About Us

Connected to the Community

The Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance brings together more than 2,000 skilled and dedicated employees each day to plan, implement and oversee a spectrum of programs and services designed to move people from public assistance to independence. DHA's mission of fostering self-sufficiency among those it serves touches every facet of daily life, from employment, housing and health care to transportation, education and child care.

Guided by the specific needs of the Sacramento community, DHA's primary goal is to create and carry out programs and activities that help families and individuals reach their highest potential.

To improve lives.

We create awe-inspiring experiences for our staff and customers.

Compassion – We respond with kindness and respect to the needs of others.

Integrity – We say and do the right things even when it is hard.

Trust – We believe in and rely on the character, positive intent and actions of others.

Innovation – We courageously seek and implement new visionary ideas, technologies and creative solutions while trendsetting and maximizing resources.

The Department of Human Assistance helps Sacramento County residents who are in need become self-sufficient and independent, by providing public benefits, employment assistance, and supportive services. ​

Services that make it happen

Throughout Sacramento County, DHA offers a range of services. Among them:

  • ​Veterans Services​
    Counsels veterans, their dependents and survivors, and determines eligibility for benefits. 

Programs Designed with Work In Mind

DHA's programs are specifically designed to help low-income families and individuals find workable solutions to daily-living problems as they make the transition from welfare to the workplace. These programs include:

  • CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
    The blueprint for what is sometimes referred to as “welfare reform,” this program helps families find and keep jobs through a variety of employment services and activities. It also provides short-term cash assistance to those who qualify, including children being cared for by relatives.

  • Employment Services
    Helps community members find and keep jobs through practical, hands-on activities such as pre-employment training workshops, resume assistance, job referrals, on-the-job training, and “dress-for-success” seminars, among others.

    At the Stockton Boulevard Business Information Center, DHA’s job professionals help would-be entrepreneurs start and manage their own small businesses.

  • General Assistance
    Provides short-term cash aid and social services to help single adults find work or, if disabled, obtain aid from other sources.

    Disability Case Management (DCM) - Helps disabled recipients apply for Social Security Disability and SSI/SSP benefits.

DHA also determines benefit eligibility for these programs: