Skip to main content
Front Door
California

All kinds of help

Money

Cash help for basic needs, monthly payments for people with disabilities, retirees and veterans, and help with taxes. Your state runs cash help for families. Social Security pays disability and retirement benefits, and the VA pays veterans benefits. Free tax help can make sure you claim the credits you qualify for.Help in California and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in California

California programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • California Department of Social Services

    CalWORKs

    In California, TANF is called CalWORKs.

    CalWORKs provides cash assistance and services to eligible families with children.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 916-651-8848

  • California Department of Social Services

    County General Assistance

    County General Assistance provides temporary cash aid to eligible adults who have little or no income.

    Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person

    Agency pageCall 916-651-8848

  • California Employment Development Department

    Paid Family Leave

    Paid Family Leave provides temporary wage replacement when eligible workers care for family or bond with a new child.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaper

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-300-5616

  • California Department of Child Support Services

    Child Support Services

    County child support agencies help parents establish and manage child support orders and payments.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 866-901-3212

  • California Department of Veterans Affairs

    Veterans Benefits Assistance

    CalVet helps veterans and their families learn about and access state and federal benefits.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

    Agency pageCall 800-952-5626

  • California Employment Development Department

    California Earned Income Tax Credit

    CalEITC is a refundable state tax credit for eligible working people with low incomes.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaper

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-300-5616

Checked on October 8, 2026

Community action agencies in California

Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Social Security Administration

    Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security to make an appointment. Bring proof of age, income and any medical records.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • Social Security Administration

    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

    Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. Have your medical records and work history ready.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • Social Security Administration

    Social Security retirement benefits

    Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.

    Apply online at SSA.gov about four months before you want payments to start, or call Social Security.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    VA disability compensation and benefits

    Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.

    File a claim online at VA.gov or call VA. A free accredited representative can help you file.

    Apply on VA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-827-1000

  • Internal Revenue Service

    Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

    A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.

    Claim it when you file your federal tax return. Free help from VITA or IRS Free File can make sure you get it.

    Official pageCall 1-800-829-1040

  • Internal Revenue Service

    VITA and TCE free tax help

    IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Find a site near you on IRS.gov or call the locator line, then bring your ID and tax papers.

    Official pageCall 1-800-906-9887

  • Internal Revenue Service

    IRS Free File

    File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.

    Start from IRS.gov so you get the free version. Fillable forms are free for everyone.

    Apply on IRS.gov

Checked on October 9, 2026

Talk to a person