Last Updated: September 1, 2026
Where to Apply for California Benefits in 2026: Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, IHSS and More
California offers many public benefit programs, but they are not all handled by the same agency or website.
Some benefits can be applied for through BenefitsCal, while others require a separate application through Social Security, EDD, a county IHSS office, WIC, a local housing authority, or another agency.
This guide explains where to start for many of the most common California assistance programs in 2026.
For Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs, BenefitsCal is often the best place to start. Other programs such as IHSS, SSI, WIC, SDI, Paid Family Leave, Section 8, and LIHEAP use different agencies or application systems.
1. Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health coverage program for eligible residents.
You can generally apply online through BenefitsCal or contact your county social services office for help with an application.
Apply or manage benefits:
BenefitsCal
Official Medi-Cal information:
California Department of Health Care Services – Medi-Cal
Before applying, you may want to review our 2026 Medi-Cal Income Limits by Household Size .
2. CalFresh
CalFresh provides food benefits to eligible California households through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
You can usually apply through BenefitsCal or contact your county social services agency.
Apply:
BenefitsCal
Official information:
California Department of Social Services – CalFresh
3. CalWORKs
CalWORKs provides cash assistance and supportive services to eligible California families with children.
Applications are generally handled through BenefitsCal or the county social services agency.
Apply:
BenefitsCal
Official information:
California Department of Social Services – CalWORKs
4. IHSS
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) helps eligible aged, blind, and disabled people receive services that can help them remain safely in their own homes.
Unlike Medi-Cal or CalFresh, you generally do not apply for IHSS through BenefitsCal. Applications are handled by the IHSS office in the county where the applicant lives.
Find IHSS information and your local office:
California Department of Social Services – IHSS
5. SSI and SSP
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash assistance to certain people who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who meet financial eligibility requirements.
California also provides a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to eligible SSI recipients.
SSI applications are handled through the Social Security Administration rather than BenefitsCal.
Apply or learn more:
Social Security Administration – SSI
California SSI/SSP information:
California CDSS – SSI/SSP
6. WIC
The Women, Infants and Children program, or WIC, provides nutrition assistance to eligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under age five.
WIC uses its own application and local agency system rather than BenefitsCal.
Check eligibility and get started:
California WIC – Am I Eligible?
7. Disability Insurance (DI)
California Disability Insurance provides short-term wage replacement benefits to eligible workers who cannot work because of a qualifying non-work-related illness, injury, pregnancy, or childbirth.
You can file a Disability Insurance claim online through myEDD and SDI Online.
Apply:
California EDD – SDI Online
8. Paid Family Leave
California Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides wage replacement benefits to eligible workers who need time away from work for qualifying family-related reasons.
PFL claims can generally be filed online through myEDD and SDI Online.
Apply:
California EDD – Paid Family Leave
9. Unemployment Insurance
If you lose your job or have your work hours reduced and meet the eligibility requirements, you may qualify for California Unemployment Insurance.
Unemployment Insurance claims are handled by the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
Apply or learn more:
California EDD – Unemployment Insurance
10. LIHEAP – Energy Bill Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may help eligible households with home energy costs.
LIHEAP services are provided through local energy service agencies. Eligibility and available assistance can depend on household income, other circumstances, and available funding.
Find information and local assistance:
California Department of Community Services and Development – LIHEAP
California 2-1-1 can also help residents locate community resources and local assistance programs. Dial 211 or use your local 211 service.
11. Section 8 and Housing Assistance
Housing Choice Vouchers, often called Section 8, are generally administered by local public housing agencies.
There is no single statewide California Section 8 application. You generally need to find the housing authority serving the city or county where you want to apply.
Many housing programs have waiting lists. A housing authority may only accept new applications when its waiting list is open.
Find housing assistance:
HUD – Rental Help in California
12. CalEITC
The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is a refundable state tax credit for eligible working Californians.
Unlike Medi-Cal or CalFresh, CalEITC is generally claimed when you file your California income tax return.
For the current tax-year rules, use the California Franchise Tax Board's official CalEITC information.
Check eligibility:
California Franchise Tax Board – CalEITC
13. Covered California
If you do not qualify for Medi-Cal, you may be able to purchase health insurance through Covered California and may qualify for financial assistance with your premiums depending on your eligibility.
Covered California applications can also help determine whether household members may qualify for Medi-Cal.
Apply or compare plans:
Covered California
Which Website Should I Use?
| Program | Where to Start |
|---|---|
| Medi-Cal | BenefitsCal / County |
| CalFresh | BenefitsCal / County |
| CalWORKs | BenefitsCal / County |
| IHSS | County IHSS Office |
| SSI / SSP | Social Security Administration |
| WIC | California WIC / Local WIC Agency |
| Disability Insurance | EDD / SDI Online |
| Paid Family Leave | EDD / SDI Online |
| Unemployment | EDD |
| LIHEAP | Local Energy Service Agency |
| Section 8 | Local Housing Authority |
| CalEITC | California Tax Return / FTB |
| Covered California | CoveredCA.com |
Can I Apply for More Than One Program?
Yes. Depending on your household circumstances, you may qualify for more than one assistance program at the same time.
For example, someone may qualify for Medi-Cal and CalFresh while also receiving another benefit. Each program has its own eligibility rules, so eligibility for one program does not automatically determine eligibility for another.
What Should I Do if I Am Not Sure Where to Apply?
If you are looking for Medi-Cal, food assistance, or cash assistance for a family with children, BenefitsCal is often a good starting point.
For programs that are not handled through BenefitsCal, use the official agency links above or contact the appropriate local office.
Before submitting an application, check which agency actually administers the program. This can help you avoid unofficial websites and unnecessary fees. Applying for government benefits should generally be done through the official government agency or its authorized application system.
Official Resources
- BenefitsCal
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal
- California Department of Social Services
- Social Security Administration – SSI
- California EDD
- California WIC
- California Department of Community Services and Development
- California Franchise Tax Board
- Covered California
California Benefits Guide is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the State of California, DHCS, CDSS, BenefitsCal, Social Security Administration, EDD, Covered California, HUD, or any other government agency. This article provides general educational information only and is not an official eligibility determination, legal advice, tax advice, financial advice, or benefits counseling. Program rules and application procedures may change. Always verify current information with the government agency responsible for the program.