$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
California Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in California
SSDI in California - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in California - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,635
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA, Mar 2026
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
Disability applications are ultimately denied, which is why getting it right matters
SSA, 2024
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers who paid Social Security taxes long enough to be covered
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work (earning over $1,690 a month in 2026, higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We've helped over 10,000 clients and handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between California SDI and SSDI?
California SDI is short-term wage replacement through the EDD, up to 52 weeks. SSDI is federal long-term disability. Many Californians use SDI as a bridge while applying for SSDI.
How long does SSDI take in California?
Initial decisions and hearings are processed through California's DDS and SSA hearing offices. Wait times can stretch many months, and applying early protects back pay.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, if monthly earnings stay under $1,690 in 2026. This federal limit does not adjust for California's higher cost of living.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in California - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with little income who are disabled, blind, or 65+.
SSI in California - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with little income who are disabled, blind, or 65+.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history. It's based on need, not on what you've paid in. In most states, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid.
FEDERAL MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Some states add more on top.
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count.
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify.
SSA
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Resources under $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a couple (home and one car don't count)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does California add to my SSI payment?
Yes. California's State Supplementary Payment (SSP) brings the combined total to about $1,234 per month for an individual living independently in 2026.
Will I get Medi-Cal with SSI?
Yes. SSI approval automatically enrolls you in Medi-Cal. No separate application needed.
What if I don't qualify due to immigration status?
California's CAPI program provides similar monthly support for qualifying immigrants who are aged, blind, or disabled.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in California
Monthly compensation for injuries and conditions tied to your service.
Veterans Benefits in California
Monthly compensation for injuries and conditions tied to your service.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS
ADDED BY THE PACT ACT
20+ conditions
New toxic-exposure conditions the VA now presumes are service connected
VA.gov
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they're combined, not simply added.
Can I get my VA rating increased?
Yes. If a service-connected condition gets worse, you can file for a higher rating and higher monthly pay.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They're separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability doesn't reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in California
One-on-one healthcare advocacy to get the most out of your Medicare.
Healthcare Advocacy in California
One-on-one healthcare advocacy to get the most out of your Medicare.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in California?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medi-Cal?
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65+ or with qualifying disabilities. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. Many Californians qualify for both.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in California
One-on-one help getting your child the IEP and school support they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in California
One-on-one help getting your child the IEP and school support they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 - 22 enrolled in California public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help that they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child?
California Education Code requires the school to complete the assessment and hold the IEP meeting within 60 calendar days after parents sign the assessment plan.
What does an Education Advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in California (Medi-Cal)
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, offering free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying residents.
Medicaid in California (Medi-Cal)
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, offering free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying residents.
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, run by the Department of Health Care Services. It provides free or low-cost coverage for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, vision, and mental health services. Roughly 1 in 3 Californians are enrolled, making it the largest Medicaid program in the country.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
14M+
Californians enrolled in Medi-Cal, the largest Medicaid program in the country
DHCS, 2026
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
DHCS, 2026
WHAT IT COVERS
Full benefits
Doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, vision, and mental health
DHCS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Single adult earning up to $1,800/month
- Family of 4 earning up to $3,697/month
- Children qualify at higher income limits, up to 266% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Pregnant women qualify at expanded income limits, with coverage continuing 12 months postpartum
How to apply
Apply at BenefitsCal.com, California's unified portal that also screens for CalFresh and CalWORKs, or through Covered California at coveredca.com. Most applicants receive a decision within 45 days.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in some states?
Yes. Many states run Medicaid under their own name, but it's the same federal program with the same core benefits.
What's the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicaid is based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability, not income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Who qualifies for Medicaid?
It's based mainly on household size and income. In many states, adults can qualify even without children, and coverage for kids reaches higher incomes than for adults.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in California (CalFresh)
CalFresh is California's SNAP program, providing monthly grocery benefits for qualifying residents.
SNAP in California (CalFresh)
CalFresh is California's SNAP program, providing monthly grocery benefits for qualifying residents.
CalFresh is California's SNAP program, run by the Department of Social Services and operated through county offices. It provides monthly grocery benefits on a Golden State Advantage EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Roughly 5 million Californians receive CalFresh each month, though an estimated 2 million more who qualify are not enrolled.
ENROLLMENT
5M+
Californians receive CalFresh benefits each month
CDSS / LAO, 2024-25
POVERTY IMPACT
856,000
Californians are kept out of poverty each year by CalFresh, the state's largest poverty-mitigating program
PPIC, December 2025
AVERAGE BENEFIT
$195/mo
Average monthly CalFresh benefit per person
PPIC, January 2026
Who qualifies
- Gross income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $2,610/month for 1 person, $5,360/month for a family of 4)
- No asset test for most households, and seniors or people with disabilities qualify at higher income levels
- SSI recipients, working families, students with qualifying exemptions, and more may be eligible
How to apply
Apply at the state's CalFresh page (cdss.ca.gov/calfresh) or online at BenefitsCal.com, or call the CalFresh Info Line at 1-877-847-3663. A phone or in-person interview is required; most decisions come within 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify?
Yes. California uses a 200% FPL gross income limit, higher than the federal standard. Many working households qualify once deductions for housing, childcare, and earned income are applied.
Can I use CalFresh at farmers markets or online?
Yes. The Golden State Advantage EBT card works at most grocery stores, Amazon, Walmart, and many California farmers markets.
How long does CalFresh approval take?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. Households with very limited income and resources may qualify for expedited benefits within 3 days, one of the fastest standards in the country.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC in California - Women, Infants & Children
Nutrition support for pregnant women, new moms, and young children.
WIC in California - Women, Infants & Children
Nutrition support for pregnant women, new moms, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, postpartum mothers, infants, and children under age 5
- Household income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Already on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWORKs? Automatically income-eligible for WIC
- Fathers, grandparents, and legal guardians can apply on behalf of an eligible child in their care
How to apply
Find your local WIC office at myfamily.wic.ca.gov or call 1-888-942-9675. Bring proof of identity, California residency, income, and pregnancy or your child's age. Approval is immediate if eligible, with benefits loaded onto the California WIC Card the same day.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food for little ones. The specific approved items are set by each state's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in California - Utility Bill Assistance
Help with heating and cooling costs.
LIHEAP in California - Utility Bill Assistance
Help with heating and cooling costs.
LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helps California households with limited income pay their home heating and cooling bills. The benefit is paid directly to your utility company, and extra help is available if you are facing a shutoff or other energy emergency. California also runs CARE, a separate program that gives qualifying households a 30 to 35 percent ongoing monthly discount on electric bills, which can be combined with LIHEAP. Funds are limited each season, so applying early matters.
CARE DISCOUNT
30-35% off
California's CARE program gives qualifying households an ongoing monthly discount on electric bills, separate from LIHEAP
CPUC, 2026
COOLING SEASON
Critical in CA
California offers year-round cooling assistance because Central Valley summers routinely hit 110F or higher
CSD
AUTO-ELIGIBLE
SNAP, SSI, Medi-Cal
Receiving CalFresh, SSI, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs automatically qualifies you for LIHEAP
CSD
Who qualifies
- Households with income at or below California's LIHEAP limit
- Automatic if the household receives CalFresh, SSI, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs
- Renters and homeowners both qualify, with no asset limit
- Priority for households with seniors, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
How to apply
Find your local LIHEAP service provider at csd.ca.gov/energybills and apply in person, online, by mail, or by phone. California's LIHEAP is open year-round, not just during heating or cooling seasons. Have ready: a current utility bill, photo ID, proof of income, and any disconnection notice.
Frequently asked questions
What does LIHEAP help pay for?
Heating, cooling, and energy emergency costs. California's LIHEAP covers all four year-round: heating, cooling, crisis assistance, and free weatherization for energy efficiency improvements.
How is the benefit paid?
Straight to your utility company, which lowers your bill or clears a past-due balance. You typically don't receive the money yourself.
What if my power is about to be shut off?
California's ECIP (Energy Crisis Intervention Program) provides emergency funds when a shutoff is imminent. Contact your local LIHEAP service provider right away and tell them it's an emergency.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Covered California: Health Insurance Subsidies
Covered California is the state's official health insurance marketplace with subsidies that lower monthly premiums.
Covered California: Health Insurance Subsidies
Covered California is the state's official health insurance marketplace with subsidies that lower monthly premiums.
Covered California is the state's official health insurance marketplace, created under the Affordable Care Act. It's where Californians who don't qualify for Medi-Cal and don't have employer coverage can shop for plans with federal premium tax credits and California state subsidies that lower the monthly cost. Roughly 1.9 million Californians enrolled for 2025 coverage, a record high.
ENROLLMENT
1.9M+
Californians enrolled in Covered California for 2025, a record high
Covered California, 2025
STATE SUBSIDIES
Extra savings
California adds state-funded subsidies on top of federal premium tax credits
Covered California
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Nov 1 to Jan 31
California's open enrollment runs two weeks longer than the federal default
Covered California
Who qualifies
- California resident who's a US citizen or lawfully present immigrant, without affordable employer coverage or Medicare
- Income above 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (below that goes to Medi-Cal)
- Federal premium tax credits available for qualifying households
- California state premium subsidy adds extra savings for lower-income households
How to apply
Apply at coveredca.com or call 1-800-300-1506 with your household income estimate and Social Security numbers ready. Open enrollment runs November 1 through January 31; special enrollment is available within 60 days of a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or a new baby.
Frequently asked questions
What if I missed open enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you recently lost job-based coverage, got married, had a baby, or experienced another qualifying life event. You have 60 days from the event to enroll.
What if my income is too low for Covered California?
Apply anyway. The Covered California application automatically routes you to Medi-Cal if you qualify based on income.
How much can I save with subsidies?
It depends on your income, household size, and plan. Subsidies are applied automatically when you enroll through coveredca.com.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in California (CalWORKs)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in California (CalWORKs)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
CalWORKs is California's cash assistance program for families with children who have very limited income. It provides monthly cash that can be used for any basic need, including rent, food, utilities, and transportation. CalWORKs also includes Welfare-to-Work services, free child care through Stage 1, and connects families to housing assistance, mental health support, and other services. Most recipients are automatically enrolled in Medi-Cal at the same time.
STACKED BENEFITS
Medi-Cal + child care
CalWORKs recipients are automatically enrolled in Medi-Cal and qualify for Stage 1 child care with no waitlist
CDSS
TIME LIMIT
60 months
Federal lifetime limit on cash aid, with California's Safety Net program continuing child-only benefits afterward
CDSS
BUNDLED SUPPORT
Beyond cash
CalWORKs includes Welfare-to-Work job training, housing aid, mental health support, and Family Stabilization services
CDSS
Who qualifies
- US citizen or qualifying non-citizen, California resident
- Pregnant or have a dependent child under 19
- Household income at or below California's CalWORKs limit
How to apply
Apply at BenefitsCal.com, which also handles Medi-Cal and CalFresh, or in person, by mail, or by phone through your local county welfare department. Decisions typically come within 30-45 days.
Frequently asked questions
What can this assistance be used for?
It's flexible cash. Families typically use it for rent, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and other basic needs.
How long can you receive it?
Adults can receive cash aid for up to 60 months in their lifetime. After that, California's Safety Net program continues benefits for the children until they turn 18.
Can I get help if I'm working?
Yes. CalWORKs uses an Earned Income Disregard that lets working families keep more of their grant. The first $600 of earned and disability income is disregarded before your benefit is calculated.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
CalEITC - California Earned Income Tax Credit
California's state earned income tax credit, stacked on top of the federal EITC for working families.
CalEITC - California Earned Income Tax Credit
California's state earned income tax credit, stacked on top of the federal EITC for working families.
CalEITC is California's state Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable credit that stacks on top of the federal EITC for working individuals and families. Families with children under 6 may also qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). Unlike the federal EITC, CalEITC is available to filers with an ITIN, not just a Social Security number.
WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
The EITC is refundable, so you receive the full amount as a refund even if you owe nothing
IRS
COMMONLY MISSED
1 in 5 skip it
About 1 in 5 eligible workers don't claim the EITC, often just because they don't file a return
IRS
Who qualifies
- Worked and earned income during the tax year, with a valid SSN (federal EITC) or ITIN (CalEITC)
- Household income within EITC limits, which scale with family size and filing status
- Workers without children can also qualify for a smaller federal EITC
- Both federal EITC and CalEITC are claimed when you file your federal and California state tax returns
How to apply
File your federal tax return to claim the federal EITC, and your California state return to claim CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit if you qualify. Free tax prep is available through VITA and CalFile, California's free state filing service.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and having children increases the amount.
Can I still claim EITC if I didn't file in past years?
Often yes. You can claim federal EITC for up to 3 prior years and CalEITC for up to 4 prior years by filing returns for those years. Worth checking if you missed it.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC and CalEITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like CalFresh or Medi-Cal, and protections exist so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in California
A federal program that gives families a tax credit for each child in their care.
Child Tax Credit in California
A federal program that gives families a tax credit for each child in their care.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for families raising children. It lowers what you owe for each qualifying child under 17, and part of it can come back as a refund even if you owe little or no tax. You claim it when you file your federal tax return. Families with a child under 6 may also qualify for California's Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) on their state return.
WHO IT'S FOR
Families with kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Part of the credit is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return, even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help (like VITA) walk you through Schedule 8812 and fill in the right forms for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the Child Tax Credit if I owe no taxes?
Often yes. Part of the credit is refundable, so many families receive some of it as a refund even when they owe little or no federal tax. You do need some earned income from work to get the refundable part.
Who claims the Child Tax Credit when parents are separated or share custody?
Usually the parent the child lives with for more than half the year. Parents can agree to let the other one claim it, but only one parent can claim a given child in a given year.
Can I get the Child Tax Credit and the EITC?
Yes. Many families qualify for both, since they have separate rules. California families may also qualify for CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit on their state return, stacking up to four credits in total.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in California (CCAP)
Subsidized child care through CalWORKs and Alternative Payment Programs.
Child Care Assistance in California (CCAP)
Subsidized child care through CalWORKs and Alternative Payment Programs.
California's subsidized child care system helps working parents pay for child care so they can stay employed. It includes CalWORKs Child Care for families on or recently off cash aid, and the Alternative Payment Program (APP) for other low-income working families. Benefits are paid directly to your certified child care provider, and families below 75% of the State Median Income pay no family fees.
INCOME LIMIT
$108,237/year
Family of 4 income limit to qualify, with higher limits for larger families
CDSS, 2025-26
FAMILY FEES
$0 for most
California eliminated family fees for lower-income families, capped at 1% of income for others
CDSS
CONTINUOUS ELIGIBILITY
24 months
California extends the federal minimum to 24 months, so your benefits don't change for two years
Child Care Law Center
Who qualifies
- Parents working, in school or job training, seeking employment, or with a child receiving protective services
- Household income within California's child care subsidy limits, with higher limits for larger families
- Child must be under 13, or up to 21 if they have a qualifying disability
How to apply
Visit cdss.ca.gov/calworks-child-care to learn about your county's child care assistance programs. CalWORKs cash aid recipients apply through their county welfare department; other families find their local Resource & Referral agency at rrnetwork.org.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost me?
Most California families pay nothing. Families below 75% of the State Median Income owe no fees, and CalWORKs recipients are fully exempt.
What kind of provider can I use?
You choose. That can be a licensed center, a licensed family child care home, or a family member or neighbor who registers with TrustLine.
Is there a waitlist?
CalWORKs Stage 1 and Stage 2 have no waitlist. Stage 3 and the Alternative Payment Program do, especially in major metro areas.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
