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Financial Help
Job searching is hard enough without worrying about bills. These programs can help bridge the gap.
Assistance Programs
EDD Unemployment
Apply for California unemployment benefits if you lost your job.
Free
CalFresh (Food Stamps)
Food assistance for low-income Californians. Easy online application.
Free
Covered California
Health insurance marketplace. Many qualify for free or low-cost coverage.
Free
LIHEAP
Help paying utility bills for low-income households.
Free
PG&E CARE Program
20% discount on gas and electric bills for qualifying households.
Free
211
Connect to local services - food, housing, utilities, and more. Call 211 or visit online.
Free
Help by Category
Income
- • Unemployment (EDD) - If you lost your job
- • CalWORKs - Cash aid for families
- • SSI - If you have a disability
Food
- • CalFresh (SNAP) - Monthly food benefits
- • Food banks - Free groceries
- • WIC - For pregnant women & young children
Utilities
- • LIHEAP - Help with utility bills
- • PG&E CARE - 20% discount on gas/electric
- • Lifeline - Discounted phone service
Housing
- • Section 8 - Rental assistance vouchers
- • Emergency rental assistance - One-time help
- • 211 - Local shelter info
Healthcare
- • Medi-Cal - Free/low-cost health insurance
- • Covered California - Subsidized insurance
- • Community clinics - Sliding scale fees
General Help
- • 211 - Find any local service
- • BenefitsCal - Apply for multiple programs
- • Catholic Charities - Emergency assistance
Tips for Applying
- •Apply even if you're not sure you qualify. Eligibility rules are complex. Let them tell you no.
- •Have documents ready: ID, proof of income (or lack of), bills, lease agreement.
- •Apply for multiple programs at once through BenefitsCal.com to save time.
- •Follow up. Applications can get stuck. Call to check status if you haven't heard back.