California Assistance Programs: CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, CARE, and More in One Guide

The main California assistance programs

How CalFresh and CalWORKs work

CalFresh is California’s SNAP program. From Oct. 1, 2026 – Sept. 30, 2027, one person can receive up to $306 a month and a family of four up to $1,023. California uses broad-based categorical eligibility, so gross income up to 200% of the poverty line can qualify, and people receiving SSI became eligible for CalFresh in 2019. Students in many work-study or training programs qualify too. Estimate your amount with our SNAP calculator.

CalWORKs pays monthly cash to families with children and funds welfare-to-work services, child care, and housing help. According to the California Department of Social Services’ CalWORKs overview, it is administered by counties. The Assembly Human Services Committee reported that, as of October 2025, the maximum aid payment for a family of three with no other income in a high-cost (Region 1) county is $1,175 a month under the non-exempt standard, about 53% of the poverty line; exempt families (for example, where the parent is disabled) receive up to $1,314. CalWORKs also offers Homeless Assistance: temporary shelter payments (up to 16 days, generally once in a lifetime) and permanent help with a deposit and last month’s rent for families who are homeless or facing eviction.

Who qualifies for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is free or low-cost coverage for adults with income up to 138% of the poverty line (about $22,025 a year for one person in 2026), all low-income children, pregnant people up to 213%, and seniors and people with disabilities. It includes dental through Medi-Cal Dental. Apply at BenefitsCal, CoveredCA.com, or your county; if your income is too high, Covered California offers subsidized plans. See our California dental guide for how Medi-Cal Dental works.

Lowering bills with CARE, FERA, and LIHEAP

The California Public Utilities Commission’s CARE/FERA page sets the discounts. CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) gives a 30–35% discount on electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills for households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline, or those enrolled in programs like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, WIC, or LIHEAP. FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance) gives an 18% discount on electricity for households of three or more whose income is slightly above CARE limits, up to 250% of poverty; it is offered by PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E.

Enroll by calling your utility or applying on its website; it takes minutes and the discount appears on your next bill. LIHEAP, run by the Department of Community Services and Development through local agencies, pays part of your energy bill and offers crisis help and weatherization; find your agency at EnergyHelp.us. Our California utility relief guide has the details.

Seniors, disabled people, and tax credits

• SSI/SSP: Supplemental Security Income plus California’s State Supplementary Payment, through Social Security, for people 65+, blind, or disabled with limited income and assets.
• CAPI: Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, a state program for aged, blind, or disabled noncitizens who are ineligible for SSI only because of immigration status; apply at the county.
• IHSS: In-Home Supportive Services pays a caregiver (often a family member) to help Medi-Cal recipients stay at home.
• CalEITC and Young Child Tax Credit: refundable state credits for working families; claim them when you file, even if you owe no tax. Free tax help is available through VITA sites.

Housing and emergency help

California’s COVID-19 Rent Relief program closed in 2022. Today, rent help comes from CalWORKs Homeless Assistance and Housing Support, county and city eviction-prevention programs (Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and others fund them in most years), HUD-funded homelessness prevention through coordinated entry, Housing Choice Vouchers, and charities. Dial 211 for what is open in your county, and see our California rent relief guide.

How to apply, step by step

1. Apply at BenefitsCal.com (or your county office) for CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and General Assistance in one application.
2. Call your utility to enroll in CARE or FERA.
3. Apply for LIHEAP through your local energy agency.
4. If you are 65+ or disabled, apply for SSI with Social Security, or CAPI at the county if you are not SSI-eligible due to immigration status.
5. At tax time, file to claim CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit.

For more specifics, see our guides on California hardship programs and assistance for single mothers in California.

Related guides

• California help with rent
• Benefits for low-income families
• Government assistance programs by state
• How to apply for unemployment insurance

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice, and not an application. Program amounts change; confirm with your county or the agency that runs each program. National Relief Program is an independent website, not a government agency.