Family Help by State

California food stamps (SNAP): how to apply, plus other family help

You're in the right place for California. Everything below goes straight to official California sites. Start with step 1 and take it from there.

Official California links and phone numbers for SNAP food benefits, then health coverage, WIC, child care and energy help. Last checked 2026-10-25.

SNAP in California at a glance

Apply or manage SNAP

Who qualifies and how much you get depend on household size and income. The state decides. See the USDA SNAP eligibility rules.

Other help in California

Cash help

CalWORKs (CDSS)

Cash aid and services for families with children.

Health coverage

Medi-Cal (DHCS)

Free or low-cost health coverage.

WIC

California WIC

Food help for moms, babies and kids under 5.

Child care help

CDSS Child Care and Development

Subsidized child care programs.

Child support

California Child Support Services

Open a case and manage payments.

Energy bills (LIHEAP)

CSD LIHEAP

Help with energy bills.

Unclaimed money

State Controller Unclaimed Property

Search for money owed to you.

Local help line

211 California

Find local help, or dial 211.

Source: USDA SNAP state directory entry for California, last checked 2026-10-25.

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If today is too much, that's okay. Call 211 and let someone help you sort it out. You've got this.