The providers included in the Social Services section of the Reentry Resource Directory can help you in obtaining income, food, family supports and identification.
Identification: Other than sites offering free meals most providers will require you to have some form of identification. If you do not already have ID we recommend you begin the process as soon as possible upon release. Below is a guide to help you determine what type of ID you need and the order in which you will need to obtain ID in order to access services. See our guide to obtaining Identification for more detailed information on the specifics of what you are likely to need.
Food: These providers are places that you can go to for a free meal or for food to feed yourself and your family. We recommend that you call ahead to determine if there are any eligibility requirements and exactly what type of services they offer.
Public Benefits: Only a Alameda County Social Services Administration staff person can enroll you in public benefits. Many community based service providers can screen you to see which benefits you might qualify for however, they cannot actually enroll you in the benefits.
What to expect when trying to enroll
While the needed documentation varies depending on the public benefit you are trying to access, Oftentimes, you will need the follow documents:
- A photo ID. This can be your jail/prison ID card, or any ID card with your picture on it. If you do not have a photo ID, the clinic will ask you to sign a waiver.
- Proof of income. If you are working, please bring your most recent pay stub. If you aren't working, you will be asked to sign a waiver.
- Proof of residency. If you have an item of mail with your current address on it, please bring that to your appointment. If you are not housed or do not have a proof of residency, the case worker will either ask you to sign a waiver or tell you about other options.
The table below lists of the limitations and requirements for various public benefits administered by the Social Security Administration
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Program/ Benefit
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General Limitation
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Residency
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Estimated Time For Approval and payment
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Original Documents Required
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Face 2 Face meeting
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Food Stamps
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- No drug felonies except for conviction of use or possession.
- No outstanding warrants or parole violations.
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none
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30 days or 3 days if Expedited
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ID, rent receipt, etc
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May be waived for a telephone interview.
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General Assistance
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Must be a citizen, or resident non-citizen without a specified departure date.
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15-Days in Alameda County
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30 Days
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Social Security card
ID, landlord statement
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Required
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Medi-Cal
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-Pregnant women
- Individuals under 21 or over 65
- disabled individuals
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Intended California Residency
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45 Days
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Original Docs Req'd
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No
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CalWORKs
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Reside with related child(ren)
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none
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45 Days unless Immediate Need
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ID, BC, SS Card
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Required
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Family Services refers to organizations that offer a wide range of supports for families (call ahead to determine the exact services the organization offers).
Types of service providers
- Family reunification service providers assist in returning children who have been placed in foster care or with extended family caregivers to their parents.
- Family planning generally means deciding when to have children through the use of birth control and other techniques. However many family planning services will also offer provide assistance in preventing and managing sexually transmitted infections.
- Child Care providers ensure a safe nurturing environment for the care of children outside the home generally while a parent is at work. It is important to ensure that a child care provider is licensed with the state.
- Domestic Violence providers specialize in caring for victims of physical, sexual and child abuse. They may provide temporary and transitory housing, counseling and legal services.
Know your rights...
- 1. You cannot be denied Family services because of your criminal history.
- 2. If you are the parent who is owed child support payments, Contact the Alameda County Department of Child Support Services to learn how you can start collecting payments once you are released.
- 3. If you are having trouble paying or are unable to pay child support, contact the Alameda County Department of Child Support Services to modify your payments.
- 4. Do not pay the recipient of child support directly; this will not count towards your monthly child support payments.
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Social Services
