To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Proclaim February 2026 as Eligibility Work Month
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution declaring February 2026 as Eligibility Work Month in Contra Costa County as recommended by the Employment and Human Services Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
Eligibility Worker Recognition Month represents an opportunity to recognize the complex work performed by and professionalism of Contra Costa County eligibility workers.
Eligibility Workers determine eligibility for human services programs, serving as a vital link between the public and essential services, interacting with people with compassion and professionalism.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Contra Costa County will miss an opportunity to recognize its Eligibility Work staff.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution supports all five of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School”; (2) “Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (3) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4) “Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing”; and (5) “Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.”
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
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WHEREAS, the Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) promotes a vision of a thriving community where all individuals and families can be healthy, safe, secure, and self-sufficient; and
WHEREAS, Eligibility Workers promote this vision, playing a crucial role in ensuring access to food, shelter, healthcare, childcare, education and transportation, and other essential services for individuals and families in our community; and
WHEREAS, Workforce Services’ eligibility workers, expertly administer CalFresh, CalWORKs, Childcare, Welfare-to-Work, and Medi-Cal programs. In Fiscal Year 2024-25, they processed 343,264 applications and renewals, and answered 759,047 phone calls; and
WHEREAS, Children & Family Services’ eligibility workers ensure the timely and efficient handling of Medi-Cal, KinGAP, Foster Care, and Adoption Assistance. In Fiscal Year 2024-25 they processed 507 applications; and
WHEREAS, Aging & Adult Services’ eligibility workers support older adults and individuals with disabilities by determining Medi-Cal and CalFresh eligibility for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) consumers and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, and applications and renewals for General Assistance. In Fiscal Year 2024-25 they processed 21,493 applications and renewals; and
WHEREAS, eligibility work requires dedication, compassion, and expertise to help guide and support vulnerable individuals through complex eligibility processes while fostering inclusivity and fairness; and
WHEREAS, Eligibility Workers uphold the Department’s values of organizational excellence, exceptional customer service, open communication, innovation, ethical behavior, and diversity.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County does hereby proclaim February 2026 as Eligibility Work Month, recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of those who perform eligibility work to improve lives, foster dignity, and ensure access to resources for all community members.