A Guide To Benefits Available To California Residents

You already know that California is different. We have deserts, mountain ranges (with volcanoes!), forests, and we grow produce that feeds the entire nation and beyond. One of the other ways we’re different is in the number of ways we try to help less fortunate neighbors. 

California operates more assistance programs than almost any other state. While these programs go a long way in helping people make ends meet, they don’t “solve” problems related to poverty: food insecurity, housing insecurity, and lack of access to health services. 

This week, we’ll take a look at available programs attempting to meet basic needs today. In our next post, we’ll get into detail about how well (or not) people are being helped, and what interventions are required to reduce reliance on the social safety net  

What Benefits Are Available to Californians?

In this post, we’re going to look at major programs available to people in need here in the Golden State: 

• 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

• 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)

Formerly known as “food stamps,” CalFresh provides monthly funds loaded onto an EBT card that can be used to buy groceries. (For more info on CalFresh and changes to the program planned for 2026, please read this recent blog post.) 

Apply online at BenefitsCal.com or GetCalFresh.org.

Medi-Cal (Health Coverage)

Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health coverage to all eligible Californians regardless of immigration status. Doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, vision, dental, and mental health services can be accessed through Medi-Cal. The program has no open enrollment period. 

Note: Starting June 1, 2026, people between age 18-64 years old who are not caring for a child under 14 must demonstrate they are working, volunteering, or participating in qualifying activities to maintain their Medi-Cal eligibility.

Apply online at coveredca.com/apply or by calling (800) 300-1506. 

Covered California (Subsidized Health Insurance)

Covered California is California’s health insurance marketplace. It was created under the Affordable Care Act to connect Californians to health and dental insurance from private companies – no matter their income or health history.

Covered California plans are made more affordable due to subsidies and tax credits available based on income, which can significantly reduce monthly premium costs. Participating Californians can also apply for Medi-Cal through the same joint application to determine which plan they qualify for. 

Visit coveredca.com for more information.

CalWORKs (Cash Assistance for Families)

The federal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program provides cash grants and support services to low-income families with children. California’s version of the program is named CalWORKs. CalWORKs also provides access to job training, childcare, and housing assistance.

People receiving CalWORKs benefits must show that they “participate” in work activities (job search, job training, community service), with some exceptions available for parents of very young children.Apply online at BenefitsCal.com.

LIHEAP (Home Energy Assistance)

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. Anyone who already receives Medi-Cal, CalFresh, WIC, SSI, or CalWORKs automatically qualifies for LIHEAP. 

LIHEAP operates through local service providers across California. A local LIHEAP provider can be found by visiting caliheapapply.com or calling (800) 433-4327.

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. Families already receiving CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs automatically qualifies for WIC.

Visit myfamily.wic.ca.gov to apply for WIC or find a local WIC office.

SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal monthly support program for adults over age 65, blind individuals, and people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Here in California, a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) is added on top of the federal amount, making California's combined benefit among the highest in the country.

Visit ssa.gov or call (800) 772-1213 for more information.

California LifeLine (Discounted Phone and Internet)

California LifeLine provides monthly discounts on phone and internet service for eligible households. Households with an income below the federal poverty line may qualify for the program. 

Apply online at californialifeline.com or call (866) 272-0349.

No Matter What Happens, Help is Here

Help is available in many ways. Open Heart Kitchen is here to serve the Tri-Valley. In 2025, we distributed almost one million meals to anyone in the Tri-Valley who was struggling with food security. Since our 1995 launch, Open Heart Kitchen has served over 9 million meals. Our mission to provide equitable access to nutritious food will not change. 

We are dedicated to our mission of supporting anyone facing hunger. But we can’t do it without the Tri-Valley community. 

Please consider donating to Open Heart Kitchen. 

Together, we can fight hunger and build a future where everyone has access to nutritious food and a brighter future.

A Guide To Benefits Available To California Residents