, with a national average of $105-$110 per month for older adults and people with disabilities.15,228 households in Butte County currently receive CalFresh benefits, resulting in 27,149 individuals having increased access to health foods.
There are three ways to connect with your county human services agency and apply:
On line at www.GetCalFresh.org
In person at Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services offices in Oroville and Chico
Call 1-877-410-8803 for more information on how to apply
The CalFresh application process includes:
- Complete an application – on-line, or in person.
- Provide proof of income and expenses, if needed.
- Complete an interview – by phone or in person.
- Counties will determine eligibility in 30 days or less (individuals may qualify for expedited processing if they meet the emergent criteria starting on June 1st).
- County provides an EBT debit card.
Reasonable accommodations and services in multiple languages are available through county social service departments.
Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based program that provides a monthly benefit to individuals who are blind, elderly, or have a disability. For disabled people who have never worked, or those who haven't worked enough in the recent years to qualify for Social Security disability insurance, Supplemental Security Income may be the only program available to them.
Special Needs Awareness Program (SNAP)
DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE DURING AN EMERGENCY?
As part of Butte County’s Emergency Evacuation Plan, the Department of Employment and Social Services works collaboratively with multiple agencies to ensure that those in need of evacuation assistance during an emergency are identified and evacuated safely and efficiently. The Special Needs Awareness Program (SNAP) is a voluntary program for those with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) such as individuals with 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. The Special Needs Awareness Program (SNAP) packet is available to anyone with Access and Functional Needs in the community who would like to receive additional information and register to be on this list.
WOULD YOU LIKE A SNAP PACKET?
Please click here to submit a request or call the Butte County Adult Services Intake line at: 1.530.538.7538 and press #2 or call our toll free number 1.855.398.8899
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.
Investigates child abuse and neglect and works to preserve or restore family stability.
CalWORKs provides temporary financial assistance and employment-related services to needy families with minor children.
Helps low-income people buy the food they need to remain healthy.
Medical coverage is available, including Medi-Cal, Expanded Medi-Cal, Health Care Reform Options, and the County Medical Services Program (CMSP).
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 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.