CALIFORNIA

CalWORKs

CalWORKs is California’s welfare program that gives cash aid and services to eligible needy California families. If a family has little or no cash and needs housing, food, utilities, clothing or medical care, they may be eligible to receive immediate short-term help.

Most will only be eligible to receive CalWORKs for a maximum of 60 countable months. There is, however, no time limit on aid for children, but in some counties children may get vouchers instead of cash.

How much cash aid can a family of four get 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, if you have no income and you are a non-exempt family of four in a high-cost county (Region 1), you can expect to receive a cash assistance of up to $1,416 per month.

You may apply for CalWORKs at any welfare office located in the county where you live or skip the line and apply online through BenefitsCAL .

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

CalFresh

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 that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores — up to $785 per month for a family of three with no income.

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 $4,442 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

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

California Universal Meals Program

California is the first in the country to launch a Universal Meals Program, allowing all public school students to eat breakfast and lunch for free regardless of income status.

California’s Universal Meals Program builds upon the federal School Breakfast Program (SBP) and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The main goal of this initiative is to prevent malnutrition, hunger, and food insecurity among school-age children.

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 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.

Each eligible child (ages 6—18) will get one card with $120 to buy groceries — that’s $40 per month for June, July, and August. The benefits will be 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 that provides comprehensive health coverage known as “essential health benefits” to eligible California residents with limited income and resources.

Medi-Cal covers a wide range of individuals, including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women, regardless of immigration status.¹

Plan options vary depending on the county you reside in. Most counties offer commercial plans from insurers such as:

1. Anthem Blue Cross,
2. Kaiser Permanente,
3. Health Net, and
4. Molina.

Plans are grouped into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, which reflect different cost-sharing levels and eligibility for subsidies.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal in California?

As California expands Medicaid coverage, Medi-Cal is no longer limited to pregnant women, children or the elderly. Now it covers almost all non-elderly adults up to 138% of poverty level.

Children under the age of 19 qualify for Medi-Cal when their family has a household income of 266% or less. That’s about $5,907 a month or less for a family of three.

Pregnant women are covered up to 213% of poverty level. Those with income above that threshold may qualify for the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP), which provides comprehensive pregnancy-related care.

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.

Be sure to have the necessary documents on hand before starting your application for a seamless enrollment process. Use the quick calculator to get an estimate of what you’ll pay for your plan.

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

Do Native Americans get free healthcare in California?

Medi-Cal will expand its coverage to services provided by Native American traditional healers, including herbal medicine, music therapy and spiritual interventions like rituals, which are integral to Native healing traditions.

Native Americans in California who earn less than 300% of the federal poverty level will not have to pay certain out-of-pocket costs, such as copays and deductibles, if they buy their insurance through Covered California.

They may also receive care including behavioral health services from any eligible Tribal Health Program or urban Indian Health program in the state.

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.²

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 you will get a case manager who will help you develop a plan to finish high school or earn a GED.

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

California WIC helps families with special checks for buying healthy supplemental foods from WIC-authorized vendors, nutrition education, and help finding healthcare and other community services.

Participants must meet income guidelines and be pregnant women, new mothers, infants or children under age five and individually determined by a health professional to be “at nutritional risk”.

WIC services include but are not limited to:

• Prenatal nutrition
• Breastfeeding support 
• Healthy eating tips for your family
• Nutritious recipes, plus much more

How much is the WIC benefits 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.

How do I get approved for WIC in California?

To qualify for WIC, you must be a resident of the state of California with income not exceeding 185% of the national poverty level. That’s about $4,109 a 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?

Use the WIC eligibility assessment tool on WIC mobile  to see if you qualify for WIC benefits or set up an appointment at a WIC local agency near you!

California Department of Public Health
WIC Program (Women, Infants, and Children)
(800) 688-7777

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 as shown below.

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 2026.³

Under the new child care expansion, families with children under age 5 will qualify for free or reduced-cost care based on income.

Families may apply through San Francisco Department of Early Childhood at sfdec.org , which administers the city’s childcare and early learning programs.

San Francisco Department of Early Childhood
Children’s Council Resource & Referral Line
(415) 343-3300

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’s 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.

What is the income limit for LIHEAP in California?

Eligibility for LIHEAP in California is based on 60% of the state median income (SMI). The current income guidelines are shown in the table below.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in California?

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

You may also be eligible for Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off in less than 48 hours.

California Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

This program is no longer accepting applications. ​The program sunset ​on March 31, 2024.

For a limited time, California LIHWAP provides water and wastewater assistance to eligible households with a one-time payment toward their water or wastewater bill — up to $15,000  for bills accrued during any time frame.

Households facing the threat of disconnection, or those that have already been disconnected, may be eligible for LIHWAP. Priority is given to households with the elderly, disabled or a young child under age 6.

How do I get help paying my water bill in California?

If you are struggling to afford your water or wastewater bills, please visit Paying My Water Bills​​  to see if you qualify for payment assistance through LIHWAP.

California Unemployment Insurance

California Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own.

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:

1. at least $1,300 during the highest paid quarter of the base period or
2. a minimum of $900 in your highest quarter and earned total base period earnings of at least 1.25 times the high quarter earnings.

For example, if your highest paid quarter was $4,000, your total base-period wages must be at least $5,000 ($4,000 x 1.25) to qualify.

How many weeks can I be on unemployment in California?

In California, the maximum duration for which you can collect unemployment benefits is 26 weeks in a standard benefit year, unless otherwise extended during periods of high unemployment.

How much is unemployment insurance in California?

How much is unemployment per week in CA largely depends on the wages you earned in the base period of your claim, which can range from $40 to $450 per week.

How do I claim my weeks for unemployment in California?

You can apply for UI or reopen a UI claim online using UI Online  or if you wish to file your claim over the phone, please call UI Self-Service Phone Line at (866) 333-4606.

Starting July 11, 2021, if you are on unemployment, you are expected to search for work to maintain your eligibility for benefits.

California Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

DUA is only available to individuals who are not eligible for regular UI (Unemployment Insurance) in California.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to workers affected by the recent California wildfires. Full-time workers who are deemed to be eligible can receive between $186 and $450 per week, for up to 26 weeks.

DUA benefits are also available to self-employed individuals who have lost their source of income due to the disaster.

The fastest way to apply for DUA benefits is through myEDD . For the January 2025 California firestorms, claims must be filed no later than June 10, 2025. Benefits will be payable until July 12, 2025, the last payable week of this emergency benefit.

If additional disasters are declared, new DUA deadlines and benefit periods may apply. For the most current information, visit the EDD Disaster Unemployment Assistance .

California Paid Family Leave (PFL) Program

California leads the nation as the first to provide paid leave benefits for employees who need to “take time off” to bond with a newborn baby or provide care for a seriously ill family member.

Eligible employees may take up to 8 weeks of paid leave within a 12-month period to take time off for major life events, including:

1. bonding with a new child (birth, adoption, foster placement),
2. caring for a seriously ill family member (spouse, child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling), or
3. supporting a family member with military exigencies.

How much do I get for Paid Family Leave in California?

The weekly benefits range from $50 to a maximum of $1,681 but usually no more than 70% of their weekly earnings or 90% for those who earn less than $63,000 per year.

How do I apply for Paid Family Leave in California?

To apply for PFL benefits, you must complete and submit a Claim for Paid Family Leave Benefits (DE 2501F) or use SDI Online  instead of submitting the form by mail.

All claims must be completed and submitted no earlier than the first day your family leave begins but no later than 41 days after your first day of leave.

Cal Grant

Cal Grant is a need-based grant that have helped many low-income Californians 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.

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.

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.

California residents who earned less than $32,900 in wages or self-employment income may be eligible for CalEITC up to $3,756 depending on income and family size.

If you 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).

CalEITC is fully refundable, meaning any eligible California family who owes little or no federal tax will receive the entire EITC amount as a refund.

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.