Welcome to California Benefits Page
You can find information about food, medical, housing, and cash assistance — including requirements and income limits.You can find information about food, medical, housing, and cash assistance in California — including eligibility requirements, income limits, and how to apply for benefits such as CalFresh (food stamps), Medi-Cal (health coverage), CalWORKs (cash aid), and housing support programs offered by the California Department of Social Services.
🍎 Food Assistance in California (CalFresh / SNAP)
You can find information about food stamps and food assistance in California — including income limits, eligibility, and how to apply.
California’s main food assistance program is called CalFresh, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
It helps low-income individuals and families buy healthy food from grocery stores and farmers markets.
🏛️ What CalFresh Provides
CalFresh gives you monthly benefits on an EBT card (Electronic Benefit Transfer), which works like a debit card.
You can use it to buy:Fresh fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Bread, cereal, and grains
Non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants to grow your own food
You cannot use it to buy alcohol, cigarettes, pet food, or household items.
📍 Official site: Find Help
👩👩👧👦 Who Can Get CalFresh
You may qualify if you:
Live in California
Are a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
Have a low or moderate income
Buy and prepare food separately from other people you live with
Students, seniors, and working families may also qualify under special rules.
💵 Income Limits
CalFresh Income Limits – Gross Monthly Income (2025)
• 1 person: $2,430
• 2 persons: $3,288
• 3 persons: $4,144
• 4 persons: $5,000
• 5 persons: $5,858
• 6 persons: $6,714
• 7 persons: $7,570
• 8 persons: $8,428
• Each additional person: +$858
💡 If your household earns less than these amounts before taxes, you may qualify.
Most households also need to meet net income limits (after certain deductions like rent or childcare).
💳 Monthly Benefit Amounts (Average)
The average CalFresh household receives:
Single adult: about $202/month
Family of 3: about $577/month
Family of 4: about $684/month
Benefits are loaded monthly onto your Golden State Advantage EBT card.
🧾 What You’ll Need to Apply
When applying for CalFresh, you’ll need:
Proof of identity (ID, driver’s license, or birth certificate)
Social Security number (if you have one)
Proof of income (pay stubs, award letters)
Rent or mortgage information
Utility bills
Immigration or citizenship documents (if applicable)
📝 How to Apply
You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
🖥️ Online:
Apply at Cal Fresh — it’s the fastest and easiest method.
☎️ By Phone:
Call your county social services office or the CalFresh Info Line:
📞 1-877-847-3663 (1-877-847-FOOD)🏢 In Person:
Visit your local county office — find locations here:
Find Office
📆 Application Timeline
Most applications are processed within 30 days.
If you are in urgent need (little or no money for food), you may get expedited CalFresh within 3 days.
📢 Disclaimer
obenefitfinder.com provides general information about the CalFresh (SNAP) food assistance program in California.
We are not affiliated with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) or any government agency.
Always confirm eligibility and application details directly through official CalFresh or county websites.
🏥 Medical Assistance in California (Medi-Cal)
You can find information about medical and health coverage in California — including eligibility, income limits, and how to apply.
California’s main public health program is called Medi-Cal, which provides free or low-cost medical services to individuals and families with limited income.
💳 What Medi-Cal Covers
Medi-Cal helps pay for a wide range of essential healthcare services, including:
Doctor visits and specialist care
Hospital and emergency services
Prescription medicines
Vision and dental care
Mental health and substance-use treatment
Pregnancy and newborn services
Long-term care and in-home support
Most services are free or have a very small copay (usually $1–$5).
👩👩👧👦 Who Can Get Medi-Cal
You may qualify if you live in California and meet one or more of the following:
Have low or moderate income
Are pregnant, a child, a senior, or have a disability
Receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or CalWORKs
Are a lawful permanent resident or qualified immigrant
Are under 26 years old, regardless of immigration status (California expansion rule)
💵 Income Limits
Medi-Cal eligibility is based on your household size and income.
Below are the approximate monthly income limits for free Medi-Cal coverage under the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules.
Medi-Cal Income Limits – Gross Monthly Income
• 1 person: $1,732
• 2 persons: $2,351
• 3 persons: $2,970
• 4 persons: $3,588
• 5 persons: $4,207
• 6 persons: $4,826
• Each additional person: +$619
💡 These limits represent 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — used for adults under 65.
Children and pregnant people may qualify with higher incomes (up to 266% FPL).
🧾 Documents You’ll Need
When applying for Medi-Cal, you’ll typically need:
Proof of identity (driver’s license or ID card)
Proof of income (pay stubs or tax return)
Social Security number (if applicable)
Immigration documents (if not a citizen)
Proof of California residence (utility bill, lease, etc.)
📝 How to Apply
🖥️ Online:
Apply through Covered California, the state’s official health insurance marketplace:
👉 Help☎️ By Phone:
Call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506 or contact your county social services office.
🏢 In Person:
Visit your local county human services office — find locations here:
👉 Find Office✉️ By Mail:
You can also mail your application form to your county office after downloading it from the DHCS website.
🕒 Processing Time
Most applications are processed within 45 days.
If you are pregnant, under 21, or have an urgent medical condition, you may qualify for expedited approval.
⚕️ If You Don’t Qualify for Free Medi-Cal
You might still qualify for:
Low-Cost Medi-Cal (Share of Cost): You pay part of your medical bills each month based on income.
Covered California Health Plans: Discounted private insurance with federal and state subsidies.
📢 Disclaimer
obenefitfinder.com provides general information about the Medi-Cal program in California.
We are not affiliated with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Covered California, or any government agency.
Always confirm eligibility and income limits directly with official Medi-Cal or county offices.
🏠 Housing Assistance in California
You can find information about housing programs, rent help, and emergency shelter in California — including eligibility, income limits, and how to apply.
Most housing assistance in California is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Programs aim to help low-income individuals and families find safe, affordable housing.
🏘️ Main Housing Programs in California
💵 1. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Section 8 program helps low-income families pay for private rental housing.
Participants receive a voucher that covers part of their rent, and they pay the remaining amount directly to the landlord.
Who Can Qualify:
Low-income individuals or families
U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens
Residents of California
Meet the income limits set by HUD (see below)
How It Works:
You apply through your local housing authority.
Once approved, you receive a voucher to use for a home or apartment that meets HUD standards.
You typically pay 30% of your monthly income toward rent.
🏢 2. Public Housing
Public housing provides affordable apartments or houses owned by local housing authorities.
Rent is based on your income and generally limited to 30% of your adjusted income.
Who Can Qualify:
Low-income individuals and families
Seniors (62+)
People with disabilities
U.S. citizens or legal residents
📍 Find your local Public Housing Authority (PHA): Find Help
🏡 3. California Emergency Rental Assistance
This program helps tenants who are behind on rent or utilities due to financial hardship (such as job loss or illness).
What It Covers:
Up to 18 months of rent and utility payments (past-due or future)
Landlords can apply on behalf of tenants
Although the statewide COVID-era rental relief program ended, some local counties and cities continue offering similar assistance.
📍 Check local listings at: Find Help
🛏️ 4. Emergency and Transitional Housing
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, California offers emergency shelters and temporary housing support.
Where to Get Help:
Call 2-1-1 California — free 24/7 hotline for housing, food, and health help
Continuum of Care (CoC) programs — local homeless service networks
Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and local shelters — provide immediate shelter and case management
📞 Call 211 or visit : Get Help
💰 Income Limits
HUD sets annual income limits for housing assistance.
Below are general low-income limits for California (these vary slightly by county):
California Housing Income Limits – Gross Annual Income
• 1 person: $66,750
• 2 persons: $76,250
• 3 persons: $85,800
• 4 persons: $95,300
• 5 persons: $102,950
• 6 persons: $110,550
• 7 persons: $118,200
• 8 persons: $125,800
These limits apply to most HUD-funded housing programs, including Section 8 and Public Housing.
Counties with higher housing costs (like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego) may have slightly higher limits.
🧾 Documents You’ll Need
When applying for housing programs, you typically need:
Proof of identity (driver’s license, state ID, or birth certificate)
Proof of income (pay stubs, SSI, or benefits letters)
Social Security numbers for all household members
Proof of current address or homelessness
Rental history or landlord references
📝 How to Apply
Contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to apply for Section 8 or Public Housing.
👉 Find your county office: HUD PHA Directory – CaliforniaComplete the application and provide required documents.
Wait for placement on the waiting list (can vary by area).
When your name is selected, you’ll receive instructions to complete eligibility verification.
🕒 Waiting lists can be long in some cities — apply to multiple PHAs for better chances.
📞 Helpful Contacts
HUD California Field Office: (415) 489-6400
California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD): (916) 263-7400
2-1-1 California Hotline: Dial 2-1-1 for local housing help and emergency shelter
📢 Disclaimer
obenefitfinder.com provides general information about public housing, rental assistance, and homelessness programs in California.
We are not affiliated with HUD, the California Department of Housing and Community Development, or any local housing authority.
Always verify program details and income limits with your local housing agency.
💵 Cash Assistance in California
You can find information about cash aid and financial assistance in California — including eligibility, income limits, and how to apply.
The main cash support programs are CalWORKs, General Relief (GR), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
These programs help low-income individuals and families meet basic needs like food, rent, clothing, and transportation.
🧾 CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
CalWORKs provides monthly cash assistance and employment services to families with children who have little or no income.
It’s California’s version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
👩👩👧👦 Who Can Get CalWORKs
You may qualify if you:
Live in California
Have at least one child under 18 (or are pregnant)
Are a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
Have low income and limited assets
Participate in approved work, training, or education activities
Parents and guardians can receive aid for themselves and their children.
💵 CalWORKs Income Limits
Household income must be below these limits before taxes:
CalWORKs Income Limits – Gross Monthly Income
• 1 person: $1,891
• 2 persons: $2,480
• 3 persons: $3,069
• 4 persons: $3,659
• 5 persons: $4,248
• Each additional person: +$589
💡 Families receiving CalFresh (food stamps) often also qualify for CalWORKs.
📋 What CalWORKs Includes
Monthly cash aid (deposited on an EBT card)
Employment services and job training
Child care and transportation support for working parents
Education programs to help families become self-sufficient
📝 How to Apply
You can apply:
Online: CLICK HERE
By Phone or In Person: Contact your county social services office
📍 Find offices: Find Office
🕒 Most applications are processed within 30 days. Emergency cash may be available in urgent situations.
🏛️ General Relief (GR) / General Assistance (GA)
General Relief (GR) — sometimes called General Assistance (GA) — provides short-term cash help for adults who have no income, no children, and no other benefits.
Each county runs its own GR program.Typical Benefits:
Monthly payments of $250–$400 (amount varies by county)
May include temporary shelter or job placement help
You may need to repay the amount if you later receive other aid
📍 Apply through your county social services office
Find local offices: Find Office
🧩 Other Cash or Crisis Help in California
If you need emergency financial help, contact:
211 California — connect to local emergency funds
Salvation Army — rent, utilities, and food vouchers
Catholic Charities — family and housing assistance
Community Action Agencies — energy and hardship relief
📞 Dial 2-1-1 or visit :Click Here
📢 Disclaimer
obenefitfinder.com provides general information about state and federal cash assistance programs in California.
We are not affiliated with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Social Security Administration (SSA), or any government agency.
Always confirm eligibility and income limits directly through official government websites or county offices.