California has benefits most families don't know they qualify for
A free, 3-minute screening checks your eligibility for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, tax credits, and 20+ other California programs. No SSN required. No account needed.
Check What I Qualify Forof families who screened qualified for at least one program
max annual CalFresh benefit for a family of 4 in California
federal and state programs checked in one screening
What California residents could qualify for
These are real programs with real dollar amounts. Your results depend on your household, but here's what's available.
CalFresh
Up to $994/mo
Food assistance for families earning under $5,200/mo (family of 4)
Medi-Cal
Worth $6,000–$14,000/yr
Free healthcare for adults earning under $43,056/yr (family of 4)
Utility Bill Relief
Up to $1,500/yr
LIHEAP helps with heating and cooling costs for qualifying households
Covered California
$400–$800/mo savings
Premium tax credits can significantly reduce monthly health insurance costs
Plus tax credits, childcare subsidies, WIC, SSI, veterans' benefits, and more. Our screener checks 20+ programs at once.
How it works
Three steps. Three minutes. No strings attached.
Answer a few questions
Basic info about your household and income. No SSN, no documents, no account needed.
See your California results
Get a personalized list of programs you likely qualify for, with estimated dollar amounts.
Apply through official portals
We link you directly to California's official application sites.
Mixed-status households welcome. We check eligibility for each member separately.
California programs at a glance
Income limits and details for the major programs available to California residents.
Medi-Cal (Medicaid)
California has expanded Medicaid
Adults earning under $20,783/yr (individual) may qualify
Children: families earning under $82,992/yr (family of 4)
Pregnant: earning under $32,078/yr
CalFresh (SNAP)
Family of 4 earning under $62,400/yr (gross) may qualify
Individual earning under $30,120/yr may qualify
Max benefit: $994/mo (family of 4)
Higher income limits available through Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility
LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)
Up to $1,500/yr for heating and cooling costs
Income limit: 60% of State Median Income ($76,403/yr for a family of 4)
Child Care Assistance
Subsidized childcare for working families
Income limit: 85% of State Median Income ($108,237/yr for a family of 4)
CalWORKs (Cash Assistance)
Cash assistance for families with children
Lifetime limit: 60 months
WIC (Nutrition)
About $80/mo in groceries per participant
For pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5
Income limit: 185% of Federal Poverty Level
Covered California
State-based marketplace
Premium tax credits can save $400-$800+/mo on coverage
Phone: 1-800-300-1506
Don't leave money on the table
Most California families qualify for at least one program. The screening is free, private, and takes 3 minutes.
Check What I Qualify ForFree for all 50 states. No account required.
California Benefits Guides
In-depth articles about programs in California
SSDI Approval Rates California 2026: By Stage, Office, and Condition
California SSDI approval rates by application stage, hearing office, and condition. Initial rate ~36%, reconsideration ~16%, ALJ hearing 45-64%.
June 2, 2026
CalFresh Expedited Approval 2026: 7-Day Rule and 3-Day California Standard
California processes expedited CalFresh in 3 days, faster than the federal 7-day rule. Learn who qualifies, income limits, and how to apply in 2026.
May 23, 2026
California Section 8 Eligibility 2026
Learn who qualifies for California Section 8 in 2026, including income limits by county, household requirements, and step-by-step application instructions.
May 15, 2026
California ACA Calculator: How to Estimate Your Covered California Subsidy
Calculate your Covered California ACA subsidy for 2026. Includes income tables, FPL percentages, APTC amounts, and a free eligibility screener.
May 12, 2026
How to Apply for ACA in California
Step-by-step guide to applying for ACA health insurance in California through Covered California, including 2026 income limits, subsidy changes, and enrollment deadlines.
May 12, 2026
California Benefits Guide: CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and Beyond
Complete guide to California government benefits: CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, LIHEAP, WIC, and more. Income limits, eligibility rules, and how to apply in 2026.
May 1, 2026
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.