CalFresh (SNAP)
Get money to buy groceries at most grocery stores. Families get $389/month on average.
The easiest way to apply for CalFresh is online at BenefitsCal.
You can also apply over the phone with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services at (866) 613-3777.
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CalFresh helps put healthy food on the table for you and your family or household.
Each month, you get money on a debit card to use at grocery stores, online grocery delivery, and farmers markets.
Eligibility
You likely qualify if any of the following apply:
- You are enrolled in CalWORKs (TANF), General Relief, or SSI
- Your income falls within the program's eligibility criteria
CalFresh is open to families who are U.S. citizens, legal residents, and people with a qualified immigration status.
People 60+ and disabled with a higher income may also qualify.
Families and households can apply on behalf of US-born children or other qualified household members. This is common for many families.
CARE/FERA Program
Get up to 20-35% discounts on your gas, utility, and water bills, depending on your utilities provider.
The easiest way is to apply online with the links below.
Choose which service provider to apply to. You can apply to each utility where you have an account.
So Cal EdisonLADWPSo Cal GasBenefits
With CARE/FERA, you can get a 30-35% discount on your electric bill and a 20% discount on your natural gas bill.
If you are served by LADWP, a $16.34 discount on electricity and $10-$20 off your water bill.
Eligibility
You likely qualify if any of the following apply:
- You or another person in your household are enrolled in Medi-Cal, WIC, CalFresh (SNAP), or other eligible programs
- Your income falls within the program's eligibility criteria
Head Start and Early Head Start
Get free learning, development, and care services for your children under 5 years, plus help for parents who are expecting.
The easiest way to apply is through the Los Angeles County Office of Education referral form (3-5 minutes).
You can also call (877) 773-5543 to get connected to your local Head Start or Early Head Start program.
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Head Start (ages 3-5) and Early Head Start (birth to age 3 and expectant parents) are free programs that help your child get ready to succeed in school and life through early education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services.
Early Head start also provides supportive services for expecting parents.
Programs are provided in different settings to meet family's needs, including child care locations, your home, and program centers.
Eligibility
Early Head Start is for children birth to age 3 and/or expectant parents.
Head Start is for children ages 3 to 5 years.
You likely qualify if any of the following apply:
- You are enrolled in CalFresh (SNAP), CalWORKs (TANF), or SSI
- Your child is in foster care or experiencing homelessness
- Your income falls within the program's eligibility criteria
CalKIDS
Get cash deposits in a Child Savings Account to make your child's future college or career training more affordable.
Claim your child's CalKIDS cash deposit by registering their account online in a few minutes.
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CalKIDS is a California State program that deposits free money into a Child Savings Account for your child to use for future college or career training programs.
All children born in California on or after July 1, 2022 receive up to $175.
Eligible students 1st to 12th grade receive between $500-$1500.
Parents can choose to save more by linking a ScholarShare 529 account.
Eligibility
Children born in California on or after July 1, 2022 are eligible.
Children attending a California public school are eligible if they were in 1st grade on or after October 2022 OR were in 1st-12th grade in October 2021. Any of the following must also apply:
- You are enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh (SNAP), CalWORKs (TANF), or free school lunch programs
- Your child is identified by your school as being an English Learner
- Your child identifies as a migrant, homeless, or foster student
Metro LIFE Program
Get free and discounted rides on LA Metro and other participating transit systems.
Complete application and submit proof of income online or in person. You can use your Medi-Cal card as proof of income.
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If you're new to the program, you get a free 90-day pass to use on LA Metro or any participating transit system.
After the first 90 days, you can load 20 free rides onto your TAP card each month.
After 20 rides, you'll receive a discount for each ride.
Eligibility
You likely qualify if you are 18 years or older and live in LA County. Any of the following must also apply:
- You are enrolled in Medi-Cal or CalFresh (SNAP)
- Your income falls within the program's eligibility criteria
LifeLine Program
Get a free cell phone and free or discounted phone plans.
There are two steps to enroll in LifeLine.
1. Call your phone provider to see if they offer a LifeLine plan. Or, use the LifeLine site to find a provider and plan. Ask for a LifeLine PIN.
Find a Provider2. You will receive a PIN from your phone provider in the mail. Use the PIN to apply online.
Apply OnlineBenefits
With LifeLine, you can get a free cell phone or a home phone.
You can also get a free or discounted phone plan. You can pay as little as $0 per month with LifeLine.
Eligibility
You likely qualify if any of the following apply:
- You are enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh (SNAP), WIC, or other eligible programs
- Your income falls within the program's eligibility criteria
WIC
Get free healthy foods, nutrition advice, breastfeeding support or access to formula if you are pregnant or have kids under 5. Families get $50/month on average.
The easiest way to apply online with the California WIC program.
You can also apply by calling (888) 942-9675.
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WIC is for individuals who are pregnant or have kids under 5.
You can get money to buy healthy foods, nutrition advice, breastfeeding support or access to formula.
Eligibility
This program is for pregnant individuals, families who have a child under 5, or individuals who have experienced a recent pregnancy loss/termination.
You likely qualify if any of the following apply:
- You are enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh (SNAP), or CalWORKS (TANF)
- Your income falls within the program's eligibility criteria