Countywide Benefits Entitlement Services Team (CBEST)
CBEST is an LA County Department of Homeless Services and Housing program that helps people experiencing or at risk of homelessness apply for disability income benefits including SSI, SSDI, and CAPI.
Teams are made up of benefits advocates, clinicians, and legal partners working together to connect eligible residents to the support they need.
About CBEST
The Countywide Benefits Entitlement Services Team (CBEST) is an LA County HSH program that helps low-income residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness apply for disability income benefits. CBEST teams include benefits advocates, clinicians, and legal partners who work together to support participants through the full application process.
Benefits CBEST Helps People Apply For
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
Who Is Eligible
Low-income LA County residents experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness who are:
- Blind
- Disabled
- Elderly (age 65 and older)
Scope of Services
CBEST provides the following services to eligible participants:
- Gather health records and outline medical history
- Complete and submit disability benefits applications
- Legal service referrals for denials, post-award suspensions, and terminations
- Connect to case management and housing resources
How to Send a Referral to CBEST
CBEST accepts referrals through two pathways — electronic submission or phone appointment request. Use the method that works best for your workflow.
Important Update: The CBEST Online Portal is now the primary method to submit referrals to CBEST. Please use the CBEST Portal from now on for all referrals. Please do not submit CBEST Referrals through e-mail, or fax after August 31st, 2026.
Electronic Referrals
As you may know, The CBEST Referral Portal has been now live for several months and is the preferred method for submitting referrals.
The portal is integrated with the CHAMP system and streamlines referral processing and tracking. Please submit all new referrals through the CBEST Referral Portal.
- For assistance, please refer to the Video Tutorial
If You are an Existing CHAMP User
Tip: If you are an existing CHAMP user, you do not need to register for a portal account.
- Navigate to the CHAMP website CHAMP Site
- Sign-in to your account
- Navigate to the HSH portal website
- Click on the CBEST option in the menu
Request an Appointment
Participants can call CBEST directly to request an in-person, phone, or virtual appointment with a CBEST benefits specialist.
- Call: (213) 752-1900
- After choosing language (Spanish or English), press 9 for CBEST to leave a message
- Available in Spanish and English
For Case Updates
For case updates, clients and referrers can call the HSH mainline at (213) 752-1900 and select CBEST or the referrer can reply to the initial submission emailrequesting a follow up.
CBEST Resources
Access the CBEST program flyer and referral form below. Flyers are available in English and Spanish.
CBEST Flyer (English)
Download the CBEST program flyer in English to share with participants and partner organizations.
CBEST Flyer (Spanish)
Download the CBEST program flyer in Spanish to share with Spanish-speaking participants and partners.
Contact CBEST
- Email: cbestreferral@hsh.lacounty.gov
- Appointment Line: (213) 752-1900 — press 9 for CBEST
- Mailing Address: 655 South Maple Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90014