The Peoples' Guide gives practical information about how to get food, money and other help from government programs and community services. You do not have to view the entire site; just find the topic you need in the Table of Contents. The People's Guide also gives advice on what to do if you are treated unfairly or do not receive what you are entitled to by law. Many barriers block people from needed services and benefits:
- False rumors and bad advice
- Real budget and eligibility restrictions
- Lack of translation services
- Fear that if you are an immigrant you will be punished later for receiving help you need now
- Not knowing how to access programs or what the rules are
- Being made to feel embarrassed or humiliated for asking for assistance
- Misleading publicity about changes in welfare, so people think programs have ended which are still in place
The People's Guide is dedicated to helping people overcome these barriers since everyone has the right to adequate food, housing and basic medical care. We are all better off when everyone has these necessities of life!
Income, Jobs, Education And Training
CalWorks
Cash and other aid for families with children under 19
Jobs & Training
To find a job or learn a skill
Worker's Rights and Unemployment
Unemployment, worker's rights, and aid if you're temporarily disabled
Tax Credits
Extra money for workers and renters
Child Care
For working mothers
Foster Care
To protect and serve children
Social Security
For retirees, their dependents, and people with disabilities
SSI and CAPI
For people who are disabled, blind, or over 65
General Relief
Cash assistance for those with no dependents
Transportation
Bus passes and low cost car insurance
Food
Food Stamps
To buy more food
Free & Low Cost Food
When there's not enough money or food stamps: pantries, co-ops, farmers markets, community gardens
WIC
For better nutrition for mothers, infants and children
Child Nutrition
To get meals for children
Food for Seniors & the Disabled
For meals and companionship
Health Care
Medi-Cal
Medical assistance for families, seniors, the disabled
Health Care for Children
Free & Low Cost Health Care
If you don't qualify for Medi-Cal: plus, mental health, regional centers, veterans' health care, In-Home care and long term care
Medicare
For retirees, their dependents, and people with disabilities
Housing
Housing
Low cost housing , renter assistance for seniors, renter's rights
Guides For Further Help
Guide for Non-Citizens
For documented and undocumented persons
Hearings and Complaints
To get the benefits you are entitled to
Good Advice
For help in a crisis and for further information