California emergency help with bills

People looking for general financial assistance.
Also look here for programs on the main NHPB site for local financial help.
Brittney White
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Re: California emergency help with bills

Post by Brittney White »

HELP WITH PAYING RENT OF $614.00 per month. My total income from SS is less than $1500.00 per month and with rent and electric accounts for 49.8% of my entire income so impossible to get by on that in California. With what is left, appx: $735.00 to cover my insurances, auto and life, and fuel for vehicle and groceries. As it were, I only eat twice a day. Further, I am disabled, 73 years old, Diabetic, barely able to walk because of back and knees. Each year when I sign a new lease for my apartment goes up by, at least $20.00 and with such a fixed income; I won’t be able to continue to live here and I have been here for 6 years.
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Re: Have a hardship in CA and looking for help with bills

Post by Resourceperson »

Hey Cynthia, what part of CA? I found this on the California Depart of Education site, maybe that will help you? As for disabled students. https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/
They also have other programs listed at NHPB and try there main CA link here. https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/htm ... grams.html
Adamakin wrote: Fri Aug 15, 2025 5:20 am I'm from California and have been under a hardship this year. My name is Cynthia. I'm a full-time student, 38 yes old and I have a learning disability. I need help with my rent and transportation. Its 600 hundred a month. I rent a room in have been paying week by week. It’s been really hard I'm praying. I get the help I need or I'm going to be homeless and not able to get a ride to school I need. Thanks for taking the time out to read my email.
Cynthia
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Have a hardship in CA and looking for help with bills

Post by Adamakin »

I'm from California and have been under a hardship this year. My name is Cynthia. I'm a full-time student, 38 yes old and I have a learning disability. I need help with my rent and transportation. Its 600 hundred a month. I rent a room in have been paying week by week. It’s been really hard I'm praying. I get the help I need or I'm going to be homeless and not able to get a ride to school I need. Thanks for taking the time out to read my email.
Cynthia
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Re: California emergency help with bills

Post by Charlie Pickett »

So I am in desperate need of finding emergency help to pay rent, utilities, or both for a month. I have 3 daughters, all 5 and under and live in California. I lost my job a few weeks ago because of one mistake that happened. (Definitely was not "termination" worthy but the one owner had her own personal issues with me for the medication I am on and that I was nursing my baby). I was already a bit behind on rent because of my girl's dads messed up situation, and he no longer is helping me!
Filed for child support yesterday, but I know that isn't going to start for a while. I am looking at getting evicted if I do not figure something out soon for emergency help with all these bills. How do I go about getting help so my daughters & I do not lose our home or get the utilities shut off?? (Which is going to happen soon too)??????
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Re: California government assistance programs

Post by Admin - Jon McNamara »

Ruby wrote: Sun Sep 22, 2024 7:34 am State: California
My name is Amber and I'm a mother of 2 young boys ages 6 & 2. I have been living in an abusive marriage up until 3 days ago and need help from the government.
Hi Amber,
Good for you to get out of that marriage and area. The are government benefit programs in CA you can apply too, and we have the phone numbers and contact information for all of them here. https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/htm ... ornia.html
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Re: California government assistance programs

Post by Ruby »

State: California
My name is Amber and I'm a mother of 2 young boys ages 6 & 2. I have been living in an abusive marriage up until 3 days ago and need help from the government. My husband is currently in jail for domestic abuse. I'm going down to fill a restraining order on him tomorrow morning.
I have been solely dependent on my husband for the last 3 year, as I stayed home to take care of the kids. I am reaching out for any help I can get to help pay
My rent $1325,
SMUD $464.23,
Pg & E $70.99.
Diapers and wipes for my 2yr old.
Any information or government assistance including CalWorks money I can get that to help me out with my situation would be greatly appreciated.
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Re: Are there California grants beyond the benefits

Post by Admin - Jon McNamara »

Chaz wrote: Wed Sep 11, 2024 11:23 am My name is Charlise and I am a California resident in need of grant or housing assistance, including from the government.
I am in the NorCal, Bay Area region.
Hi Charlise,
There are many financial assistance programs, including grants from charities and the government in Santa Clara County. Of course it depends on your income, need, and other factors, but look here for assistance programs in Santa Clara County.
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Re: Are there California grants beyond the benefits

Post by Chaz »

Hi,
Good morning!
My name is Charlise and I am a California resident in need of grant or housing assistance, including from the government.
On May 30th (Memorial Day) at 7PM my previous landlord, entered my home & provided a 3-day notice. I'd lost my job due to being on a Dr ordered medical leave & had fell behind on rent due to lack of income. Because, I had no job and no money I packed my things & was fully vacated by June and now I need a grant as I don’t qualify for CalWork benefits.
I now have a FT job, as of August 6th, making a gross income of around $2900 per month. I've found a few places I am interested in, however, I can't afford the deposit in California. Please provide any assistance/information available. I am in the NorCal, Bay Area region.
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Re: Are there California grants beyond the benefits

Post by Leann D »

Good Morning,
I am wondering if it is possible to request help, grants or financial assistance for myself and my 5 year old daughter here in California. We were in a Domestic Violence situation and there is currently a restraining/abuse prevention order in place against him. I am able to work part-time while my daughter is in kindergarten but I am really struggling financially as the CA benefits are not enough. With the holidays coming up I need help to be able to give my daughter the Christmas she deserves. Thank you for your time reading this email! :)
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Re: Are there California grants beyond the benefits

Post by Admin - Jon McNamara »

Yes, there are various grants in CA. From non-profits, charities, foundations and other places. Whether college, utilities or job training, the california grants help low-income people. Try a free grant in California.
Cecilia Lion wrote: Sat Sep 03, 2022 7:58 am Hi, my name is Teresa and I am looking for grants in CA and not just COVID benefits. I live in Apple valley California.
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Re: Are there California grants beyond the benefits

Post by Cecilia Lion »

Hi, my name is Teresa and I am looking for grants in CA and not just COVID benefits. I live in Apple valley California. I am trying to apply for assistance. We can't pay our utilities and are looking at being evicted soon. I have a newborn baby and a 9 year old daughter. My husband works but we are just so far behind. Also, he is about to probably be laid off it happens every year due to the business becoming slow in winter months which is how we are so far behind since last year. My lights will be shut off on Thursday and we don't have enough money l. My husband worked 2 days last week. Please if there's any way to relieve help we would be so grateful.
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Re: Are there California grants beyond the benefits

Post by Beamer1a »

Hello,
Per a suggestion I received in PEP Class (Personal Empowerment Program), I write you regarding grant assistance in California for my daughter and myself. We live in Orange County, CA and although I used to practice law, because of the dynamics of the domestic violence situation, I took time off and even though I am returning to the practice, it has been very hard—financially speaking—and because the court (after a 10-day DV hearing) granted me sole custody and I have literally no help in CA (all my family lives in Ohio).
This month we literally almost got evicted and I had to beg a family member for emergency funds or a government grant. I have a feeling that this coming month will be the exact same but this time, I am running out of options (especially when my former employer keeps withholding funds and delaying negotiations in our settlement process; that is, one of the reasons why I left my former employer and returned to practicing is because the father of my child violently attacked me on the property and even though I told my supervisor of past attacks, he and the company did nothing and if anything, seemed to blame me. In short, my daughter and I were attacked in February of this year by the father of my child while on my employer’s property, a 10-day domestic violence proceeding ensued, the court granted in my favor and gave me sole custody and permanent restraining order, as ‘punishment,’ the father of my child repossessed my car, drained a mutual bank account, turned off my phone, and refused to give me any child support. I filed a motion in court in California but he in turned filed two frivolous contempt charges which caused the motion for support to trail the hearings which still have not occurred. My life has been a living hell and I am barely getting by with the little savings I did have left.
Because I took about 3 years off from practicing, it has taken time to regain the skills I lost. I am almost ‘there’ and intend to interview in the next month or so, but would greatly appreciate any assistance you may offer.
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Re: Are there California grants beyond the benefits

Post by Admin - Jon McNamara »

Yes, California has many other programs for public aid, cash assistance, and others. Under the "cal" name and from the federal government too. Look here for California public assistance.

Rae Lil Black wrote: Fri Aug 06, 2021 3:20 pm Hello, my name is Sarah, a single mother of two children. I currently receive grants in the form of Cal fresh benefits, CAL works, & Wic benefits. We have currently become homeless. I’m wondering about the emergency housing you offer in California that is above and beyond benefits from the state of CA. I was informed that if I found a place that I can afford the rent and utilities that you guys would be able to help with the first month’s rent and deposit from a California grant. If you can call me back with more information on how I can get into somewhere that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
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Are there California grants beyond the benefits

Post by Rae Lil Black »

Hello, my name is Sarah, a single mother of two children. I currently receive grants in the form of Cal fresh benefits, CAL works, & Wic benefits. We have currently become homeless. I’m wondering about the emergency housing you offer in California that is above and beyond benefits from the state of CA. I was informed that if I found a place that I can afford the rent and utilities that you guys would be able to help with the first month’s rent and deposit from a California grant. If you can call me back with more information on how I can get into somewhere that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
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Re: California

Post by Admin - Jon McNamara »

If below is the case, then you probably qualify for Pasadena Power assistance programs. They can help insulate the house, maybe offer payment plans, and more. the details are on the website.
Mount Airy1 wrote: I am on food stamps and I am waiting on social security decision for my disability. It is not a lifeline disability as I am not qualified for that discount. Other household members; one is on unemployment ending this month and the other on SSI (senior citizen). We can barely afford the rent and with the house not being insulated and other energy issues the bill has reached such a high amount. I am afraid we will be shut off. I need help. Please help. I am already past due for both utilities bills.
Thank you for time,
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Re: Elderly in California

Post by Admin - Jon McNamara »

There are many disability programs and resources for senior citizens too. Find a bunch of Stanislaus County assistance programs. But only $1000 month is not much money, and you may need to live with someone else or look at other options.
Gourmet wrote:I'm a 61 year disabled Old female. I'm disabled and need help with finding a place to live in Modesto, CA. I'm dealing with chronic pain/fatigue and other health conditions. I'm on social security disability. I only get 1,000 dollars a month. Would need to have my 4 year Old be able to stay with me a few times a month because of shared custody with her father. Thank You!
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Re: California emergency help with bills

Post by Admin - Jon McNamara »

Yes, California is a difficult place. Expensive to say the least. Maybe try some of the government public assistance programs in California. There are many, including for day care, grants, employment, and many others.
Wifeofone wrote:I've been falling behind on a lot of my bills. It's hard for me to work much because I have an 8 month old baby and I can't afford daycare in pricey California. I just feel really overwhelmed with my financial situation, like I'm never going to get ahead. I already know my paycheck is not going to be enough to cover next month’s rent and be able to afford everyday necessitates for my child and myself. California is such a difficult place to live. I just don't know what to do anymore.
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Re: Elderly in California

Post by Gourmet »

I'm a 61 year disabled Old female. I'm disabled and need help with finding a place to live in Modesto, CA. I'm dealing with chronic pain/fatigue and other health conditions. I'm on social security disability. I only get 1,000 dollars a month. Would need to have my 4 year Old be able to stay with me a few times a month because of shared custody with her father. Thank You!
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Re: California government assistance programs

Post by FirstKiss »

Hello,
Thanks so much for your website compilation. It's like finding gold for those of us facing hardship.
I went from a working person to permanently disabled and subsist on SSDI. In Los Angeles County, and
Now in San Diego County, I don't find many government organizations that exist to meet the specific challenges of the
Disabled.
Should you have any resources for Disabled Californians, aside from the sprinkling provided, I would be grateful
Too hear of them.
Best,
Carly
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Re: Elderly in California

Post by Carly »

To home it may concern,
I am in a bind. Where I have been residing in Palm Springs California over year, informed the house going into foreclosure unfortunately. I have to find place to move soon, and being elderly, 59 on SSI low income of 889.00 per month, finding it quite a frustrating dilemma to find something and pay the deposit. Is it possible in anyway get assistance and find place. Good references. Also, place where I could rent a car without leaving 250.00 deposit with car rental place, as all I have is my wells Fargo visa debit card for checking and savings. It’s hard to walk and no longer be in the sun due to skin cancers. Appreciate so much if you could assist me and give advice. ASAP. Don’t want to wait until last minute!! Appreciate your time. Look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,
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