The 7 Programs
Click any program to expand details, income limits, and how to apply.
What It Is
CalFresh is California's name for the federal SNAP program. Eligible households receive monthly benefits on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card — the same as a debit card — that can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and many online retailers. Benefits average $200–$250 per person per month and cover most foods except hot prepared meals, alcohol, and vitamins.
Income Limits (Monthly Gross, 130% FPL — 2024–2025)
| Household Size | Max Gross Monthly Income | Max Net Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,632 | $1,255 |
| 2 | $2,215 | $1,703 |
| 3 | $2,797 | $2,152 |
| 4 | $3,380 | $2,600 |
| 5 | $3,963 | $3,048 |
| 6 | $4,546 | $3,497 |
| Each additional | +$583 | +$449 |
Households with a member age 60+ or with a disability only need to meet the net income test.
How to Apply
Apply online at BenefitsCal.com (formerly C4Yourself), by calling 1-877-847-3663, or in person at your county social services office. You will need to complete an interview (by phone is fine). Processing takes up to 30 days — or as little as 3 days if you're in immediate need.
Documents Needed
⚠️ You do not need a Social Security Number or legal immigration status to apply for children who are U.S. citizens.
What It Is
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, providing free or low-cost health coverage including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health, dental, and vision. As of 2024, all income-eligible Californians regardless of immigration status can enroll. Most enrollees pay $0 in premiums and $0–$3.50 in copays.
Income Limits (Monthly, 138% FPL — 2024–2025)
| Household Size | Max Monthly Income | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,732 | $20,784 |
| 2 | $2,349 | $28,188 |
| 3 | $2,969 | $35,628 |
| 4 | $3,588 | $43,056 |
| 5 | $4,206 | $50,472 |
| 6 | $4,826 | $57,912 |
Children under 19, pregnant individuals, and those in foster care may qualify at higher income levels. Individuals over 65 or with disabilities may qualify through separate SSI-linked pathways.
Managed Care Plans
Most Medi-Cal enrollees join a managed care plan (like Health Net, Molina, L.A. Care, Blue Shield Promise). You choose a plan and a primary care doctor in your county. Plans vary by county — you'll be enrolled automatically if you don't choose within 30 days.
How to Apply
Apply at BenefitsCal.com, through Covered California (CoveredCA.com), or at your county social services office. There is no enrollment period — you can apply any time of year. If you apply through Covered California and don't qualify for Medi-Cal, you'll automatically be considered for subsidized private insurance.
Documents Needed
What It Is
CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) provides monthly cash assistance, job training, and support services to families with children. Cash grants are issued on an EBT card and can be used for any household expense. The program also covers childcare, transportation, and job placement services.
Monthly Grant Amounts (Estimates — Region 1 includes most urban counties)
| Family Size | Region 1 (SF, LA, etc.) | Region 2 (Rural Counties) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 adult + 1 child | ~$957/mo | ~$882/mo |
| 1 adult + 2 children | ~$1,107/mo | ~$1,011/mo |
| 2 adults + 2 children | ~$1,175/mo | ~$1,083/mo |
Work Requirements & Time Limits
Adults receiving CalWORKs are generally required to participate in approved work or job training activities (32–35 hours/week). The lifetime limit for adults is 60 months total (federal TANF). Children continue to receive benefits regardless of adult time limits. Many exemptions apply (disability, caring for young child, domestic violence, etc.).
How to Apply
Apply at your county social services office or at BenefitsCal.com. You'll need to complete an intake interview. Processing takes up to 45 days; if you're in immediate financial need, you may receive an emergency grant within 3 days.
Documents Needed
What It Is
WIC provides monthly food packages, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. In California, WIC benefits are loaded onto a WIC card used at authorized grocery stores. The average monthly benefit value is approximately $50–$100 per person.
Who Qualifies
- Pregnant women (through 6 weeks postpartum)
- Breastfeeding women (up to 12 months after birth)
- Non-breastfeeding postpartum women (up to 6 months after birth)
- Infants under 1 year old
- Children under 5 years old
Income Limits (Monthly, 185% FPL — 2024–2025)
| Household Size | Max Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,322 |
| 2 | $3,151 |
| 3 | $3,982 |
| 4 | $4,810 |
| 5 | $5,640 |
| 6 | $6,471 |
You automatically qualify for WIC if you already receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs.
What Benefits Include
- Specific foods: milk, eggs, cheese, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, peanut butter, infant formula
- Breastfeeding support and pumps
- Referrals to healthcare providers and social services
- Nutrition education classes
How to Apply
Find your nearest WIC office at wicca.com or call 1-888-942-9675. You apply in person at a local WIC office. Bring ID, proof of residency, and proof of income (or proof you receive CalFresh/Medi-Cal). Appointments are typically available within 2 weeks.
What It Is
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program pays the difference between 30% of your income and the fair market rent for your area. You choose any private rental that accepts the voucher, and the housing authority pays the landlord directly. This is one of the most valuable housing benefits available — a voucher can be worth $1,000–$3,000/month in rent subsidy depending on your county.
⚠️ Waitlist Reality
Most California Housing Authorities have waitlists of 3–10+ years, and many are closed. Apply as soon as a waitlist opens in your county. Check waitlist status at your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) — most notify by email when a new waitlist opens.
Income Limits (50% Area Median Income — Sample Counties)
| County | 1 Person | 4 Persons |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $41,400/yr | $59,100/yr |
| San Francisco | $64,900/yr | $92,700/yr |
| San Diego | $44,500/yr | $63,550/yr |
| Sacramento | $37,450/yr | $53,500/yr |
| Fresno | $28,650/yr | $40,900/yr |
| Riverside | $33,250/yr | $47,500/yr |
Income limits are updated annually by HUD. Use our screener for your specific county's current limits.
How to Apply
Apply directly to your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) when their waitlist opens. Search for your county PHA at hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts. Some cities (like LA, San Jose, Oakland) have their own housing authorities separate from the county PHA.
Documents Needed
What It Is
CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) provides a 30–35% discount on electric bills and 20% on natural gas bills for income-eligible households. The discount is applied directly as a monthly bill credit — you pay less automatically once enrolled. Funded by utility surcharges. If you already receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or WIC, you automatically qualify.
Income Limits (Monthly, 200% FPL — 2024–2025)
| Household Size | Max Monthly Income | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,510/mo | $30,120/yr |
| 2 | $3,406/mo | $40,880/yr |
| 3 | $4,303/mo | $51,640/yr |
| 4 | $5,200/mo | $62,400/yr |
| 5 | $6,097/mo | $73,160/yr |
| 6 | $6,994/mo | $83,920/yr |
You automatically qualify if you already receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, WIC, SSI, or Lifeline.
Participating Utilities
CARE is offered through all major California utilities: PG&E, Southern California Edison (SCE), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), SoCalGas, PacifiCorp, Liberty Utilities, Bear Valley Electric, and many smaller municipal utilities. If your utility isn't listed, call them directly.
How to Apply
Apply through your utility provider's website or by calling their customer service. Online enrollment takes under 10 minutes — you'll need your utility account number, household income, and number of people in your home. Approval is typically instant or within 1–2 billing cycles.
- PG&E: pge.com/CARE or 1-800-743-5000
- SCE: sce.com/CARE or 1-800-655-4555
- SDG&E: sdge.com/CARE or 1-800-411-7343
- SoCalGas: socalgas.com/CARE or 1-800-427-2200
What It Is
FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance) provides an 18% discount on electric bills for households of 3 or more people that earn too much to qualify for CARE but still have limited income. If you're ineligible for CARE, FERA is your next option. The discount applies to your electric bill only (not gas) and is credited automatically each month.
Eligibility Requirements
- Household of 3 or more people (not available for 1- or 2-person households)
- Household income at or below 250% of Federal Poverty Level
- Must be an electric utility customer (electric bill discount only, not gas)
- Not already enrolled in CARE — apply for CARE first (larger discount)
Income Limits (Monthly, 250% FPL — 2024–2025)
| Household Size | Max Monthly Income | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $5,379/mo | $64,550/yr |
| 4 | $6,500/mo | $78,000/yr |
| 5 | $7,621/mo | $91,450/yr |
| 6 | $8,743/mo | $104,920/yr |
| Each additional | +$1,121/mo | +$13,450/yr |
FERA is not available for 1- or 2-person households. If you qualify for CARE (200% FPL), enroll in CARE instead — it gives a 30–35% discount vs FERA's 18%.
How to Apply
Apply through your electric utility provider's website — the same application process as CARE. The utility will determine whether you qualify for CARE (30–35% discount) or FERA (18%) based on your income and household size.
- PG&E: pge.com/CARE or 1-800-743-5000
- SCE: sce.com/CARE or 1-800-655-4555
- SDG&E: sdge.com/CARE or 1-800-411-7343
Not Sure What You Qualify For?
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Check My Eligibility →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California benefits eligibility and applications.
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src="https://civicbridge-w91r.polsia.app/embed.html"
width="100%"
height="700"
frameborder="0"
title="CivicBridge Benefits Screener"
style="border:none;border-radius:8px;"
></iframe><div id="civicbridge-screener"></div>
<script>
(function() {
var iframe = document.createElement('iframe');
iframe.src = 'https://civicbridge-w91r.polsia.app/embed.html?ref=YOUR_ORG_NAME';
iframe.width = '100%'; iframe.height = '700';
iframe.setAttribute('frameborder', '0');
iframe.setAttribute('title', 'CivicBridge Benefits Screener');
iframe.style.border = 'none'; iframe.style.borderRadius = '8px';
document.getElementById('civicbridge-screener').appendChild(iframe);
window.addEventListener('message', function(e) {
if (e.data && e.data.type === 'civicbridge:resize') {
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