Assistance programs in California
Explore public benefits and assistance resources by the kind of help you need. Agencies decide eligibility and availability.
Find programs for your situationFood assistance
CalFresh (California SNAP)
CalFresh is California’s SNAP food-assistance program. Apply through BenefitsCal or your county social-services agency.
Housing assistance
California Courts Self-Help (Eviction)
California Courts’ eviction self-help guide explains tenant responses, court forms and the steps in an unlawful-detainer case. It does not provide rent payments.
Utility assistance
CARE / FERA (Utility Bill Discounts)
CARE and FERA reduce qualifying California utility bills. Apply to your utility company rather than to a state cash-assistance office.
California LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)
California LIHEAP helps eligible households with heating or cooling costs through local energy agencies. Available funding and local priorities affect assistance.
Health coverage
Medi-Cal (California Medicaid)
Medi-Cal provides California Medicaid coverage. Apply through the county, BenefitsCal or Covered California, and check the current rules for your eligibility category.
Cash and income support
CalEITC + Young Child Tax Credit
CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit are California tax-return credits. Use the forms and limits for the year you are filing.
CalWORKs (Cash Aid for Families)
CalWORKs provides cash aid and related services to eligible California families. County welfare departments administer applications and ongoing cases.
EDD Unemployment & Disability Insurance
California EDD offers separate unemployment and disability programs. Choose the claim that fits whether you are available for work or unable to work because of a qualifying condition.
Additional support
Covered California
Covered California is the state health-insurance marketplace. Compare plans, check financial help and use its application to screen for marketplace coverage or Medi-Cal.
Program names come from our existing directory. Funding and rules can change; confirm details with the administering agency before applying.