California Assistance Programs.

Assistance and grants are available in all cities and counties throughout California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. In addition to the programs below, find organizations and charities in California that can provide help with paying bills.

Community Services & Development (CSD) is a department of the California Health and Human Services Agency. The CSD department manages various federal programs that help lower income families both achieve and also maintain self-sufficiency, help them with paying their home energy bills, and also aids them in finding and residing in housing that is free from the dangers of lead hazards. In addition, CSD administers a state-funded Naturalization Services Program that will assist legal permanent residents to obtain citizenship. Dial (866) 675-6623. Programs offered include :

• Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
• The Community Services Block Grant program was created to help provide a range of services to assist low-income families and people in attaining the knowledge, skills, and motivation that is necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. This program will also provides low-income people with immediate life necessities such as shelter, food, and health care needs, etc.
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Weatherization Assistance Program, Reduced Rate Programs
• The California State Department of Community Services & Development also administers these various energy and utility bill saving programs. These programs will provide direct help with paying utility and heating bills, help lower your energy bills, and other aid. Find additional ways to get help with utility bills.

Healthy Families
A low-cost health insurance program for families with children up to the age of 19. Low-cost monthly premiums range from about $4-$15/month. 1-800-880-5305

Operation Access (OA)
Provides diagnosis, free evaluation, and surgical operations for the uninsured and low income. Medical procedures are performed by volunteer doctors and medical staff at participating hospitals. (415) 733-0052

Homeowner Assistance Program
This program allows a once-a-year payment from the State of California to eligible individuals. The maximum amount of assistance that a homeowner in California may receive is $472.60. You must be 62 years of age or older, disabled, blind, and also meet income thresholds in order to receive aid. 800.338.0505

Renter Assistance Program
This program for renters allows a once-a-year payment or grant from the State of California to qualified families and individuals. The maximum amount of help that a claimant may receive is $347.50. Applicants must be 62 years of age or older, blind, or disabled and also meet income thresholds in order to receive any help. Find additional rent assistance.

Help With Water Bills
This program is offered to homeowners in Northern California, and low and moderate income households are eligible for a discount on their monthly water bills. Learn more.

California Homebuyer's Downpayment Assistance Program (CHDAP)
The California Housing Finance Agency has a strong understanding of how much many people want to own their  first home. They also realize how difficult that can be to do. That is why this program offers low interest rate first mortgage programs and also a variety of down payment assistance programs to eligible first-time home buyers. 877.922.5432

Assistance With Medical Debt Collectors and Charity Health Care
The state of California has created laws that protect patients from aggressive and illegal debt collection efforts.  The state also ensure that families and individuals get access to free medical care. Read more.

California Mortgage Help and Foreclosure Aid
California also has an assistance program that can help you prevent a foreclosure, and to get help with your mortgage. More.

In addition, find a listing of HUD approved foreclosure and housing counseling agencies. Click here.

Debt Reduction and Credit Counseling
A number of organizations, most of which are non-profit, can help California consumers get back on track with paying off debts and outstanding bills. Many debt reduction programs are offered at no cost. Read more California credit counseling.

Legal Assistance
Several non-profit law firms provide low income, senior citizens, and other qualified individuals with free legal assistance and counsel. Learn more.

California Department of Social Services
The California Department of Social Services offers numerous grants and assistance programs to state residents. Some of the aid offered includes : 916- 651-8848

• Cash aid programs
• These are for low income families that help them meet their basic needs. It will also provide employment, education, and training programs to help families get jobs and move towards self-sufficiency. Transportation, child care, work expenses and counseling are also available for families in work activities. Cash aid is available in some form or another for families and caretakers with children, adults, seniors, disabled, children and adults. 916 651-8848
• Food Stamp Program, Women Infants and Children (WIC) program, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP)
• These are programs that helps lower income people buy the food they need for good health and nutrition, provides emergency food supplies to low-income individuals and households, and help pregnant mothers and newborn kids.
• CalWORKs Child Care
• This program helps a family transition from immediate, short-term child care needs to the more stable, long-term child care that is absolutely necessary for the family to leave (and remain off) state aid. 916-657-1668
• Cal-Learn
• This assistance program helps parenting and pregnant teens attend and graduate from high school or its equivalent. Payments for necessary child care are also included with this assistance.
• Medi-Cal
• Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. This program helps pay for a variety of medical services for both adults and children if they have with limited income and resources.
• CalWORKs Program
• CalWORKS helps its California residents prepare for employment. Services provide include transportation, child care, and work-related or training-related expenses are provided.

Free or Discounted Health Care
The state of California has about 800 clinics throughout the state that offer either free or discounted health care. They offer a wide variety of medical services to residents. Learn more.

Learn more and also get a listing of California community clinics that provide free health care.

Also learn about eye doctors who donate their time and donate glasses. Find how you can receive free eye exams and prescription glasses. Click here.

In addition, a few non-profit agencies provide free diapers to low income families in parts of California. Read about free diaper programs.

If you specifically need oral healthcare or your dental needs met, read more on non-profit dental centers.

Child Care Assistance Programs
Three versions of this program provide subsidized child care services to eligible families in California. The three programs are CalWORKs, Alternative Payment, and Child Protective Services. CalWORKs helps families who are in transition off of cash aid/welfare assistance and grants. The Alternative Payment Program helps pay for child care expenses for families while the parents work, attend school or college, seek work, attend school, or while they seek permanent housing in California. Child Protective Services pays for child care for children who are in a neglectful household or living situation. (213) 240-5900

Rescue Mission Organizations
Most California cities have rescue missions that can provide individuals with access to a food pantry, homeless prevention services, thrift stores, and other aid. Learn more.

Food Pantries and Banks
While food and financial aid can be obtained at the county level per below, you can also contact a food bank in your area. More on California food banks.

Also, with food prices increasing every year, learn about free programs open to all people that provide California residents with savings of up to 60% on their groceries. Click here.

Assistance From California Cities and Counties