Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in California. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in California)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (California HICAP)
California's program is HICAP, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, registered by the California Department of Aging and delivered through local agencies. Free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare help: 1-800-434-0222, which routes you to the HICAP office serving your county.
Medicaid in California
California's Medicaid program is Medi-Cal, administered by the Department of Health Care Services. Apply online at BenefitsCal.com, in person at your county social services office, by phone, by mail, or by fax. Free or low-cost health coverage for those who qualify.
Prescription help
California does not run a general statewide pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP) for all seniors. Start with Medicare's Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy (apply through Social Security, 1-800-772-1213), screen at BenefitsCheckUp.org, and ask a HICAP counselor (1-800-434-0222) about Part D options. Medi-Cal also covers prescriptions for those who qualify.
Energy and utility help
California's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is run by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) and delivered through local agencies. Call the toll-free helpline at 1-866-675-6623 to find where to apply, or visit csd.ca.gov. LIHEAP can make a one-time payment toward heating or cooling bills and help in a disconnection emergency. Utility customers can also ask their provider about the CARE and FERA rate-discount programs.
Property tax relief (California)
- Homeowners' Exemption: a $7,000 reduction in the taxable value of your primary residence, filed with your county assessor. Available to all owner-occupants, not age-restricted.
- Property Tax Postponement (PTP): run by the State Controller's Office, this lets homeowners who are 62 or older, blind, or disabled defer current-year property taxes on a principal residence. For the 2025-26 cycle the household income limit is $55,181 or less, with at least 40% equity and no reverse mortgage. CAUTION: this is a deferral, not forgiveness. Postponed taxes accrue 5% annual interest and become a lien that must be repaid when the home is sold, transferred, or the owner passes. Information line: 1-800-952-5661.
- Proposition 19 base-year value transfer: homeowners 55 or older (or severely disabled, or wildfire/disaster victims) can transfer their existing assessed value to a replacement home, keeping their lower tax base. File with your county assessor.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Meals on Wheels, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), the Family Caregiver Support Program, and senior transportation are reached through your Area Agency on Aging via the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or 211. For free civil legal help, contact your regional legal aid office (find it through 211 or LawHelpCA.org). For home repair, ask about USDA Section 504 grants for homeowners 62+ and CSD weatherization.
Frequently asked questions
What is California's HICAP program? HICAP is California's free Medicare counseling program, registered by the Department of Aging. Reach a counselor at 1-800-434-0222.
Does California offer senior property tax relief? Yes. All owner-occupants can claim the $7,000 Homeowners' Exemption. Seniors 62+ under the income limit ($55,181 for 2025-26) may postpone property taxes through the State Controller's PTP program, but it is a deferral that becomes a 5% lien due when the home is sold. Homeowners 55+ may also transfer their tax base under Proposition 19.
How do California seniors get help with energy bills? Through LIHEAP. Call 1-866-675-6623 or visit csd.ca.gov to find your local agency. Ask your utility about CARE and FERA discounts too.
How do I apply for Medi-Cal? Online at BenefitsCal.com or in person at your county social services office.
Sources
- California Dept. of Aging, Medicare Counseling (HICAP): https://www.aging.ca.gov/Programs_and_Services/Medicare_Counseling/ . Verified June 3, 2026.
- California Dept. of Health Care Services, Medi-Cal apply: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Medi-Cal/Pages/apply.aspx and https://benefitscal.com/ . Verified June 3, 2026.
- California Dept. of Community Services and Development, energy assistance: https://www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/Assistance-PayingMyEnergyBills.aspx . Verified June 3, 2026.
- California State Controller, Property Tax Postponement: https://www.sco.ca.gov/ardtax_prop_tax_postponement.html . Verified June 3, 2026.