San Diego County is taking proactive steps to protect its most vulnerable residents by launching a new notification system that alerts people ahead of time if their public benefits may be reduced or eliminated.

Approved unanimously by the County Board of Supervisors, the plan requires the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) to notify benefit recipients before any program cuts go into effect, including assistance through Medi-Cal, CalFresh (food benefits), and CalWORKs (cash aid for families).

Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Nora Vargas authored the legislation, emphasizing that the early warnings will give families more time to prepare, seek help, or appeal the decision. The supervisors pointed to growing concern about benefit reductions stemming from federal and state policy changes, including the potential loss of enhanced pandemic-era aid.

Supervisors will fully implement the notification policy by October and pursue long-term strategies to stabilize support services for low-income residents.

“This is about transparency and dignity,” said Supervisor Lawson-Remer. “People shouldn’t be blindsided when they rely on these lifeline programs.”