California runs more assistance programs than almost any other state, covering food, health coverage, cash aid, energy costs, childcare, and more. If you live in California and are looking for help, this guide covers the major programs, who qualifies, what you can receive, and exactly how to apply. Income limits referenced here are current for 2026 unless otherwise noted.
Use the Benefits Navigator screener to quickly check which programs you likely qualify for based on your household size, income, and situation. It checks all major California programs at once and takes about three minutes.
What California Benefits Are Available?
California offers both federally funded programs (CalFresh, WIC, Medi-Cal) and state-funded supplements. The major programs covered in this guide are:
- CalFresh (food assistance, the California name for SNAP)
- Medi-Cal (health coverage, the California name for Medicaid)
- Covered California (subsidized private health insurance through the ACA marketplace)
- CalWORKs (cash assistance for families with children, the California name for TANF)
- LIHEAP (home energy assistance)
- WIC (nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children)
- SSI/SSP (income support for elderly and disabled residents)
- California LifeLine (discounted phone and internet service)
CalFresh (Food Assistance)
CalFresh provides monthly funds loaded onto an EBT card that can be used to buy groceries. California uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which raises the gross income limit to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. There is no asset limit for most households.
CalFresh Income Limits (FY 2026: Oct 2025 to Sept 2026)
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit (200% FPL) | Max Monthly Benefit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,610 | $298 |
| 2 | $3,528 | $549 |
| 3 | $4,446 | $626 |
| 4 | $5,364 | $973 |
| 5 | $6,282 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $7,200 | $1,386 |
Households where all members receive SSI/SSP are generally not eligible for CalFresh. Elderly (age 60+) or disabled households are exempt from the gross income test but must meet a 165% FPL net income standard.
How to Apply for CalFresh
- Apply online at BenefitsCal.com or GetCalFresh.org. Both sites walk you through the application in plain language.
- Apply by phone by contacting your county social services office. A statewide CalFresh information line is available at 1-877-847-3663.
- Apply in person at your county Department of Social Services office.
- Complete an interview. After submitting your application, you will be scheduled for a phone or in-person eligibility interview.
- Provide documents. You will need proof of identity, residency, income, and household expenses.
Applications are usually processed within 30 days. If your household is in immediate need, you may qualify for expedited benefits (issued within 3 days) if your monthly income is below $150 and you have little to no cash on hand.
Medi-Cal (Health Coverage)
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, providing free or low-cost health coverage including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, vision, and mental health services. California has fully expanded Medi-Cal, and as of 2024, coverage is available to all eligible Californians regardless of immigration status.
Medi-Cal Income Limits (2026)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (138% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,732 |
| 2 | $2,343 |
| 3 | $2,953 |
| 4 | $3,564 |
| 5 | $4,175 |
| 6 | $4,785 |
For seniors and people with disabilities, different rules apply. The standard is 100% FPL, approximately $1,255 per month for an individual.
Important 2026 change: California reinstated a Medi-Cal asset limit for older adults and people with disabilities, effective January 1, 2026. The new asset limit is $130,000 for individuals and $195,000 for couples. This does not affect the under-65 working-age adult population.
Work requirements coming in 2026: Starting June 1, 2026, able-bodied adults ages 18 to 64 who are not caring for a child under 14 must demonstrate they are working, volunteering, or participating in qualifying activities to maintain Medi-Cal eligibility.
How to Apply for Medi-Cal
- Apply at Covered California at coveredca.com/apply or by calling 1-800-300-1506. A single application determines eligibility for both Medi-Cal and Covered California subsidized plans.
- Apply at BenefitsCal.com at benefitscal.com for a combined CalFresh and Medi-Cal application.
- Apply through your county by contacting your local county social services office directly.
- Apply in person at a county welfare office.
Medi-Cal has no open enrollment period. You can apply any time of year.
Covered California (Subsidized Health Insurance)
If your income is above the Medi-Cal limit but below 400% FPL, you may qualify for subsidized health insurance through Covered California. Californians with incomes between 138% and 400% FPL can receive premium tax credits. California also provides state-funded subsidies that reduce costs for households earning between 200% and 600% FPL.
Covered California Income Guide (2026)
| Household Size | Medi-Cal Cutoff (138% FPL) | Federal Subsidy Cutoff (400% FPL) | State Subsidy Cutoff (600% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,732/mo | $5,020/mo | $7,530/mo |
| 2 | $2,343/mo | $6,794/mo | $10,191/mo |
| 4 | $3,564/mo | $10,325/mo | $15,488/mo |
Open enrollment runs November 1 through January 31 each year. Special enrollment is available if you lose other coverage, move, get married, have a baby, or experience other qualifying life events.
Apply at coveredca.com or call 1-800-300-1506.
CalWORKs (Cash Assistance for Families)
CalWORKs provides monthly cash grants and support services to low-income families with children. The program is California's version of the federal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program. It also provides access to job training, childcare, and housing assistance.
Eligibility is based on income compared to a Minimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC) table that varies by county. Generally, families with children under 18 whose income falls below the MBSAC threshold qualify. There is a 60-month lifetime limit on receiving CalWORKs cash aid.
Asset limits are $12,137 for most families and $18,206 for families with a disabled or elderly member (age 60+).
How to Apply for CalWORKs
- Apply online at BenefitsCal.com.
- Apply at your county welfare office in person or by calling your county's social services line.
- Complete an intake interview and provide documentation of income, identity, residency, and child custody.
CalWORKs participants are typically required to participate in work activities (job search, job training, community service) as a condition of receiving benefits, with some exceptions for parents of very young children.
LIHEAP (Home Energy Assistance)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay their heating and cooling bills. California received over $217 million in federal LIHEAP funding for the 2026 program year (October 2025 through September 2026).
LIHEAP Income Limits (2026)
California uses 60% of State Median Income (SMI) as the income limit for LIHEAP.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (60% SMI) |
|---|
| 1 | $3,331.66 |
| 2 | $4,359.83 |
| 3 | $5,388.00 |
| 4 | $6,407.16 |
| 8 | $8,841.83 |
Heating assistance ranges from approximately $94 to $1,500 depending on your energy costs and situation. Cooling assistance ranges from approximately $288 to $990.
You automatically qualify if anyone in your household already receives Medi-Cal, CalFresh, WIC, SSI, or CalWORKs.
How to Apply for LIHEAP
LIHEAP is administered through 41 local service providers (LSPs) across California, not directly through the state.
- Find your local LIHEAP provider by visiting caliheapapply.com or calling 1-800-433-4327.
- Submit your application to the local provider. Many accept applications online, by phone, or in person.
- Provide documentation of income, a recent utility bill, and household member information.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
California WIC provides nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers up to one year postpartum, breastfeeding mothers up to the child's second birthday, and children up to age 5. Benefits include funds for healthy food purchases, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare services.
WIC Income Limits (April 2025 to June 2026)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (185% FPL) | Monthly Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $39,100 | $3,258 |
| 3 | $49,247 | $4,104 |
| 4 | $59,394 | $4,950 |
Families already receiving CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs automatically meet the income requirement for WIC.
How to Apply for WIC
- Use the online portal at myfamily.wic.ca.gov to apply or find a local WIC office.
- Call your local WIC agency to schedule an appointment.
- Bring to your appointment: proof of identity, proof of California residency, proof of income (or documentation of CalFresh/Medi-Cal enrollment), and proof of pregnancy or your child's age.
For breastfeeding support, call the California WIC breastfeeding helpline at 1-888-278-6455.
SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program for elderly adults (age 65+), blind individuals, and people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. California adds a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) on top of the federal amount, making California's combined benefit among the highest in the country.
The combined SSI/SSP monthly benefit is approximately $1,207 for a single individual (2024-25 figures) and approximately $2,028 for a couple. Exact amounts depend on living arrangements and other income.
Apply through the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting ssa.gov. Residents who are not eligible for federal SSI due to immigration status may qualify for Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) through their county.
California LifeLine (Discounted Phone and Internet)
California LifeLine provides monthly discounts of up to $19 on phone service and discounts on internet service for eligible households. You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% FPL, or if you receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI, or several other assistance programs.
Apply at californialifeline.com or call 1-866-272-0349.
How Programs Work Together
Many California residents qualify for multiple programs at once. CalFresh enrollment often triggers automatic LIHEAP eligibility. Medi-Cal enrollment can satisfy WIC income requirements. CalWORKs families are typically also enrolled in CalFresh and Medi-Cal.
BenefitsCal.com and the Benefits Navigator screener both check for multiple programs through a single application process, which reduces the time and paperwork required.
For a full list of California state programs and county contacts, visit the California benefits overview page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for CalFresh in California in 2026?
For most households, the gross monthly income limit is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. That works out to $2,610 per month for a one-person household, $3,528 for two people, and $5,364 for a family of four. There is no asset limit for most CalFresh applicants in California.
How do I apply for Medi-Cal?
You can apply online through Covered California at coveredca.com/apply or through BenefitsCal.com. You can also apply at your county social services office in person or by phone. Medi-Cal accepts applications year-round, with no open enrollment deadline.
Does California have Medicaid expansion?
Yes. California fully expanded Medi-Cal under the Affordable Care Act. As of 2024, Medi-Cal eligibility was extended to all qualifying California residents regardless of immigration status, making it one of the broadest Medicaid programs in the country.
Can I get CalFresh and Medi-Cal at the same time?
Yes. Many California residents receive both. A single application on BenefitsCal.com or through Covered California checks eligibility for both programs simultaneously.
What changed with Medi-Cal in 2026?
Two significant changes took effect or are scheduled in 2026. First, California reinstated asset limits for seniors and people with disabilities at $130,000 per individual, effective January 1, 2026. Second, starting June 1, 2026, able-bodied adults ages 18 to 64 without children under 14 must meet work or volunteer activity requirements to maintain Medi-Cal coverage.
Who qualifies for CalWORKs in California?
CalWORKs is for California families with children under 18 where the family's income falls below the county-specific MBSAC threshold. There is a 60-month lifetime limit. Participants are generally required to participate in work-related activities. Apply at BenefitsCal.com or through your county welfare office.
How do I find out which programs I qualify for?
The fastest way is to use the Benefits Navigator screener. Enter your ZIP code, household size, and income and the tool checks eligibility across CalFresh, Medi-Cal, WIC, LIHEAP, CalWORKs, SSI, Covered California, and other programs simultaneously. It is free and takes about three minutes.
Is there help with utility bills in California?
Yes. LIHEAP provides heating and cooling assistance to households earning up to 60% of the State Median Income. For a single person, that is approximately $3,332 per month. Apply through your local LIHEAP provider at caliheapapply.com. You may automatically qualify if you already receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or SSI.
