The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) is a government agency responsible for administering various social service programs and benefits in Los Angeles County, California. It is one of the largest social service agencies in the United States. The department’s primary objective is to support and assist individuals and families in need, ensuring their well-being and promoting self-sufficiency.
DPSS works to address poverty, homelessness, and other social challenges by providing a wide range of resources and programs. It collaborates with community partners, local organizations, and stakeholders to create a safety net and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations in Los Angeles County.
The department operates through multiple service centers and offices strategically located throughout the county, aiming to make services accessible and convenient for residents. DPSS is committed to delivering its services with professionalism, integrity, and respect for the diversity and unique circumstances of the individuals and families it serves.
Office Location: Department of Public Social Services Agency Los Angeles County, CA
Agency Center | Office Address | Phone Number | Office Hours |
Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services | 2855 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023 | (866) 613-3777 | Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm |
Please note that the office may be closed on federal holidays.
Website and Online Services
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services website, available at https://www.dpssbenefits.lacounty.gov/ybn/Index.html, provides valuable information and resources for residents seeking assistance and support. The site offers guidance on the application process and eligibility requirements, along with a resource directory connecting individuals and families to additional support services in healthcare, housing, education, and legal aid.
Services Offered: Department of Public Social Services Agency Los Angeles County, CA
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) offers a wide range of services to support individuals and families in need. Some of the key services provided by DPSS include:
- CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids): This program provides temporary financial assistance to eligible families with children, helping them achieve self-sufficiency through employment and training opportunities.
- CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps): CalFresh provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families, enabling them to purchase healthy food through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
- General Relief (GR): GR is a county-funded program that offers temporary financial assistance to eligible individuals or families who do not qualify for other benefit programs.
- Medi-Cal: DPSS helps individuals and families apply for and access healthcare coverage through the Medi-Cal program, which offers low-cost or no-cost medical services to eligible individuals.
- Homeless Assistance: DPSS provides resources and assistance to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including emergency shelter placements, rental assistance, and support in accessing housing resources.
- In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): IHSS offers support services to elderly, blind, or disabled individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living, allowing them to remain safely in their own homes.
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): RCA provides financial assistance to eligible refugees and other qualified individuals who are unable to meet their basic needs.
- Employment Services: DPSS offers employment services such as job search assistance, vocational training, and employment counseling to help individuals find and maintain employment.
- Child Care Services: DPSS assists eligible families in accessing affordable and quality child care services, which support parents in their employment or educational pursuits.
- Emergency Assistance: DPSS provides emergency assistance to individuals and families facing immediate crisis situations, such as emergency shelter placements or emergency food vouchers.
Please note that the Los Angeles County DPSS offers additional programs and services beyond the ones listed above. The specific services available may be subject to change, and eligibility criteria apply for each program. It is recommended to contact DPSS directly or visit their official website for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about their services.
Appointments and Wait Times: Department of Public Social Services Agency Los Angeles County, CA
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) may have appointments and waiting times for certain services. The availability and necessity of appointments can vary depending on the specific program or service you are seeking. Some services may require appointments to ensure efficient and personalized assistance, while others may accept walk-in visits.
To obtain accurate information about appointments and waiting times, it is recommended to contact DPSS directly. You can reach out to their office by phone or visit their official website for more details. The DPSS website may provide information on whether appointments are required for specific services and how to schedule them. It is advisable to check their website or contact them to inquire about the specific service you need and to get the most up-to-date information on appointment availability and any potential waiting times.
Keep in mind that appointment availability and waiting times can vary based on demand, staffing levels, and other factors, so it is best to contact DPSS for the most accurate and current information.
Frequently Asked Questions
DPSS offers a wide range of services, including but not limited to CalWORKs (financial assistance for families), CalFresh (nutrition assistance), General Relief (temporary financial assistance), Medi-Cal (healthcare coverage), In-Home Supportive Services (assistance for the elderly and disabled), homeless assistance, employment services, and child care services.
To apply for DPSS services, you can visit their office in person or apply online through the DPSS website. The application process may vary depending on the specific program or service you are applying for. It is recommended to check the DPSS website or contact their office for detailed instructions on how to apply.
Eligibility requirements vary for each DPSS program. Factors such as income, household size, residency, and specific program guidelines are considered. It is best to consult the DPSS website or contact their office to determine the eligibility criteria for the program you are interested in.
The processing time for DPSS benefits varies depending on the program and individual circumstances. Some applications may be processed more quickly than others. It is recommended to contact DPSS directly to inquire about the estimated processing time for the specific benefit you have applied for.
To report changes or updates to your DPSS case, such as changes in income, household composition, or address, it is important to notify the DPSS office as soon as possible. You can do this by contacting their office through the designated phone number or by visiting in person. Promptly reporting changes ensures that your benefits and services are accurately adjusted based on your current circumstances.
Driving Directions
Here are step-by-step directions to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services:
- Start by determining the exact address or location of the DPSS office you intend to visit. You can search for their address on the DPSS website, through an online directory, or by contacting their office directly.
- Once you have the address, use a navigation app or a mapping service like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze on your smartphone or computer.
- Open the navigation app and enter the address of the DPSS office as your destination. Ensure your current location is set correctly.
- The app will provide you with turn-by-turn directions to reach the DPSS office. Follow the instructions provided, including any suggested routes, turns, or highway exits.
- Pay attention to landmarks or signs along the way to ensure you’re on the right track. If needed, you can also consult the map display on your navigation app for visual guidance.
- Continue following the directions until you reach your destination—the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services office.
Please note that road conditions, traffic, and construction can impact the accuracy of the directions. It’s always a good idea to check for any real-time updates or alternative routes on the navigation app to ensure the most efficient and accurate directions. Additionally, it’s advisable to confirm the office hours of the specific DPSS location you plan to visit to ensure they are open when you arrive.
Reviews
The reviews for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) provide a mix of feedback from various individuals. Some reviewers expressed positive experiences with the agency, mentioning friendly and quick service, assistance with vouchers, and fast processing of EBT cards. Others shared negative experiences, including long wait times, difficulties in communication, accusations of misusing assistance money, and encounters with rude or unhelpful staff members. It’s important to note that these reviews represent the opinions and experiences of individual users and may not reflect the overall quality or performance of DPSS.