Understanding Benefits and Financial Assistance

Many seniors and families miss helpful programs because they do not know what is available, assume they will not qualify, or feel overwhelmed by the application process. Assistance may be available for food, healthcare, prescription costs, housing, utilities, transportation, and other essential needs. Eligibility varies by program, so families should review current requirements and apply through the responsible agency.

Important Note:
Community Glow can help families locate information and organize possible next steps, but only the responsible agency can determine eligibility, approval, and benefit amounts.

The official California resources confirm that programs and eligibility screening are available through BenefitsCal and the California Department of Aging.

Start Here: Find Programs You May Qualify For

These screening and application tools can help families identify possible benefits and local services. A screening result is not an approval; each program makes its own eligibility decision.

Find Senior Services in Your County- Connect with California aging programs and local organizations serving seniors, adults with disabilities
Find Local Services
Apply for California Benefits- Apply for or manage CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, and other county benefits.
Apply Through BenefitsCal
Find Government Benefits-Answer basic questions to receive a customized list of federal and state programs worth exploring.
Use the Benefit Finder
Check Benefits for Older Adults Use a free screening tool to explore programs that may help with food, healthcare, prescriptions, utilities, and daily
Check Possible Benefits

Food & Nutrition Assistance

Older adults and families may qualify for food benefits, senior meal programs, home-delivered meals, or local food assistance. These resources can help families find support with groceries and meals while also connecting them to local programs.

Get Help Paying Medicare & Prescription Costs- Explore programs that may help eligible Medicare beneficiaries with premiums, other Medicare costs.
Explore Cost-Saving Programs
Apply for Medi-Cal Review- Medi-Cal information and apply online, by phone, by mail, or through your county office.
Explore Medi-Cal
Understand Medicare Coverage-Learn about Medicare enrollment, coverage choices, costs, and important deadlines.
Explore Medicare
Get Free Medicare Counseling California HICAP provides free, unbiased help understanding Medicare, Medi-Cal, supplemental insurance, claims, and cover
Find HICAP Counseling
Explore Aging Programs-Browse California programs that support older adults and caregivers.
Explore Aging Programs
Find Local Food Help-Search for food pantries, meal programs, and other local food assistance.
Search Local Food Help
Find Senior Meal Programs-Community and home-delivered meal programs for older adults.
Explore Senior Meal Programs
Find Home-Delivered Meals-Find local meal services for older adults who need help accessing food.
Find Meals in Your County

Income, In-Home Support & Household Cost Assistance

Some older adults may qualify for income benefits, in-home support, help with energy bills, or property-tax relief. Eligibility varies by program, so use these official resources as starting points.

Explore Property Tax Postponement-California homeowners who are seniors, blind, or have a disability.
Check Property Tax Assistance
Get Help With Energy Bills California’s LIHEAP program may help eligible low-income households with heating and cooling costs.
Energy Assistance
Explore Social Security Benefits- Learn about Social Security retirement benefits and other benefit types that may be available based on age.
Explore Social Security Benefits
Learn About In-Home Supportive Services-California’s IHSS program may help eligible older adults and people with disabilities receive assistance.
Explore IHSS

Transportation Help

Transportation programs can help older adults get to appointments, grocery stores, community programs, and other essential destinations. Options and eligibility vary by location.

Search for Transportation Help-211 California can help families locate local transportation and other essential services.
Search Transportation Resources
Learn About ADA Paratransit-ADA paratransit may help people whose disabilities prevent them from using regular fixed-route transit.
Learn About Paratransit
Find Local Senior Transportation-Your local Area Agency on Aging can help connect you with transportation programs in your county.
Find Transportation Near You
Medi-Cal Transportation-Eligible Medi-Cal members may qualify for transportation to covered medical services.
Explore Medi-Cal Transportation

Everyday Support & Help at Home

Some older adults may need extra help with household tasks, personal care, safety checks, or staying independent at home. These programs can help families explore available support.

Find Telephone Reassurance-Some local aging programs offer periodic safety-check and social-contact calls for older adults who may be isolated.
Find Local Programs
Explore Home & Community Services-Find programs designed to help older adults remain independent and supported in their communities.
Explore Community Services
Explore In-Home Supportive Services-IHSS may help eligible older adults receive assistance so they can remain safely at home.
Explore IHSS
Find Help With Household Tasks-Local aging programs may offer personal care, homemaker, and chore assistance for older adults.
Explore Supportive Services