Assistance Programs in California
9 programs in CA, grouped by what you need help with. Each links to its official application site, and most have a plain-language how-to-apply guide.
Free · Private · Takes under 2 minutes
Local guides
Deeper, locally compiled program lists for these areas:
- Bakersfield / Kern County, CA 27 programs
Utility Bill Help
- CARE / FERA (Utility Bill Discounts)
30-35% discount on electricity and 20% on gas bills from PG&E, SCE, SoCalGas, and SDG&E for income-qualified households. Enrollment is a short form with your utility.
- California LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)
Help paying energy bills and shutoff emergencies, delivered through local community action agencies.
Food Assistance
- CalFresh (California SNAP)
California's food benefits program — monthly money on an EBT card for groceries. Apply through BenefitsCal, the state's official benefits site, or call 1-877-847-3663. (GetCalFresh no longer takes applications.)
Free & Low-Cost Healthcare
- Covered California
California's health insurance marketplace with income-based subsidies if you earn too much for Medi-Cal.
- Medi-Cal (California Medicaid)
Free or low-cost health coverage for low-income Californians — doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health, and dental for most members.
Cash Assistance & Benefits
- CalEITC + Young Child Tax Credit
Cash-back state tax credits worth hundreds to thousands of dollars for low-income workers — even if you owe no taxes. Free tax prep available.
- CalWORKs (Cash Aid for Families)
Monthly cash assistance plus job services and child care for California families with children in need.
- EDD Unemployment & Disability Insurance
Unemployment benefits if you lost work, State Disability Insurance if you can't work due to illness/injury, and Paid Family Leave.
Free Legal Aid
- California Courts Self-Help (Eviction)
Official guides on responding to an eviction notice in California — you typically have only 5 business days to respond to a court summons. Free self-help centers at every courthouse.