County of Marin - News Releases - Public Assistance

For Immediate Release
July 02, 2018

Benefits Desk Has New Hours, Phone Number

Health and Human Services’ Public Assistance branch enhances service

San Rafael, CA – New and returning clients of the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will find that its Public Assistance branch has a new phone number, extended reception hours, and a revamped West Marin office.

An exterior view of the newly renovated West Marin Service Center.The West Marin Service Center in Point Reyes Station has reopened following a building renovation, and eligibility workers are available to assist clients on Tuesdays.
The new Public Assistance call center number is 877-410-8817. The previous number, 415-473-3400, will be phased out in the next few months.

There are extended reception hours at HHS’ two San Rafael offices at 120 North Redwood Drive and 3240 Kerner Boulevard. Eligibility workers now will be available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Some important changes are geared at reducing wait time for people trying to reach the call center via phone. More workers will be available by phone to answer questions about food assistance or temporary cash aid.

Services at the Novato location are adjusted as well. Although eligibility workers can no longer take drop-in appointments or in-person interviews, the following services are available at 75 Rowland Way:

  • Picking up Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards
  • Requesting EBT pin
  • Getting a temporary Medi-Cal card
  • Reprinting forms
  • Turning in applications
  • Document drop-off and pickup

The West Marin Service Center in Point Reyes Station has reopened following a building renovation, and eligibility workers are available to assist clients on Tuesdays.

Public Assistance provides help with the following programs:

  • California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), a cash assistance program that helps families with children who are deprived of parental support because of unemployment, absence, disability, or death of a parent.
  • Medi-Cal, public health insurance for low-income individuals who are disabled, over age 65, under 21, or parents of children deprived of certain types of support.
  • The County Medical Services Program (CMSP), which provides medical and dental care to non-Medi-Cal individuals ages 21-64.
  • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sometimes called Cal Fresh, which provides financial assistance for food purchases.
  • General Relief, a County of Marin-funded self-sufficiency program that provides temporary cash aid to eligible Marin adults with no dependent children living with them.

Call the new Public Assistance number at 877-410-8817 with any questions about Marin HHS service. Learn more online at www.marinhhs.org/public-assistance.

Contact:

Kari Beuerman
Social Services Director
Department of Health and Human Services

20 N. San Pedro Rd.
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 473-6263
Email: Kari Beuerman
Marin HHS website