Benefits for seniors in California

Medicaid for people 65 and over

California's Medicaid program is Medi-Cal, run by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and your county social services office.

• Who qualifies: People 65 or older, blind, or disabled can get free Medi-Cal through the Aged, Blind and Disabled program. Your countable income must be at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. From April 1, 2026, that is $1,836 a month for one person or $2,490 for a couple. The first $20 of income is not counted, and your Medicare Part B premium is subtracted too.
• If your income is higher: You may still get Medi-Cal with a "share of cost." This works like a monthly deductible. Ask your county office.
• Asset limit (new in 2026): Medi-Cal brought back an asset limit on January 1, 2026. You can own up to $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each extra person in your household (up to 10). For a couple that is $195,000.
• What does not count: Your main home, your main vehicle, household items like furniture and clothing, and retirement funds if you are receiving regular payments.
• What counts: Cash, bank accounts, second homes, second vehicles, and other savings.
• What it covers: Doctor and hospital care, long-term care, and in-home help (see below).

The limit drops in 2027. Starting July 1, 2027, DHCS says the limit will be $21,000 for one person and $31,000 for two people, plus $1,550 for each extra person. If your savings are near these amounts, get advice before then.

Long-term care Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal can pay for nursing home care if you need that level of care. The same asset limit applies. If you are married and your spouse stays at home, your spouse can keep up to $162,660 in assets in 2026 and keep income up to $4,067 a month. Giving away assets on or after January 1, 2026 can cause a penalty for nursing home care, with a look-back period that grows to 30 months.

Estate recovery: After death, Medi-Cal may ask to be paid back from the estate of a person who got care at 55 or older. It cannot do so while a spouse is alive, or if there is a child under 21 or a blind or disabled child. Call the Estate Recovery Section at (916) 650-0490.

Help paying Medicare costs

These programs are part of Medi-Cal and use the same application.

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Pays Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copays. Income up to $1,350 a month for one person or $1,824 for a couple.
• SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Pays the Part B premium. Income up to $1,616 a month for one person or $2,184 for a couple.
• QI (Qualifying Individual): Pays the Part B premium. Income up to $1,816 a month for one person or $2,455 for a couple. You cannot get QI and Medi-Cal at the same time.

Some income is not counted, so apply even if you are a little over.

Asset test: The same Medi-Cal limit applies: $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each extra person.

Part A buy-in: Since January 1, 2025, California pays the Part A premium for people with full Medi-Cal and Part B who qualify for QMB.

Extra Help comes with it: If you get QMB, SLMB, or QI, you get Extra Help with Medicare Part D drug costs automatically. You do not need to apply separately.

Prescription drug help

California does not have a state drug assistance program for seniors. The main help is Extra Help, which lowers Part D premiums and copays.

• CalRx insulin: Since January 1, 2026, the state's own CalRx insulin glargine pens cost $55 for a 5-pack without insurance. Your pharmacist can swap it for Lantus on your current prescription.
• If you have Medicare, your insulin costs no more than $35 a month under federal rules.

Extra state payment with SSI

California adds a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to SSI. Social Security pays both together in one monthly payment, so you do not apply separately.

• Aged person living independently: The state adds $239.94 to the federal $994, for a total of $1,233.94 a month in 2026.
• Aged couple living independently: The state adds $607.83, for a total of $2,098.83 a month.
• Amounts are higher if you live in a licensed care home or have no place to cook.
• If you get SSI in California, you get Medi-Cal without a separate application.

Food help

SNAP is called CalFresh in California.

• SSI does not stop you: Since June 1, 2019, people on SSI/SSP can get CalFresh. Applying does not change your SSI.
• Savings and a home are OK: You may have savings, a house, and cars and still qualify.
• Medical costs count: If you are over 60 or disabled and pay more than $35 a month in medical costs, tell your worker. It can raise your benefit.
• Easier rules: Tell the worker you are 60 or older. The usual income chart may not apply, and you can ask for a phone interview.
• Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program: If you are 60 or older with income at or below 185% of the poverty level ($2,461 a month for one person), you can get benefits for fresh produce and honey at farmers' markets. Apply in person through your Area Agency on Aging. Benefits go first come, first served.

Help staying at home

• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Pays for help at home if you are aged, blind, or disabled and eligible for Medi-Cal. It can cover housecleaning, cooking, laundry, bathing and dressing, some medical tasks, and rides to appointments. A friend or relative can be your paid provider. Apply with form SOC 295 at your county IHSS office.
• Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP): Care management and services for people 65 and over on Medi-Cal who could need a nursing home. It runs through 41 local agencies, so it is not available everywhere.
• Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver: Help at home for people at risk of a nursing home. It has a waiting list, so apply early through your local Waiver Agency. DHCS line: (833) 388-4551.
• Assisted Living Waiver: Pays for care in assisted living in 15 counties for people 21 and over with full Medi-Cal and no share of cost. It has a waiting list.
• PACE: All-in-one medical and home care for people 55 and over who need nursing-home-level care and live in a PACE area. Call DHCS at (916) 713-8444.

Property tax and housing help

• Homeowners' exemption: Takes $7,000 off the taxable value of the home you live in. File once with your county assessor.
• Property Tax Postponement: If you are 62 or older (or blind or disabled), have at least 40 percent equity, and have low household income, the State Controller can postpone your property taxes. The postponed amount is a loan at 5% a year, repaid when the home is sold. Applications are accepted October 1 to February 10, and funds are limited. Check the current income limit with the State Controller at (800) 952-5661.
• Moving at 55 or older (Proposition 19): You can move your current tax value to a new home anywhere in California, up to three times. File form BOE-19-B with your county assessor.
• Renter's credit: If you rent, you may claim a state income tax credit of $60 (single) or $120 (married filing jointly). For tax year 2025, income must be $53,994 or less for single filers, or $107,987 or less for joint filers.

Help with energy bills

• LIHEAP: The Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) runs the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It can make a one-time payment for heating or cooling bills, help in an energy crisis such as a shutoff, and pay for weatherization. Call (866) 675-6623 or search for your local agency at csd.ca.gov.
• CARE discount: Larger utilities take 30% to 35% off your electric bill and 20% off your gas bill if you qualify by income. A second program, FERA, bills some of your electricity at a lower rate. Ask your utility about both.

Free help and counseling

• HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program): California's free Medicare counseling program. Counselors help with Medicare choices, drug coverage, appeals, Medi-Cal, and long-term care insurance. Call 1-800-434-0222.
• Area Agencies on Aging: Call the California Aging and Adult Information Line at 1-800-510-2020 to reach your local agency, or pick your county at aging.ca.gov.
• California Department of Aging: (916) 419-7500. Long-Term Care Ombudsman hotline (24/7): 1-800-231-4024.

How to apply

Check what you may qualify for