California grants
& benefits: Medi-Cal, CalEITC and CARE.
California adds its own tax credits on top of federal aid, and Medi-Cal is partway through a long list of dated rule changes.
By Subha, Public Benefits Writer · Verified
State
California (CA)
Capital
Sacramento
Main benefits portal
BenefitsCalMedi-Cal is the state's name for Medicaid, and CalFresh is its SNAP. California adopted the ACA Medicaid expansion on January 1, 2014. CalFresh is state-supervised but county-operated, so your county social services office handles your case.
The biggest story right now is Medi-Cal. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has posted a schedule of changes running from January 2026 to October 2028, and which ones touch you depends on your age and immigration status.
Medi-Cal's rule changes, by date
Since January 1, 2026, some adults can no longer sign up for full-scope Medi-Cal because of their immigration status. People already enrolled can keep it if they renew on time. Children 18 and under and pregnant people can still get full-scope coverage.
Starting January 1, 2027, some adults 19 to 64 in the ACA expansion group must work, volunteer, train or go to school. The bar is $580 a month in earnings or 80 hours a month of activity. Adults 65 and older and people with disabilities are exempt.
From March 1, 2027, that same expansion group will have eligibility checked twice a year instead of once. Medi-Cal says it will send a letter to anyone the work rule applies to, so keep your contact details current.
Source: DHCS: Medi-Cal Changes
Savings limits are back for older Californians
Since January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal has an asset limit for people 65 and older, people with disabilities and nursing home residents. Through June 30, 2027, the limit is $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each extra household member. Income rules did not change.
The limit drops on July 1, 2027, to $21,000 for one person and $31,000 for two. Your home, one vehicle, household items and some retirement savings do not count. Bank accounts, cash and a second house or car do.
For Medicare questions, HICAP gives free one-on-one counseling to people 65 and older and to younger people on Medicare because of a disability. Its counselors are trained in Medi-Cal too. Call 1-800-434-0222 to reach your local office.
Tax-time cash from the CalEITC and YCTC
The CalEITC is worth up to $3,756 for tax year 2025 for workers earning up to $32,900. You claim it on form FTB 3514 with your state return, and you can generally claim it for up to four prior years by filing or amending.
Families with a child under 6 can add the Young Child Tax Credit, up to $1,189 per return for 2025. You must also qualify for the CalEITC, which uses the same $32,900 earned income line, and since tax year 2022 a filer can qualify with zero earned income or a net loss.
Source: Franchise Tax Board: California Earned Income Tax Credit
Power and gas bills
LIHEAP runs through the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD), which reports $236.7 million in federal LIHEAP funding for federal fiscal year 2026. Local service providers take the applications.
CARE and FERA rate discounts are separate from LIHEAP. You ask your utility about them.
Income limits, the three kinds of LIHEAP help and county offices are in our California LIHEAP and CARE guide.
Explore California program guides
California agency links
Helpful reading for California residents
SNAP Benefits by State 2026-27: Averages, Max + EBT Cards
SNAP benefits vary in three important ways from state to state. The first is the maximum allotment, fixed at $808 for a family of three in the 48 contiguous states and DC.
How Much Does TANF Pay in 2026? Payments and Income Limits by State
TANF pays by family size: a parent and one child can get up to $235 a month in Georgia and $331 in Texas. See 2026 maximum payments and income limits for all 50 states and DC.
LIHEAP Application Status: How to Check It Online in Your State (2026-27)
How to check your LIHEAP application status online or by phone, with official status links for 25 states, what each status means, and what to do if your application is stuck.
California assistance questions
Yes, if you renew on time and still meet the rules. If your coverage ends, you have three months to sign up again. After that, only restricted-scope Medi-Cal is available, which covers emergency, pregnancy and nursing home care.
Through June 30, 2027, the limit is $130,000 for one person plus $65,000 for each extra household member. The home you live in and one vehicle do not count. On July 1, 2027, the limit falls to $21,000 for one person.
No. DHCS lists people on Medicare Part A or Part B as exempt, along with adults 65 and older, people with disabilities, and parents or caregivers of children 13 and under.
Generally yes. The Franchise Tax Board lets you claim the CalEITC for up to four prior years by filing or amending your California return. Each tax year has its own FTB 3514 form.
No. CSD lists CARE and FERA as income-qualified utility programs it does not run. You ask your utility about them, and you can still apply for LIHEAP through your local service provider.
Sources
Independent information for your research
GrantsHubUSA is not a government agency and does not process benefit applications. Confirm requirements with the official California sources.