Your Civil Rights

The Civil Rights Section of DPSS protects your Civil Rights. The Civil Rights Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are laws that protect you from discrimination when accessing public assistance programs including, cash assistance, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, In-Home Supportive Services and other social service programs in Los Angeles County.

The Civil Rights Section investigates allegations of Civil Rights discrimination filed by customers. The Section is responsible for monitoring DPSS and contracted and sub-contracted public contact offices for compliance with California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Division 21 Regulations and ADA Title II Regulations.

You have the right to receive the same services, consideration, and equal treatment given to all other applicants or customers regardless of national origin (includes language), color, race, ancestry, ethnic group identification, physical or mental disability, age, sex, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic partnership, medical condition, genetic information, religion, political affiliation, citizenship, immigration status, or any other applicable basis. This includes acts of retaliation.

If you have applied for benefits or are currently receiving benefits from Los Angeles County DPSS and you feel that you have been discriminated against, you may file a Civil Rights complaint by:

1. Completing the Complaint of Discriminatory Treatment Form;
2. Calling the Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Hotline at (562) 908-8501; or
3. Asking to speak to the Civil Rights Liaison at any DPSS office or informing any DPSS staff.