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)
Marketplace Type: State-Based Exchange
Phone: 1-800-300-1506
Medicare / SHIP Counseling
HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program)
Phone: 1-800-434-0222
SSI / SSDI
State provides supplemental SSI payment
State Supplement: $240/month
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.
California State Disability Insurance (SDI): Complete Guide to Benefits and Eligibility
Learn about California State Disability Insurance (SDI), including 2026 benefit amounts up to $1,765 per week, eligibility requirements, how to apply through the EDD, and wage replacement rates.
March 23, 2026
How to Apply for Section 8 in California: Complete Guide (2026)
Learn how to apply for Section 8 housing vouchers in California. Step-by-step instructions, income limits, required documents, waiting list tips, and FAQ for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
March 12, 2026
CalFresh Changes 2026: What California Residents Need to Know About New SNAP Rules
Complete guide to CalFresh changes in 2026 including new work requirements, noncitizen eligibility rules, updated income limits, and how H.R. 1 impacts California SNAP benefits.
March 4, 2026
California SNAP Eligibility 2026: CalFresh Income Limits
Check CalFresh (SNAP) eligibility in California for 2026. Current income limits by household size, new work rules, how to apply online, and benefit amounts.
February 7, 2026
California ACA Marketplace Guide 2026
Learn how to apply for health insurance through Covered California. Income limits, subsidy amounts, enrollment dates, and step-by-step application guide.
February 5, 2026
California Medi-Cal Eligibility 2026: Income Limits Guide
Check if you qualify for Medi-Cal in California. Complete 2026 income limits by household size, who qualifies, how to apply online, and coverage details.
February 5, 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.