Civil Rights

The Civil Rights Unit at the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services (DSS) ensures that your rights are protected when applying for or receiving public assistance programs. Federal and state civil rights laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), protect you from discrimination. These protections apply to DSS programs such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Assistance, In-Home Supportive Services, and other public assistance services.

You have the right to receive the same services, treatment, and consideration as all other applicants and participants without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.


The Civil Rights Unit

The Civil Rights Unit is responsible for:

  • Investigating complaints of discrimination filed by clients, applicants, or members of the public.
  • Monitoring DSS offices and contracted service providers for compliance with state and federal civil rights requirements, including CDSS Division 21 and ADA Title II regulations.
  • Ensuring that DSS services are accessible to all individuals, including those with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities.
  • Providing training and guidance to DSS staff so that civil rights are upheld in all interactions with the public.

More Information about Civil Rights

All people and organizations providing public assistance must respect your rights. They can help you understand and apply for benefits and services. You have the right to an interpreter free of charge.

You are protected from discrimination on the basis of:

  • Race, color, national origin (including language)
  • Ancestry, ethnic group identification
  • Physical or mental disability
  • Age
  • Sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation
  • Marital status, domestic partnership
  • Medical condition, genetic information
  • Religion or political affiliation
  • Citizenship or immigration status
  • Military or veteran status
  • Reproductive health decision
  • Any other protected basis under federal or state law
  • Or perception of membership in a protected class or characteristic


This includes protection against retaliation for filing a complaint or participating in a civil rights investigation.

The "Your Rights Under California Public Benefits Programs" or PUB 13 pamphlet is provided by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and describes your rights to interpreter services, file a civil rights complaint, or request a state hearing. and offers instructions on how to file a civil rights complaint. The information in the PUB 13 pamphlet is for individuals applying for, receiving, and who have received public assistance and/or services.

PUB 13 is available in the following formats and translations:

English 

PUB 13 English | PUB 13 English Large Print | PUB 13 English Audio Transcript


Spanish

PUB 13 Spanish | PUB 13 Spanish Large Print | PUB 13 Spanish Audio Transcript

A civil rights complaint is a formal way for you to let the Department of Social Services know if you believe you were treated unfairly or denied equal access to services because of who you are or because of a protected characteristic (such as your race, national origin, language, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or another protected basis).

Examples of civil rights complaints include:

  • Experiencing different treatment, service delays, or other harmful action compared to other parcipant or applicants due to a protected characteristic
  • Being denied services because of your language or accent
  • Not being provided an interpreter or translated materials when needed
  • A facility not being accessible if you have a mobility need or other disability
  • Not being provided a reasonable accommodation for a disability

It’s also important to know what is not considered a civil rights complaint. For example, disagreements about your eligibility for benefits or the amount of your financial assistance are not civil rights matters unless you believe the decision was made in a discriminatory way. If you disagree with how DSS evaluated your case, you still have the right to request a state hearing to review whether DSS followed the rules in determining your eligibility or benefit level.

If you believe you have been discriminated against while applying for or receiving services from County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services or one of its contracted providers, you may file a Civil Rights complaint.

There are several ways that you may submit your complaint to the Civil Rights Unit at the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services (DSS):
 

Online

You may complete and submit a civil rights complaint using the online Complaint of Discrimination form. 
 

Submit a Complaint

By using this online form, your complaint is reported directly to the Civil Rights Unit at the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services.


In-Person

You may request to file a civil rights complaint to any DSS employee at any DSS office. This may be done verbally, by written note, or by submitting Form GEN1179 Complaint of Discrimination to any DSS employee. 


Email

You may email your written complaint or a completed Form GEN1179 Complaint of Discrimination to [email protected].


In Writing

You may mail your written complaint or a completed Form GEN1179 Complaint of Discrimination to:

     Department of Social Services
     Attn: Civil Rights Unit
     P.O. Box 8119
     San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8119

 

By Phone

You may submit your complaint directly to the Civil Rights Unit by calling (805) 863-2685.

If you disagree with the County’s decision regarding your previously submitted civil rights complaint, including if the Civil Rights Unit determined to not investigate your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the California Department of Social Services Civil Rights Section within 30 calendar days of the letter from County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services.  

To appeal this decision, contact to California Department of Social Services Civil Rights Section:

Mail:
     California Department of Social Services Civil Rights Section
     744 P Street, M/S 9-7-041
     Sacramento, CA 95814 USA

Phone: (866) 741-6241
TDD/TTY: (800) 688-4486
Website: CDSS Civil Rights 
Email:  [email protected] 

Suzie Freeman, Compliance Program Manager
Phone: (805) 863-2685 
Email:  [email protected]