CALIFORNIA

CalWORKs

CalWORKs is a California’s welfare program that provides temporary cash aid, employment services, and, in many cases, food and health assistance to low-income families with children under 18.

Adults are generally limited to 60 months of cash aid over their lifetime, though children may continue to receive benefits after the parent has reached this limit.

Unless exempt, able-bodied adults must participate in work-related activities like job training or education for a set number of hours per week.

How much is cash aid for 4 people in California?

CalWORKs amount, often referred to as Maximum Aid Payment (MAP) level, varies based on region and whether or not the adults in the household are able to work, with exempt families receiving higher grants.

For example, a non-exempt family of four with no income living in a high-cost county (Region 1) ¹ may receive a cash aid of up to $1,416 per month.

CalWORKS operates in all 58 California counties. You may apply at any welfare office located in the county where you live or apply online through BenefitsCAL .

California Department of Social Services (CDSS)
Customer Service / Benefits Assistance
(877) 847-3663

CalFresh

According to the California Department of Social Services, the CalFresh work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) is waived through October 31, 2026 only in Alpine, Colusa, Imperial, Merced, Monterey, Plumas and Tulare counties.²

CalFresh, California’s version of SNAP is the largest food program in California that provides monthly benefits to low-income households to buy the food they need to maintain a nutritionally adequate diet.

The program issues monthly electronic benefits of up to $808 per month for a family of three that can be used to buy most foods at authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets.

What is the maximum income to qualify for CalFresh?

Most families with gross income less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level qualify for CalFresh. For a family of three, that’s about $4,553 a month. There is no asset test for most households in California.

How do I apply for CalFresh in California?

In California, each county may have a different way to apply for CalFresh benefits. To find out how to apply for CalFresh in your county, please call the Department of Social Services.

In most cases, the county has up to 30 days to approve or deny your application. If you are eligible for “Expedited CalFresh,” you may get benefits within 3 days.

California Department of Social Services (CDSS)
Customer Service / Benefits Assistance
(877) 847-3663

California Universal Meals Program

According to the California Department of Education, California became the first state to implement a statewide Universal Meals Program, in the 2022–23 school year. Public schools must offer breakfast and lunch free of charge to every student who requests a meal, regardless of income.³

California’s Universal Meals Program builds upon the federal School Breakfast Program (SBP) and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

The main objective of this initiative is to reduce malnutrition, hunger, and food insecurity among school-age children and eliminate the stigma associated with free meals.

Do all kids get free lunch in California?

Before the new program was introduced, students were only given free meals if they had qualified and applied. Now, breakfast and lunch are free at all California schools — no application is required.

California Department of Education
Nutrition Services Division
916-319-0827

California SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a new federal program that helps families with school-age children buy groceries during the summer months, when school is not in session.

According to the California Department of Social Services, each eligible child receives $120 to buy groceries.⁴ Children ages 6—18 qualify, and the benefits are added to an existing EBT card or a newly issued Summer EBT card.

SUN Bucks can be used to purchase the same foods approved for SNAP, including

• Breads and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meats, fish and poultry
• Dairy products
• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
• Soft drinks, candy, cookies, snack crackers and ice cream
• Seafood, steak and bakery cakes

Most children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, or get CalFresh, CalWORKs, and/or Medi-Cal, are automatically enrolled. No application will be needed.

California Department of Social Services
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) Helpline
(877) 328-9677

California Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, funded by the state and federal government and administered by the California Department of Health Care Services. It provides health coverage to eligible children, families, pregnant people, adults, older adults, and people with disabilities.

California’s Medicaid expansion extended Medi-Cal eligibility to nearly all non-elderly adults up to 138% of poverty level, including adults without dependent children.

Medi-Cal has separate eligibility pathways for different groups, and income and other rules depend on the applicant’s circumstances. Pregnant people whose income is above the standard Medi-Cal limit may qualify for the Medi-Cal Access Program.

How do I apply for Medi-Cal?

California is operating a State-Based Marketplace, known as Covered California , through which you can apply for Medi-Cal or other private health insurance at lower costs.

California Department of Health Care Services (CDSS)
Medi-Cal Member & Eligibility Assistance
(800) 541-5555

To speak to a live person at Covered California, call
(800) 300-1506

California Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Children enrolled in the Healthy Families Program began transitioning to Medi-Cal on January 1, 2013. The change is the result of a decision by state lawmakers to merge the health care programs for children into one program.

There will be no new enrollments of children into the Healthy Families Program. Families with uninsured children are encouraged to apply for coverage for their children through the Medi-Cal Program.

Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP)

The Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP), is a state program that provides low-cost health coverage for the uninsured, pregnant women whose income is above the standard Medi-Cal eligibility limit.

MCAP offers full health benefits for the mother during pregnancy and for 60 days postpartum, plus coverage for the baby until age two.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP)?

Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) is available to pregnant women whose household income is above 213% and at or below 322% of the federal poverty level.

Application is available through Covered California . If you qualify for MCAP, your baby is automatically eligible for coverage for up to two years.

For additional info, call Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP)
(800) 433-2611

Medi-Cal Dental Program

Beginning July 1, 2026, Medi-Cal will eliminate comprehensive dental coverage for adults aged 19 and older who do not have satisfactory immigration status.⁵

Dental services for adults and children are currently provided as one of the many benefits under the Medi-Cal program. This includes the fee-for-service program — known as Denti-Cal, as well as dental managed care programs.

It covers a range of services, including diagnostic and preventive dental care (such as exams, X-rays, and cleanings), as well as emergency services for pain relief.

Most services are provided at no cost, though some adults may have small out-of-pocket costs or a yearly soft cap of $1,800 on non-medically necessary services.

There is no separate application. If you already have full-scope Medi-Cal, you are automatically enrolled in the dental program.

To find a Medi-Cal dentist in your area, call
(800) 423-0507

Cal-Learn

Cal-Learn is a mandatory program for pregnant and parenting teens receiving CalWORKs, under 19 years of age, to attend and graduate from high school or its equivalent.

Assistance may also come in the form of child care, transportation, educational expenses and other support services, including reward incentives for academic performance.

Incentives range from $100 to $500 will be awarded when the participant graduates from high school, passes the GED exam, or receives passing grades on a school report card.

In addition to cash bonuses, participants are eligible for help with child care, transportation, and educational expenses needed to attend school.

How do I apply for Cal-Learn?

Pregnant or parenting teens may apply for Cal-Learn services at a county social services agency office  located in the county where they live.

Once in Cal-Learn, the teen will work with a case manager who will help them develop a personal plan to finish high school or earn a GED.

California Special Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

California WIC is a federally funded supplemental nutrition program that serves nutritionally at-risk, low-income families in California.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Be a resident of California.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the poverty threshold.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

WIC services include but are not limited to:

• Prenatal nutrition
• Breastfeeding support 
• Nutrition education
• Health referral, plus much more

How much are WIC benefits per month in California?

In California, children ages 1—4 will receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.

What is the income limit for WIC in California?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to qualify for WIC, you must be a resident of the state of California with income not exceeding 185% of the national poverty level.⁶ That’s about $4,212 per month for a family of three.

How long can I stay on WIC in California?

In California, WIC benefits last for different lengths of time depending on who is receiving them:

• Pregnant women: through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth
• Breastfeeding women: up to 12 months after childbirth
• Non-breastfeeding postpartum women: up to 6 months after childbirth
• Infants: from birth until their first birthday
• Children: from age 1 until their 5th birthday

WIC is not automatic. Participants must recertify periodically to continue receiving benefits.

How do I apply for WIC in California?

WIC has local offices throughout California that accept walk-ins. Call your local WIC office for an appointment and locations near you.

California Department of Public Health
WIC Program (Women, Infants, and Children)
(800) 852-5770

CalWORKs Child Care

CalWORKs Child Care is a subsidized child care program for eligible low-income families who are receiving CalWORKs cash aid or transitioning off aid. The program helps parents pay for child care so they can work, attend school, or participate in job training.

Families that qualify for the program may choose their own child care provider. The local Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCRC) will reimburse child care providers up to a certain amount .

CalWORKs Child Care is administered in three different stages, each with its own set of eligibility criteria. While Stage 1 and Stage 2 services are entitlements, Stage 3 services are provided only if funding is available.

What is the income limit for child care in California?

A family in California will be considered income eligible if that family’s monthly income is at or below 85% of the SMI, adjusted for family size.

How do I apply for child care assistance in California?

If you receive CalWORKs cash aid or have received it within the last 24 months, you may apply online through BenefitsCAL  or in person the local County Social Services  office.

California Department of Social Services
Child Care Programs Bureau
(916) 657-2144

San Francisco Child Care Expansion Program

Starting in January 2026, San Francisco will offer free child care to families earning less than $230,000 a year, and a 50% subsidy to those earning up to $310,000 in July 2026.⁷

California State Preschool Program (CSPP)

California State Preschool Program (CSPP) is the largest state-funded preschool initiative in the nation, offering high-quality early education to children aged 3 and 4.

Eligible families may receive part-day or full-day preschool services designed to prepare children for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and beyond.

Eligibility is primarily based on family size and gross monthly income at or below 100%  of the State Median Income (SMI). Families experiencing homelessness or children in foster care are also eligible regardless of income.

Families may apply directly through their local CSPP provider  by submitting proof of income, residency and other relevant documents.

California Department of Education
Early Education Division (EED)
(916) 322-6233

California Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

Starting in the 2025—26 school year, all children in California who turn 4 by September 1 are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten  (TK), regardless of family income.

The program is open to any child who turns four by the state’s annual cutoff date, and enrollment is managed through each family’s local school district.

Because it is part of the public school system, families pay no tuition, making it one of the most accessible early-learning options in the state.

California Department of Education
Early Education Division (EED)
(916) 322-6233

California Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

California LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households throughout the state with their utility bills, particularly those with the lowest incomes and the highest home energy costs.

Eligible households may receive one regular LIHEAP benefit each year to help pay for the cost of heating or cooling their homes during the summer months.

How much does LIHEAP pay in California?

California LIHEAP provides different benefit amounts depending on the type of assistance. The table below shows the maximum payments available.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in California?

When the LIHEAP season is open, you may via CALIHEAPApply.com  or in person at a local community service provider in your area. Due to limited funding, applicants are prioritized based on greatest need.

Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) may also help if you are at risk of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off in less than 48 hours.

Department of Community Services and Development
Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
(866) 675-6623

Cal Grant

Cal Grant is a need-based grant that have helped many low-income California residents fund their college education. It’s a free money for college you don’t have to pay back.

There are three kinds of Cal Grants — A, B and C — but you don’t have to figure out which one to apply for as eligibility will be based on your FAFSA and choice of school.

• Cal Grant A
  For low-to-middle-income students with a minimum 3.00 high school GPA or 2.40 college GPA, covering tuition and fees.
• Cal Grant B
  For low-income students with a minimum 2.00 GPA, providing an annual access award for living expenses, in addition to tuition assistance.
• Cal Grant C
  For students pursuing occupational or technical training programs. No minimum GPA is required.

To apply for a Cal Grant, you must complete and submit two forms: the FAFSA and the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form no later than March 2 each year. According to the California Student Aid Commission, students attending a California community college have until September 2.⁸

California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Program Administration and Services Division
(888) 224-7268

California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)

California joins 31 other states and the District of Columbia in adopting a state-level EITC, commonly known as the CalEITC, to supplement the federal EITC.

According to the California Franchise Tax Board, for the 2025 tax year, California residents who earned less than $32,900 in wages or self-employment income may be eligible to claim a credit of up to $3,756 in cash back or reduced taxes.⁹

According to the Franchise Tax Board, if you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under the age of 6, you may also qualify for a refundable tax credit of up to $1,189 through the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC).¹⁰

CalEITC is fully refundable, meaning it can reduce the amount of tax you owe or be paid to you as a cash refund if you owe little or no taxes.

For example, if your CalEITC is $3,339 and you owe $0 in state income tax, and you receive the full $3,339 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:

How do I claim California EITC?

To claim credit, you will need to file a California income tax return and complete an FTB 3514, Earned Income Tax Credit form (FTB 3514 Instructions) or file directly with CalFile  for free with a MyFTB account.

California Franchise Tax Board (FTB)
(800) 852-5711