CPUC + utilities
CARE + FERA Utility Discount
30% bill discount for income under 200% FPL (CARE) or 250% FPL (FERA).
Open program page◢ West region · Capital: Sacramento
California grants &
benefits, all in one place.
Every federal program is administered through California state agencies, often with state-specific names, eligibility tiers, and seasonal windows. This page lists how to access each one, plus the California-only programs that stack on top.
Population38,965,193
Programs tracked147+
PostalCA
◢ California eligibility estimator
What programs do you likely qualify for in California?
Drop in your household size and income. The estimator returns programs your number is likely under, using the lower 48 federal poverty schedule.
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Programs in California
SNAP (food assistance)
≤130% FPLGross income test, California · Income limit: $34,645/yr
Medicaid (expansion adults)
≤138% FPLCalifornia expanded Medicaid · Income limit: $36,777/yr
LIHEAP energy assistance
≤150% FPLState variant; some use 60% state median income · Income limit: $39,975/yr
WIC (children under 5, pregnant)
≤185% FPLAuto-eligible if on SNAP or Medicaid · Income limit: $49,303/yr
Lifeline phone + ACP internet
≤200% FPLFederal program through any participating carrier · Income limit: $53,300/yr
Reduced-price school meals
≤185% FPLFree meals at 130% FPL · Income limit: $49,303/yr
ACA Marketplace subsidies
≤400% FPLStrongest subsidies below 250% FPL · Income limit: $106,600/yr
Estimator only — final eligibility includes asset, citizenship, and category tests.
◢ Where to apply
Core California agencies.
Most assistance programs in California flow through one of these state agencies. Bookmark the ones relevant to you.
Combined benefits portal
BenefitsCal
California's one-stop application portal for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and other state benefits.
benefitscal.com/
Energy assistance
LIHEAP via CSD
State LIHEAP program. Apply at the start of the heating season; funds run out before the published deadline.
www.csd.ca.gov/energy-assistance
SNAP food assistance
California SNAP
Federal SNAP run by the state. Average benefit is about $202 per person per month.
www.cdss.ca.gov/calfresh
Health coverage
Medi-Cal
State Medicaid program. Children's CHIP coverage typically extends to higher income limits.
www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal
Housing
California Department of Housing and Community Development
State housing finance agency. Section 8 vouchers are issued by local PHAs in each county.
www.hcd.ca.gov/
◢ State-specific programs
Programs unique to California.
These programs only exist in California. They stack on top of federal benefits and use different income rules.
Department of Social Services
CalWORKs (TANF)
Cash assistance for families with children, up to ~$1,200/mo for family of 3.
Open program pageCDSS
CalFresh Healthy Living
Senior CalFresh has relaxed income rules and higher monthly benefit.
Open program page◢ By need category
Federal programs accessed in California.
Every federal program below is available to California residents through state-administered offices. Click any category for the full eligibility breakdown.
◢ California questions
Common questions about California programs.
Apply through BenefitsCal, California's official benefits portal. The same application typically covers Medicaid and TANF. Most decisions arrive within 30 days, faster for expedited cases.
California's LIHEAP runs as LIHEAP via CSD. Apply through the state's energy assistance office during the program's seasonal window. Crisis benefits process within 48 hours.
Yes. California runs 3 notable state-specific programs including CARE + FERA Utility Discount. State-funded programs often have different income limits than federal versions.
California sets Medicaid income limits within federal rules. For non-disabled adults the cap is typically 138% of the federal poverty level if the state expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Children's CHIP coverage extends higher, often 200% FPL or more.
Call 211 first. The United Way line will route you to local Emergency Rental Assistance funds, California Community Action Agencies, and faith-based emergency funds active in your county. Most local funds process applications faster than state programs.
Editorial disclaimer
GrantsHubUSA is an independent editorial blog. We are not the California government, and we do not administer these programs. Always confirm current eligibility, deadlines, and contact details with the state agency before applying. See our full disclaimer.
◢ Skip the reading
Find your shortlist.
Four questions, your personalized list of programs you likely qualify for in California. No email required.