How We Make an Impact
EIGHT
WAYS
THE HOW
See Video!
Also see “Areas of Impact” below. Each features resources and details – click any to learn more! Or scroll down to the California program offerings.
- All
- Financial Initiatives
- Housing Resources
- Reading And Literacy
- Volunteering
FOR CALIFORNIANS MORE OPTIONS
For assistance in locating food banks in your area, please visit CA Association of Food Banks.
If you would like to apply for Cal Fresh, visit this link to apply.
How does it work?
- Your county will call you within a week or two for an eligibility interview.
- If approved, you will get an EBT card for groceries within 10 days.
Buy groceries! EBT cards work in most food stores and farmers’ markets.
Covered California is the only place to get federal premium assistance to help you buy private insurance from a range of plans. That means you may qualify for a discount on private insurance or get free health insurance through the state’s Medi-Cal program. Either way, you’ll get great health coverage. Premiums are available for people up to 600% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Special Enrollment – People who experience a qualifying life event can enroll in a health plan through Covered California even outside of the open-enrollment period. Read more about special enrollment and qualifying life events here.
- Open Enrollment (new applicants) – October 15 – January 31 annually.
- Renewals – October 15 – November 15
- Medi-Cal enrollment is open all year!
STEPS FOR COVERAGE
SHOP & COMPARE
Visit the Covered California Website and enter some information about yourself to get a quick estimate of what you would pay for health insurance. The lower your income, the more they can help! www.CoveredCA.com
APPLY
Like what you see? You’re ready to apply! You’ll need your income information, ID, proof of citizenship or lawful presence, Social Security number and ZIP code.
NEED HELP?
You can get free help on the phone or in your neighborhood. Find your local United Way or call 211. You can also call Covered California (800) 300-1506 or “Find Local Help” on the Covered California website.
REVIEW YOUR CHOICES
See and review your private insurance options and how much they will cost. Select the health and dental plans you want. You may find out you qualify for Medi-Cal.
PAY YOUR BILL
You may be able to make your first month’s payment online, or you can wait for the bill to come in the mail.
YOU’RE COVERED
Congratulations! You and your family can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing you have health insurance. Be sure to start using your coverage to get the care that you need.
FREE CLINIC DIRECTORY: People without health insurance often find themselves with limited options for affordable healthcare and free dental care, and their lives and health often depend on access to free medical clinics. Free Clinic Directory helps uninsured people connect with affordable and free health clinics in their area. By clicking on a state, a person can find free and affordable clinic listings by county.
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE): Provides a 30-35% discount on your utility bill and potentially a 20% discount on your natural gas bill. Apply HERE.
Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA): Provides no-cost weatherization services to low-income households who meet the CARE income guidelines. For more information find your utility provider click HERE.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program: Provides assistance to eligible low-income households with the goal of managing and meeting their immediate home heating and/or cooling needs. Click HERE to see what services are available under this program.
Immigration Services: Offer many types of free legal services, as well as information about other services that support immigrants such as outreach, community education, and other immigration remedies. Find immigration legal services for other immigration remedies throughout California such as T-Visa, U-Visa, Violence Against Women Act, and Asylum via the webpage: Contact CDSS Immigration Services Contractors.
California Immigrant Guide: Immigrants seeking help with English language learning, workforce skill development, naturalization preparation or legal assistance, can find information on available services throughout the state at California Immigrant Guide.
Unaccompanied Undocumented Minors Legal Services: Unaccompanied minors may be eligible to obtain an immigration status including Asylum, T-Visa, U-Visa, and/or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) via the California Department of Social Services website: CDSS Unaccompanied Undocumented Minors Contractors.
Immigrant Response Funds: Visit GCIR’s website to view a list of state and nationwide immigrant response funds.
The California Kinship Navigator is available to connect kinship families and service providers with critical resources, information, and support.
WHAT IS THE CALIFORNIA KINSHIP NAVIGATOR?
- Searchable database of curated local resources for your kinship family.
- Information library and step-by-step guides to find the resources your family needs.
- Benefit screener to check your eligibility for federal and state benefit programs.
- Access to live phone help and virtual chat/text support to aid you in your search.
REGISTER FOR A FREE ACCOUNT – CUSTOMIZED RESOURCES FOR YOUR FAMILY. START HERE
Want to Contribute?
Visit our “Ways to Give” page!