These are government programs that help people with low income. If you get Medi-Cal (health insurance), CalFresh (food money), or CalWORKs (cash help), you can also get discounts on things like electricity, buses, internet, and museums. You can apply online at BenefitsCal.com or go to your county office.

Public Assistance Programs

This guide covers California’s major public assistance programs that qualify you for many discounts listed on Bay Navigator. If you receive benefits from any of these programs, you may be eligible for reduced rates on utilities, transit, internet, museum admission, and more.

Last Updated: January 2026

Do I Qualify?

Check if you might be eligible for public assistance programs:

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Programs Overview

Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program providing free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents. **Who May Qualify:** - Adults with income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) - Children in families with income up to 266% FPL - Pregnant individuals with income up to 213% FPL - Seniors and people with disabilities meeting income/asset requirements - Former foster youth up to age 26 **What You Get:** Comprehensive health coverage including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, dental, and vision.

CalFresh (EBT/SNAP)
CalFresh is California's implementation of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), providing monthly food benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. **Who May Qualify:** - Households with gross monthly income at or below 200% FPL - U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants - Must meet work requirements if able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) **What You Get:** Monthly food benefits loaded onto an EBT card, accepted at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some restaurants for seniors/disabled individuals. **Student Eligibility:** College students have additional eligibility requirements. Visit the [BenefitsCal Student Center](https://benefitscal.com/StudentCenter/Home?lang=en) for details.

CalWORKs
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) provides temporary cash assistance and services to families with children. **Who May Qualify:** - Families with children under 18 (or 18 if still in high school) - Pregnant individuals - Must meet income and asset limits - Must participate in welfare-to-work activities **What You Get:** Monthly cash assistance, employment services, child care, and transportation assistance.

How to Apply

1

Online (Recommended)

BenefitsCal.com is California's online portal for applying to multiple programs at once.

You can use BenefitsCal to:

  • Check if you might be eligible before applying
  • Apply for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, and other programs
  • Upload documents
  • Check your application status
  • Manage your benefits after approval

Video guides available on YouTube

2

By Phone

California Benefits Hotline: 1-877-847-3663

Have a pen and paper ready. A representative can help you understand eligibility and start an application.

3

In Person

You can apply at your county's social services office. See the county directory below.

Documents You’ll Need

Gather these documents before applying. Check off items as you collect them:

Bay Area County Offices

Alameda County Social Services Agency

Main Office:
2000 San Pablo Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (510) 263-2420

Website: alamedacountysocialservices.org

Additional Locations:

  • Fremont: 39155 Liberty Street, Fremont, CA 94538
  • Hayward: 24100 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94544

Contra Costa Employment & Human Services

Main Office:
40 Douglas Drive
Martinez, CA 94553

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (877) 505-4630

Website: ehsd.org

Additional Locations:

  • Antioch: 4545 Delta Fair Boulevard, Antioch, CA 94509
  • Richmond: 323 37th Street, Richmond, CA 94805

Marin County Health & Human Services

Main Office:
120 North Redwood Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (415) 473-3400

Website: marinhhs.org

Napa County Health & Human Services

Main Office:
2751 Napa Valley Corporate Drive
Napa, CA 94558

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (707) 253-4511

Website: countyofnapa.org/hhsa

San Francisco Human Services Agency

Main Office:
1235 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (415) 557-5000

Website: sfhsa.org

Additional Locations:

  • 170 Otis Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
  • 2 Gough Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

San Mateo County Human Services Agency

Main Office:
400 Harbor Boulevard
Belmont, CA 94002

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (800) 223-8383

Website: smcgov.org/hsa

Additional Locations:

  • Daly City: 271 92nd Street, Daly City, CA 94015
  • South San Francisco: 1487 Huntington Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Santa Clara County Social Services Agency

Main Office:
333 West Julian Street
San Jose, CA 95110

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (408) 758-3800

Website: ssa.sccgov.org

Additional Locations:

  • Gilroy: 379 Tomkins Court, Gilroy, CA 95020
  • Sunnyvale: 1330 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA 95126

Solano County Health & Social Services

Main Office:
275 Beck Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (707) 784-8050

Website: solanocounty.com/depts/hss

Additional Locations:

  • Vallejo: 1 Harbor Center, Suite 110, Suisun City, CA 94585

Sonoma County Human Services Department

Main Office:
2550 Paulin Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (877) 699-6868

Website: sonomacounty.ca.gov/human-services

Using Your Benefits for Discounts

Tip: Many discount programs accept your EBT card as proof of eligibility. Some may require you to show your award letter or other documentation.

Once enrolled, you’ll receive documentation that can be used to access discounts:

  • EBT Card: Accepted for discounts at museums, farmers markets, and some transit programs
  • Medi-Cal Card (BIC): Shows you’re enrolled in Medi-Cal
  • Award Letter: Official letter confirming your enrollment and benefit amount

Additional Resources

  • California Food Banks: cafoodbanks.org
  • CalFresh Outreach: Many community organizations can help you apply
  • Legal Aid: If your application is denied, you may have the right to appeal

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