What follows is not an exhaustive list, but an attempt to give folks a better idea of what public benefits are available...
Health Coverage
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Medi-Cal
A low cost medical insurance program for low-income children, individuals who are 65+ years old, and individuals who are disabled. There are a wide variety of programs, but the two most common are Restricted Medi-Cal (for undocumented families and/or individuals who are elderly or disabled) and Full Scope Medi-Cal (for resident and citizen families and/or individuals who are elderly or disabled). Covered California Covered California is our state’s health insurance exchange. As part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), consumers are able to see if they are eligible for Medi-Cal and shop for a range of private insurance programs made more affordable by government subsidies. Covered California’s mission is to increase the number of insured Californians; consumers are encouraged to choose a plan that best meets their financial situation and health needs. |
Family PACT
Family planning services available to California residents. ACE A San Mateo County administered medical insurance plan for low-income adults who do not qualify for Medi-Cal. ACE will provide coverage at County hospitals and clinics and emergency services elsewhere. Healthy Kids County insurance program for children and teens living in San Mateo County. It provides health, vision and dental coverage for children who do not qualify for free Med-Cal. This program is open to the undocumented and eligibility depends on family income. |
Food Assistance
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CalFresh/SNAP
Better known as food stamps, these benefits pay for food. The benefits are administered on an EBT card that works like a debit card. Food stamps are not available for undocumented individuals, but their documented family members can receive them. |
Child Nutrition Programs
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a program designed for nursing mothers, infants and pregnant women. |
Cash Assistance
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CALWORKS
CalWORKs is a state program that provides monthly cash benefits to low-income families. A CalWORKs applicant must meet residency, income, and resource requirements. Only documented individauls are eligible for CalWORKs. However, like CalFresh, undocumented parents can receive CalWORKs on behalf of their children. SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income & State Supplemental Payment) SSI is a federal cash benefit program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can get SSI if you have limited income and resources and if you are aged (sixty-five and older), blind, or disabled. You must have legal status in this country to receive SSI. |
CAPI (State Cash Assistance for Immigrants)
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) provides cash assistance to certain aged, blind, and disabled legal non-citizens ineligible for SSI/SSP due to their immigration status. CAPI participants may be eligible for Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and/or CalFresh (AKA Food Stamps) benefits. State Disability Insurance A partial wage replacement insurance program for recently unemployed individuals who can't work at their normal job because of physical and/or mental disabilities. General Assistance (GA) A County cash assistance program for low-income adults that do not qualify for CalWORKs. Only documented individuals can receive GA. |
Questions? Please contact one of our assistor locations or your local Human Services Agency office to be screened for benefits. There, you will learn what exactly you are eligible for and what proof you will need in order to qualify.
