State & City Resources
San Diego, California: Disability Resources
On This Page
In San Diego, “Access” can mean two different services: the county benefits call center or MTS paratransit. Choosing the right one saves a misdirected call. The county also has a separate information service for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers.
Access for County Benefits
San Diego County’s Access Customer Service Call Center helps with CalFresh, Medi-Cal and CalWORKs questions. Staff can help callers apply, request forms, report changes and check application status. The page also links to BenefitsCal for online applications and document uploads. Have your program name and case information ready; use this county service for a county-benefit question, not an SSA claim-status request.
Aging and Independence Services
The County’s Aging & Independence Services (AIS) connects older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and families with its programs and community services. Its program list includes home support, meals, care coordination and long-term care advocacy. Explain what is becoming difficult at home and ask which program fits. The call center is an entry point; a listed service can require its own assessment.
MTS Access for Transportation
MTS Access Paratransit is for riders certified as functionally unable to use MTS fixed-route services because of disability. MTS recommends checking both the trip’s starting point and destination against its service area before certification. A San Diego County address alone does not establish that a particular trip is covered. Check current fares and booking instructions directly with MTS.
Prepare Your Request
- Write “county benefits,” “help at home” or “transportation” at the top of your notes.
- For a benefits question, keep the latest notice and any requested-document list nearby.
- For transportation, record both street addresses and the appointment time.
- Describe functional barriers, communication needs and any help needed with the application.
- Ask who makes the decision and what to do after the first contact.
Keep Federal Benefits Separate
Applications for SSDI[1] and SSI[2] go through the Social Security Administration. The local services above do not decide those federal benefits. Keep each program’s application, notices and follow-up steps separate.
Plan Your Next Step
Read our Disability Application Guide and Document Preparation Checklist for the federal claim process. Use the official resource links above for local applications and current contact instructions.
Explore more California Resources or return to the State Resource Directory.
Educational directory. Not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or the organizations listed. Inclusion is not an endorsement. Each program determines eligibility and service availability; no approval or outcome is promised.
Official Sources and References
These SSA.gov links support the explanations above. Official applications, account services, and agency forms are completed through SSA.