Hanna Interpreting Services

Hanna Interpretation Services is an on-demand video remote interpretation (VRI) and pre-scheduled interpretation service available in over 300 languages to Social Services employees 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Effective May 1, 2026, over the phone (OPI) interpretation services will not be available for DEBS staff via Hanna. Effective August 30, 2026, VRI services will be temporarily unavailable until further notice as Hanna transitions to an upgraded platform and Single Sign-On (SSO) process in Santa Clara County. 

 

For SSA-approved language access quick reference guides, account numbers/emails, VRI instructions, language access DEBS forms, and DEBS PINs, please refer to the interpreter information found on the DEBS Program & Policy Bureau > Resources > Reference Materials > Language/Translations Resource Material page.

Procedures for Accessing Hanna Interpretation Services

Hanna Interpretation Services may be accessed when staff require interpreter services when speaking to a client:

  • When staff require pre-scheduled interpreter services (in-person, or telephonic), and no other interpreter is available.

 

Who Action

Client

Contacts DEBS via telephone or appears in the District Office.

Note: No staff member is available to provide interpreter services in the client’s native language.

 

Staff Member
  • Explains to the client that interpreter services will be requested for a pre-scheduled interpretation appointment.
    • To pre-schedule an interpretation appointment (in-person, or telephonic):
    • To request on-demand VRI services (temporarily unavailable):
      • Effective August 30, 2026, please utilize Global, Propio, or TransPerfect for on-demand VRI services until further notice.

 

*Important: For SSA DEBS access code and PIN, please refer to the Hanna Interpreting Services Quick Reference Guide document on the DEBS Program & Policy Bureau > Resources > Reference Materials > Language/Translations Resource Material page. 

 

Staff Member

Following the completion of the pre-scheduled appointment, documents in the CalSAWS Case Journal that an interpreter was used, including the interpreter's name and ID number.

 

 

Related Topics

Interpreter Services

Video Remote Interpretation