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
- Full scope legal services for appeals and 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: New referral email effective January 1, 2026. Use cbestreferral@hsh.lacounty.gov for all electronic referrals.
Electronic Referrals
Submit a completed CBEST referral form using one of the following methods:
- Visit the CBEST referral portal
- View the Referral portal training video
- Email completed form to: cbestreferral@hsh.lacounty.gov
- Fax to: (323) 389-4322
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
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.
CBEST Referral Form
Download and complete the CBEST referral form before submitting by email, fax, or portal.
Contact CBEST
- Referral Email: cbestreferral@hsh.lacounty.gov
- Referral Fax: (323) 389-4322
- Appointment Line: (213) 752-1900 — press 9 for CBEST
- Mailing Address: 655 South Maple Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90014