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Orange County Coronavirus

OC Residents Hit By Unemployment Get Help from County Social Services Agency

JULIE LEOPO, Voice of OC

Orange County Social Services building in Santa Ana on March 19, 2020.

By Spencer Custodio Spencer Custodio | April 3, 2020
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The Orange County Social Services Agency has been slammed with calls and applications for financial relief since scores of people are out of work due to the state’s stay home order to fight the novel coronavirus. 


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“In the last two weeks we have seen over a 65 increase in our call volume,” said agency director Debra Baetz at a Thursday news conference held through Facebook. 

“We’re averaging about 6,000 calls per day,” Baetz said. “In the last two weeks we have accepted over 12,000 applications in all of our public assistance programs.” 

The Social Service Agency’s relief program hotline had an estimated 25 to 30 minute wait time Thursday afternoon and offers a callback service so residents don’t have to stay on hold. 

The agency’s website encourages people to apply for benefits through the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program. 

The CalWORKS program is geared for low-income families.

Gov. Gavin Newsom also issued an executive order last month, suspending eligibility reevaluations requirements for assistance programs like CalWORKS for three months. 

Meanwhile, the County condensed all of the different relief programs into one website. Not only does it provide direction to laid-off residents, but it also has information there for small business owners trying to stay afloat since the stay home order shut down waves of businesses. 

“We are still answering your calls. Finally we are still issuing emergency benefits,” said Baetz, adding the agency has expanded its hours Monday through Friday, and limited hours on Saturday to take calls and process applications. 

“We’re here to provide critical public assistance benefits,” Baetz said.  

There’s also a website that offers jobs and other resources statewide, which was put together by a collection of companies and nonprofits. 

During a Thursday news conference, Newsom said over 1.6 million unemployment claims have been filed since March 13. 

Over 878,000 unemployment claims were filed last week in California, according to a report released by the U.S. Department of Labor. It’s still unclear how many OC residents have filed for unemployment. 

The highest weekly amount someone can get through state unemployment is $450, but the $2 trillion federal relief plan will also add up to $600 a week in order to get people paid close to their normal salaries. 

Many laid off residents have been concerned about paying the rent during the virus pandemic, which led to scores of OC cities adopting temporary eviction ban ordinances. While the timeframe of the bans differs between cities, they all bar any late fees or penalties for back rent. 

While many cities have acted on the issue, the Orange County Supervisors haven’t taken up a countywide measure to temporarily suspend evictions. 

Newsom banned eviction enforcement until May 31, but the renters would still have to plead their case in court. 

In comparison, the Anaheim eviction ban calls for renters to only show their landlords they can’t pay rent because they were laid off or faced a medical crisis during the pandemic — meaning, Anaheim residents won’t have to go to court. 

At Thursday’s news conference, OC officials urged needy residents to use the Second Harvest Food Bank to resupply. 

The food bank’s mass food distribution at the Honda Center on Saturdays turned out thousands of people, who drive up and have food and supplies loaded into their cars.  

Because thousands of residents have been coming out to get food and other supplies, Second Harvest had to hire 120 temporary workers to step in. 

Spencer Custodio is a Voice of OC staff reporter. You can reach him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerCustodio

What is COVID-19? Do I have it?

INFORMATION View the CDC website. View OC's website. View the latest OC case counts.

TRANSLATIONS See the county's guides in non-English languages. Learn key Coronavirus facts in Vietnamese and Spanish via VietRise. See VietRISE guides in Spanish and Vietnamese.

PROTECTION To limit exposure, the CDC recommends: wash your hands often, avoid close contact with others, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth mask when around others, cover coughs and sneezes, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

SYMPTOMS The CDC identifies these key symptoms that can occur any time between 2 and 14 days after exposure: Fever or chills, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches,  headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect Coronavirus, CALL your primary medical provider.

EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS If you display any of the following emergency warning signs, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face.

RISK The CDC identifies people most at risk for serious illness: Older adults, and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

What is open?

RESIDENTS The County of Orange offers a list of notices and news on what guidance is given for families and persons.

SCHOOLS The latest information for the county is available from the Orange County Board of Education.

STATE GUIDE TO WHAT IS OPEN A full list of statewide guidelines for what is open and what is closed.

SOCIAL DISTANCING Staying away from other people is called "social distancing." The aim is to SLOW the spread of Coronavirus so as to not overwhelm the nation's health care systems and so that people in need can get help. The Washington Post explains: "The spread (of COVID-19) can be slowed, public health professionals say, if people practice "social distancing" by avoiding public spaces and generally limiting their movement."

What support is available?

STRESS & ANXIETY Stress and anxiety can be triggered by the situation and resources are available to help from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and from the American Psychology Association. Concern over this new virus can make children and families anxious, here are tips on talking with children about COVID-19.

MENTAL HEALTH The County of Orange offers a list of available mental health support services.

FIRST RESPONDERS The County of Orange offers these support services for first responders and health care workers.

BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS The County of Orange offers a list of up-to-date guidelines for business and faith-based/community organizations.

FOOD ASSISTANCE Voice of OC offers a weekly list of available food pantries in Orange County. You can also apply for food benefits over the phone through the CalFresh program at 800-281-9799 or online.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Buses and trains still offer service, but routes have been reduced so make sure to check your route ahead of time.

HOMELESSNESS The County of Orange offers a list of available shelter beds and other resources.

GENERAL FINANCIAL HELP Here are some services:

  •   • Find information on unemployment and disability benefits.
  •   • The Orange County Social Services Agency, despite closing its lobby, is processing online filings for assistance programs. This includes emergency cash assistance for immediate needs like rent or medical bills. The phone line has averaged a 30 minute wait time and offers a callback service, but people are encouraged to apply for benefits online.
  •   • Residents can apply for any of these programs by calling 800-281-9799.

RESTAURANT OWNERS & EMPLOYEES You can find a detailed list of resources available to restaurant owners and employees

How can I help?

VOLUNTEERING A statewide guide offers examples of ways to volunteer safely during Coronavirus. Options include, but are not limited to: donating plasma, making cloth face masks and supporting local food banks. Orange County's Second Harvest Food Bank lists support options online.

DONATIONS An Orange County Community Resilience Fund has been started through the OC Community Foundation to raise money for local nonprofits and volunteer organizations.

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