California has a higher cost of living than most other states in the country. This can make it more difficult for families to meet their basic needs and get their bills paid. If they struggle to pay their bills they end up having their electricity turned off, end up homeless, or go hungry. The good news is that there are programs that provide money assistance for paying bills in California.
Families that are experiencing financial challenges can turn to the programs that are in place in order to get help. The programs have been designed to ensure that basic needs are being met. To qualify for most of the money assistance programs you have to have a low income. While most programs require the person to also be a citizen or legal non-citizen, there are some programs in California that will approve non-citizens and refugees for money assistance.
Programs Offering Money Assistance in California
The programs below provide money assistance for paying bills, obtaining food, and getting other basic needs met. They are open to everyone who has a low income in the state of California. Some may provide the assistance long term, while other programs to have a time limit on how long you can receive the help. Be sure to apply for all the programs you feel qualified for, because there is no limit. You can receive funds from multiple programs that you qualify for, and you will not have to ever pay it back, since it is not a loan.
CalFresh – In other states this program is called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It was formerly known as food stamps, and most people still refer to the program as that today. CalFresh is a federally funded program that provides people with money assistance to purchase food that they will prepare at home. It does not pay for food that you get out at restaurants or that has already been prepared for you. The amount of money you receive each month from CalFresh depends on how many dependents you have that you are purchasing food for. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income. If you are approved, you will receive a debit-style card that the government electronically adds funds to each month. The card is then used as your payment source at the store or farmer’s market. There is no limit on how long you can get help through CalFresh in California. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
CalWorks – This program is similar to the one in other states called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program will provide those who qualify with money assistance each month. The money can be used to pay all kinds if bills and living expenses, including clothing, housing, transportation, medical care, and more. There is also cash assistance for refugees and veterans who need assistance. To get more information and apply for the CalWorks cash assistance program, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This agency provides money assistance to pay for housing related bills. They are part of the federal government and will help pay for such things as monthly rent, weatherization services, home repairs, and more. They will also help people who are facing an eviction or foreclosure. They can also help make your electrical bills lower through weatherization services. To get help from HUD, you have to meet their low income requirements. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
211 – This organization can help you find local programs that can help with our specific needs. You can call them at 211 and let them know you need money assistance for paying bills in California, and they should be able to provide you with referrals to programs that can help. Their service is free to use and available to everyone in the state. No matter what type of help you need there is a good chance they can find you local referrals that can assist you. To get more information about the organization, click here.
Medi-Cal – This is the state’s Medicaid program. The program will help pay for medical bills for those who qualify. Those who qualify can get long term medical assistance. The program will help pay the bills for going to the doctor, being in the hospital, getting glasses, having surgery, and more. They will help pay for most healthcare costs. To get more information and apply for Medi-Cal, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – California residents who need money assistance to pay for bills related to energy can apply for LIHEAP. This program is federally funded and will pay for the energy bill of those who are approved for the program. The energy bill payment assistance will cover heating and cooling costs. If you are approved, the funds are given directly to the energy provider and your account will be credited with the payment. They also offer crisis intervention and weatherization services. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Salvation Army – This national organization has numerous locations in the state of California. They are a faith-based charity that will help people in need in the communities where they are located. Those who need assistance can contact them for help. They help people in the community with free hot food, bags of food to take home, clothing, transportation, shelters, and more. Some locations may also help by providing money assistance for paying bills. To find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization is similar to Salvation Army. They are faith-based and will help those in the communities where they are located. They help people in a variety of ways, including by providing free food, clothing, and shelter. They may also at some locations help people with small bills that need to be paid. To find a location near you to inquire about the type of assistance they provide, click here.
