Department of Public Social Services - Civic Center

162 reviews

813 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013

+12138968890

About

Department of Public Social Services - Civic Center is a Department of Social Services located at 813 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013. It has received 162 reviews with an average rating of 3.9 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday8AM-5PM
Tuesday8AM-5PM
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
Friday8AM-5PM
Saturday8AM-5PM
Sunday8AM-5PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Department of Public Social Services - Civic Center: 813 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013

  • Department of Public Social Services - Civic Center has 3.9 stars from 162 reviews

  • Department of Social Services

  • "There is a lot of lonely, unhealthy mentally ill elderly people at this location and disturbing people working here helping out their kid's first! It's extremely loud outside too with the airplanes that are landing who knows where east of here, and the unmaintained, engines just echoing down East 4th Street and the drug use here just does not help someone who is sober, does not use"

    "This place does what it's supposed to do"

    "First, I was sent a text to my phone stating that I have important mail waiting for me at this location in LA, Ca"

    "Fastest processing DPSS office in LA county"

    "Unfortunately I misplaced my identification and with it my E B T card, so after searching I decided to visit the DPSS office"

Reviews

  • Adam M

There is a lot of lonely, unhealthy mentally ill elderly people at this location and disturbing people working here helping out their kid's first! It's extremely loud outside too with the airplanes that are landing who knows where east of here, and the unmaintained, engines just echoing down East 4th Street and the drug use here just does not help someone who is sober, does not use. I've waited I think for almost 2 hours here, to be called then, one of the elderly, lonely, homeless, drug addicted Iranian, Mexican elderly in some teens clothes ran to the window that the Social worker was after I told that homeless, obviously lonely mentally ill elderly man to get away and have a seat, I mean he paced around for who knows how long? She took my forms and told me she can not help, after I was told at the MacArthur Park location that this is where to go and turn the forms in to get my benefits right away instead of waiting. I was in shock that I'm dealing with another unhealthy black girl that is sort of a interatial relationship and who is working at a place like this, woah dude, no more ok. She said something about me going have to wait for 3 days for my benefits. I just said that she is as lost, lonely, confused and mentally ill as the elderly man that I ran off from the window that he wasn't called to. I've asked to speak with a supervisor and she just ignored me and is helping her kids, family and other mentally ill boys and girls who know how these things work. The supervisor eventually showed and the elderly black woman just disturbed me even more but that's what you get from behind a privacy of bullet proof glass and years of I do whatever I want to people because I'm black, and get away with it. Racism is real and dealing with some elderly black woman of color like that, well no has to I think, ever, who knows what unresolved psychological problems she has, and how long she's gone unreported and undiagnosed for really and who loves having this elderly what looked like black/Asian bomb around? And I still do not understand, unbelievable right, who and why, is feeding and paying unhealthy girls and boys like that and just have them working period. Disturbing, liying to people plain harassing and so much more obviously. I mean you can die from cancer or some illegal substance conditions being around these people here at this location. I will not be coming back it's too disturbing having people that I dealt with, working. Even knowing who I am, demanding some kind of unnecessary information? And I mailed out the forms a long time ago on top of everything else. Are you guys ok over there? I do not know who you know, what you know and especially who not just allows someone and something like this but finds this ok, fun and a great job, career whatever you got going on in that unhealthy head and body. It's not my first time dealing with a girl that looks just like the unhealthy girl at window 8 but having problems because of such, and not just with my food stamps. There is a lot of strong gang bonds like that unfortunately with people in all types of uniforms. Real gang sister there, that I found again. Can't believe I still have enemies like that and finding more of these related to each other girl's woah. Little Tokyo, Arts District what do you expect! Right and this location is called Civic Center. My neighbor used to live in a loft there for years until the Police took his car that was parked on the street and he is 80 years old, born in 1933 a screen writer, very educated man. And this is, turns out is our home location. Well, I know, I will not be going there again and hearing from these people. For what? Like I said someone else will be talking with fun having boys and girls like you. Especially no matter how new or strong, thick that bulletproof glass is. 11-07-2023

  • Rick Harker

This place does what it's supposed to do. Take applications for general relief, a grant for single people without children. (Max$221.00 cash aid per month) and Cal-fresh(food stamps max 192.00)For families with children the aid varies depending on other variables, but largely on the number of children under 18 yrs old. You can also apply for Medi-cal here. They offer some supportive services for mentally/physically disabled persons(if this is you, ask them about the "needs special assistance" program, which will save you the trouble of job search requirements if you qualify. They will also connect you with a referral to an SSI advocate, pending a SSI case. This is not a permanent income source. It is merely a grant/loan(it must be repaid) to you to help with basics while you seek employment or approval from SSI. They do not offer case management or social workers. Although you could be referred to some other agencies thru them. Housing assistance is very limited. The Pilot program is available for work eligible participants enrolled in the grow program. Emergency shelter and food vouchers are available for a two week time period...the value of which, will be deducted from your first general relief and food stamp allotments. If you do not expect more than I've outlined here, you won't be disappointed. Yes, you do need identification. And yes you are dealing with government employees who are in thankless positions and are not able to go beyond the restraints of their positions....most do not show joy in it. But few will be offensive to you either unless provoked. You can not take lighters or any sharp objects through security. You must go thru a metal detector. Also any type of chain..whether it be considered a wallet anchor or heavy jewellery is not allowed. ..FYI.

  • DJ Carber

First, I was sent a text to my phone stating that I have important mail waiting for me at this location in LA, Ca.. WHEN I SPOKE TO THE COUNSELOR AT THIS LOCATION( 813 E. 4th pl. Los Angeles,Ca)I made it very clean what it was that I needed and for why. Before I could finish what I needed to tell him, he quickly walked away. I wasn't rude to the man. And I had waited in line for about 40 minutes. I think they need more employees, handling the dpss clients, at the information area. About 1/2 hour had went by, and then another much older man. He called my name and told me that I HAD NO MAIL. REALLY I DON'T THINK THAT EITHER OF THE DPSS PEOPLE EVEN CHECKED MY MAIL. Based on the facts that I am never rude, and the reaction I received from both workers. I FIND THIS VERY INTERESTING. DUE TO THE FACT THAT I SINCE COVID. I ONLY HAVE RECEIVED MAIL 1 TIME. . And earlier this week I received the txt directly from the DPSS stating I had mail their. Everytime, I go to this location, I never seem to receive mail. I'm sick of it!

  • Hollister Tidwell

Fastest processing DPSS office in LA county. They serve the DTLA/Skid Row area so there's more volume to process than offices in say.... Santa Monica. Which were more interested in vetting applicants and putting you back to work. So this office has become proficient at processing large volumes of applicants. You're much less likely to get hassled here. *Rubber stamp* - NEXT! (Though probably more likely to be hassled by other applicants and clients. Park wisely and lock your doors. I second what someone else said about the security being a joke. In the middle of the afternoon I watched a guy walk up to a bicycle connected to a pole with a cable lock...pull the seat post out...twist the cable with it til it popped and ride away in broad daylight. Mere feet from the front door. In front of everyone in line. I notified security while it was in progress and he just shrugged.

  • Michael Mooney

Unfortunately I misplaced my identification and with it my E B T card, so after searching I decided to visit the DPSS office. The bldg is still closed due to covid-19 so all business is conducted on the sidewalk thru metal gates at the exit. I know that it's not the workers' fault for the conditions but I have to give them credit they were courteous and prompt. The line had around 15 people and my business was completed in about 45 minutes. I walked away with DMV info., and to return for a replacement card the next day as the card machine was not working. How ironic it was that when I returned I found the items that I misplaced.

  • Tao Maitreya

The experience is as the environment, Cold & Indifferent. Everyone but Security and a man behind a floating podium and computer meet you behind thick glass and seldom if ever look into your face (let alone your eyes), The experience is computer (inefficient), cold and computer'impersonal. There is not a smile (for the needy public) to be returned or given freely here. If you can somehow manage without the massive (NOT) $200.00 a month. Do so, it will save your soul much grief and humiliation. -One of the unfortunate needy.

  • Kyah Sukha

IT’S VERY OBSCURE/Difficult to locate. There is NOTHING about this place that says ‘Welcome We’re here to assist you’. Benefits are meager in the extreme. Staff are as friendly and alive as Cement. TON’S of paperwork to finalize ‘I’m Homeless & have no income’. Then one may receive $221.00 a month, and $191.00 in food stamps. It’s demoralizing and heartbreaking. $221.00 monthly, it’s insane. Miguel (GROW Staff) was very contagiously upbeat, positive, friendly, empathetic and contentious. Seems he really cares.

  • Christian Leu

I first started coming here in late 2019, and I most recently came here last month. I needed to reinstate my benefits which stopped because I didn't utilize the services in 2020. I was able to 1) fill out a packet quickly and easily early in the morning, 2) complete my application online, and 3) call and speak to a case worker just to make sure that everything was taken care of since I'm currently homeless, living in a shelter, and in the process of getting my life back on track.

  • Laura Rodriguez

These Social Workers know the meaning of quick service! Yes the line is always going to be long but they work quick nd ALL Work as a team so no one is left waiting too long.. They really do have lots of knowledge in resources nd care that you be able to move forward w/ life.. Ppl may say "oh that's the ghetto one" BUT I bet their Customer Service is waayyy better than other locations!! #NoJudgementZone #Friendly #Helpful

  • Patrick Fitzpatrick

I went there and they helped me out huge! They even told me stuff I qualified for that I didn't know about or ask for. Then that stuff helped me out greatly later on in life. They care alot. Yea it's kinda slow but all places like this are. If you get their early it is better. Just be nice and patient. Bring a book if you get bored easy.

  • Ana Gracie

The Sheriff's Dept. was running some kind of training exercise there today. Delayed for an hour. (2/18/21) 12:30 pm. I have been to this location and have applied for benefits there. Except to be here for at least four hours to apply for Calfresh, General Relief, and Medi-cal. Bring two forms of ID (CA ID and SSN cards).

  • Marvelous

This place.......... IDK Really have not had any problems with staff or case worker, after coming here nearly five years. Sometimes packed, sometimes not. Observing staff(Government slaves) you could tell they are there for the Paycheck of course. Other then that, they really need to consider Wifi for the public.

  • Demetrius Wadsworth

Ive been to this office numerous times and all I can say is that the workers begining with the security have all been respectful polite and very professional. Every worker I felt with have been the same way. And the best part is that I'm in and out within 20-25mins.

  • Hannah Heacock

Want to give a big shout out to the caseworker who was supposed to call me at 10 and never did Thanka for making me call into work and when I drove myself all the way over there you all gavr me a ebt card with no money!! Can totally see how much you all care!! …

  • Jacqueline Trybe

The workers were very professional & courteous. They helped me very much & advised me of information I didn't know that would help me. All the while with a great & friendly demeanor! Went back again, they were just as wonderful if not better!

  • marty kopulsky

The gentleman that helped me today in the office on East 4th place was so kind and helpful. I don't remember his name but he was a petite man, Asian with silver wire framed glasses and so kind I just really was touched by his helpfulness.

  • The Curious Hippie

The waiting time could be shortened. However, the customer service was good, even great, with the exception of the Security Guard, who would not let me enter with my only writing device. Thus the reason for 3 Stars.

  • Martha Love

I dont know what's going on I applied almost 2 weeks ago I submitted my verification forms and I havent heard anything about my social worker my case is still pending are they going to work on it

  • Jonathan Taylor

Every time I went with the right ATTITUDE and I let them work , they got me taken care of. I left mad a few times because my actions but overall they help you out here and fast

  • Lonnie Visintainer

Got here at 1 pm and was told they could not see me! I’m homeless without shelter and it’s freezing cold, this is the worst excuse for a public service I’ve ever seen.

  • Traci Ballejos

I'm not sure if the employees here don't like their jobs or are having a bad day, every day. They are rude and disrespectful to every one who is there for help.

  • Jiro Tarou

I guess they are doing best they can under coronavirus situation. Expect over an hour wait in line outside. They handle everything over front door.

  • Joe Gomez

Service was good and relatively fast. Sucks that they make you wait outside. Lots of homeless around. Technically not in skid row but yeah it is

  • Chris Hipper

Cool. We just had to wait 30 minutes. All people just had to wait out side. We also just went to get a replacement EBT Card. Then we left..

  • TinaMarie Van Tassel

They're pretty quick and efficient. Ithought that I would be waiting a long time because the line was long but it didn't take long at all.

  • Teresa B Busch

Well you don't have to peel all your clothes off. You just go to a door do what they ask after you tell them what you need.

  • Shwanah Yang

Nice and helpful employees, but I waited for two hours while others who came after me went first to the interview rooms.

  • Sergio Bohon

I just get out of prison, it was great my case worker miss pichardo help me a lot, got food stamps and cash and tokens.

  • Cinthia Alvarez

This place is in one of the most beutyfull location were theres alot of paintings of art you got to be there to see it

  • A men

These people are the hardest working people in the county. Tgeyxare under oayed and over worked. We love them .

  • Brandon Wilson

Called this around noon and the lady was very rude and kept sending my call to voicemail... very bad service:(

  • John K

This place needs federal intervention... you can't even call them anymore... what is their contact number?

  • FERNANDO HERNANDEZ

Thank you guys so much I appreciate it I love all of you guys and thank you thank you for your services I

  • Louis Spivak

This place sucks they do not do there job so you will have to go back almost every month for something

  • Charles Moore

Awful long wait. People cutting in line an fighting. Horrible. Definitely need outside security

  • Vincent D

Workers have terrible mentalities, shouldn’t be working for the community, clearly don’t care.

  • Chance M Hitt

Poor people ,low customer service ,have to wait outside ,not seats ,no shade ,sad! …

  • Cherish YHWH

POOR SAFETY LAZY UNRESPONSIVE APATHETIC SECURITY ETC. ONLY A COUPLE WORKERS ARE GOOD

  • Vanesa Murgia

Very friendly workers, was able to do what needed to be done all within 10 minutes.

  • anthony parker

They had me in and out in 15 minutes... Not bad for the County Building...GR....

  • Chelsey Koster

I’ve been told since Friday I would get my benefit and still have not got them

  • Aaron Hubbard

Really helpful, was able to obtain food stamp card and assistance in one day

  • Kareem Davis

Can't go inside building because of the coronavirus have to wait out side.

  • Macias Perez

Pick up mail an top of that I grab a free government cell phone for free

  • Juan Velazquez

Not a lot of people it was pretty fast.a lot of good workers nice people

  • Keshean

Very disappointed very disgusting environment don’t go there …

  • Rebel English

Very helpful but the security measures to get in are gestapo like.

  • Gary Blue

I went to get a card replace..only took 10 mins to get a new card

  • Demitrius Thomas

They really helped me with my problem Thanks Staying Safe in L A

  • Azem Racso

Very helpful and respectful workers has improved tremendously.

  • Discreet Encounters (YourMan2Peg)

They provide excellent service when they want to or prodded to

  • Prince Page

Never really had a good experience with them so nothing new

  • Esteve Moran

It's always amusing to see the characters from all around .

  • Brain R

Surprisingly fast, took my gurl to get a replacement card

  • Brenda Bravo

I love how fast they attend you and really respectful

  • Mike Daniels

Very slow process the people dont speak English well

  • Chad Fekay

Place is bullsh!# not enough help and dirty as fu<#

  • BioHazardous Fuzz (bbFuzzy0976)

I was able to complete the tasks that I needed done

  • Austin Wyant

They hooked my EBT and got me a phone in two days

  • Michael Druckman

Best experience of a government entity I ever had

  • Irene Benton

It was very quick and I don't have any complaints

  • Peter Cord

Social discontent mask-wearing excellent service

  • Rudy HERNANDEZ

The workers there good people to help you out

  • Leonel Arriaza

The service was very good I'm happy about it

  • Rene Hernandez

Super friendly social workers and super fast

  • Charles Miller

Better experience now since pandemic …

  • Damion Corral

No post all pretty much self explanatory

  • george Harold

Service was fast it was a good thing

  • Tyrone Ellis

Fast not much of a wait in and out

  • Mike Jonez

Great service. Great experience.

  • Tyven Fletcher

Enjoyed the customer service!

  • Kevin Beasley

Everything was good and fast

  • Mark

Very long line but it good

  • David Joseph Hamamoto

Frauded out. I need money

  • Carlos Paz

Great service as always(:

  • Pedro Almanza

Fastest service there is

  • Harry White

Just enjoying life

  • Jason Ortiz

Got my voucher

  • Kevin Winn

Good service

  • Henry Rodriguez

Good fast

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