Benefits Eligibility Guide
California Government Benefits
Find out which federal and state benefits you qualify for in California. Free, anonymous, and takes about 3 minutes.
Check My Eligibility →California Benefits Programs
Here are the major programs available to California residents.
Medi-Cal (Medicaid)
Medicaid expansion state
Adults: up to 138% FPL
Children: up to 266% FPL
Pregnant: up to 213% FPL
CalFresh (Food Assistance)
Gross income limit: 200% FPL
Net income limit: 100% FPL
Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)
LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)
Income limit: 60% SMI
Helps with heating and cooling costs
Child Care Assistance (Childcare)
Income limit: 85% SMI
Subsidized childcare for working families
CalWORKs (Cash Assistance)
Lifetime limit: 60 months
Cash assistance for families with children
WIC (Nutrition)
Income limit: 185% FPL
For pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals and children under 5
Covered California (ACA)
statePage.marketplaceType: statePage.stateBasedExchange
statePage.phone: 1-800-300-1506
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HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program)
statePage.phone: 1-800-434-0222
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statePage.stateSupplementYes
statePage.stateSupplement: $240/statePage.month
statePage.phone:
Plus: ACA Health Insurance Subsidies, EITC, Child Tax Credit, SSI, SSDI, Pell Grants, VA Benefits, School Meals, Head Start, and more.
Our screener checks 20+ programs at once.
Check Your Eligibility in California
Answer a few questions and see which programs you may qualify for. No account needed.
Start Free Screening →California Benefits Guides
In-depth articles about specific programs in California.
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Check CalFresh (SNAP) eligibility in California for 2026. Current income limits by household size, new work rules, how to apply online, and benefit amounts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What government benefits am I eligible for in California?
California residents may qualify for programs including Medi-Cal (Medicaid), CalFresh (food assistance), LIHEAP energy assistance, childcare subsidies, tax credits like EITC and CTC, and more. Eligibility depends on your household size, income, and other factors. Use our free screener to check all programs at once.
How do I apply for Medi-Cal in California?
You can apply for Medi-Cal online at https://www.coveredca.com/apply/ or by calling 1-800-541-5555. California has expanded Medicaid, so adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify.
How do I apply for CalFresh (food stamps) in California?
Apply for CalFresh online at https://benefitscal.com or call 800-952-5253. California uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, so the gross income limit is 200% of the federal poverty level. Net income must be at or below 100% FPL.