Kern County proclaims January 2026 National Eligibility Workers Recognition Month; officials cite heavy caseloads

The Kern County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 6 approved a proclamation naming January 2026 National Eligibility Workers Recognition Month, honoring staff who process CalWORKs, CalFresh and Medi‑Cal claims and assist residents in crisis.

Lito (department head) told the board eligibility staff process roughly 16,000 CalWORKs applications, 70,000 CalFresh applications and 58,000 medical applications annually, and maintain substantial ongoing caseloads (including roughly 18,000 CalWORKs cases, more than 100,000 CalFresh cases and about 200,000 medical cases). "That's not to mention the Medi‑Cal portion," Lito said, and estimated the monthly economic impact tied to benefits at about $70 million.

Nanette Uzzle, assistant director of the program support bureau, told the board Kern was one of two counties recognized by the state for program access in a recent management evaluation. Uzzle said the department will celebrate staff with raffles and activities and send eligibility professionals to the New Pass Eligibility Conference.

Supervisor Couch presented the proclamation, which passed by voice vote. The board thanked eligibility staff in the audience and in county offices and directed continued support and recognition; no new funding or policy changes were recorded in the public remarks.