California Resources
By Kevin on
Support and Assistance Provided by California for People with Medical Conditions, Health Issues, and/or Special Needs
1. California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Condition/Need: General health coverage / Low-income Californians, including those with disabilities
Type of Assistance: Provides free or low-cost health coverage through Medi-Cal and comprehensive health services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medication, and preventative care.
2. California Department of Social Services (CDSS)
Condition/Need: Food assistance
Type of Assistance: Offers CalFresh (food stamps) to help buy healthy food.
3. California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
Condition/Need: Housing for individuals with health issues
Type of Assistance: Provides supportive housing through the Housing for a Healthy California Program.
URL: California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
4. California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Condition/Need: Financial aid for students with disabilities
Type of Assistance: Offers Cal Grants and other financial aid programs.
5. Covered California
Condition/Need: Health insurance / Individuals and families whose income is too high for Medi-Cal but below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level
Type of Assistance: Provides health insurance through the Affordable Care Act and acts as a marketplace to compare and purchase health plans, with financial assistance available.
URL: Covered California
6. California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS)
Condition/Need: Child support
Type of Assistance: Provides services to establish and enforce child support orders.
7. California Department of Education (CDE)
Condition/Need: Special education
Type of Assistance: Offers programs and resources for students with disabilities.
8. California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
Condition/Need: Food safety
Type of Assistance: Ensures the safety of food products and agricultural practices.
9. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
Condition/Need: Fire-related injuries
Type of Assistance: Provides fire prevention, suppression, and emergency response.
URL: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
10. California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)
Condition/Need: Workplace injuries
Type of Assistance: Offers workers' compensation and occupational safety programs.
11. California Department of Insurance (CDI)
Condition/Need: Insurance coverage
Type of Assistance: Regulates insurance companies and protects consumers.
12. California Department of Justice (DOJ)
Condition/Need: Crime victims
Type of Assistance: Provides support and resources for crime victims.
13. California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE)
Condition/Need: Labor rights
Type of Assistance: Enforces labor laws and protects workers' rights.
URL: California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE)
14. California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC)
Condition/Need: Health plan issues
Type of Assistance: Regulates health plans and protects consumers.
15. California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Condition/Need: Driver's licenses for individuals with disabilities
Type of Assistance: Provides accessible driver's licenses and identification cards.
16. California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
Condition/Need: Pesticide exposure
Type of Assistance: Regulates the use of pesticides to protect public health.
17. California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)
Condition/Need: Environmental health
Type of Assistance: Promotes recycling and waste reduction to protect public health.
URL: California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)
18. California Department of State Hospitals (DSH)
Condition/Need: Mental health
Type of Assistance: Provides treatment and rehabilitation for individuals with mental health issues.
19. California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
Condition/Need: Toxic substance exposure
Type of Assistance: Regulates hazardous waste and protects public health.
URL: California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
20. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Condition/Need: Transportation accessibility
Type of Assistance: Ensures accessible transportation infrastructure for individuals with disabilities.
21. California Department of Water Resources (DWR)
Condition/Need: Water quality
Type of Assistance: Manages water resources to ensure safe drinking water.
22. California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA)
Condition/Need: Emergency medical services
Type of Assistance: Provides training and regulation for emergency medical services.
23. California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS)
Condition/Need: General health and human services
Type of Assistance: Oversees various health and human services programs.
24. California Office of the State Controller (SCO)
Condition/Need: Financial assistance
Type of Assistance: Manages state funds and provides financial oversight.
25. California Office of the State Treasurer (OST)
Condition/Need: Financial management
Type of Assistance: Manages state investments and financial resources.
26. California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
Condition/Need: Utility services
Type of Assistance: Regulates utility services to ensure safety and reliability.
27. California State Board of Pharmacy (CSBP)
Condition/Need: Medication safety
Type of Assistance: Regulates the practice of pharmacy to ensure safe medication use.
28. California State Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
Condition/Need: Nursing care
Type of Assistance: Licenses and regulates nurses to ensure quality care.
29. California State Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT)
Condition/Need: Occupational therapy
Type of Assistance: Licenses and regulates occupational therapists.
30. California State Board of Psychology (BOP)
Condition/Need: Mental health services
Type of Assistance: Licenses and regulates psychologists.
31. California Department of Aging (CDA)
Condition/Need: Elderly care
Type of Assistance: Provides services like meal programs, transportation, and caregiver support.
32. California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Condition/Need: Developmental disabilities (such as autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability)
Type of Assistance: Offers services and support like early intervention, regional centers, and family support.
33. California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
Condition/Need: Physical and mental disabilities; vision impairments; hearing impairments
Type of Assistance: Provides vocational rehabilitation, employment services, and independent living support.
34. California Children's Services (CCS)
Condition/Need: Severe chronic illnesses in children / children with certain physical limitations and chronic health conditions
Type of Assistance: Offers diagnostic, treatment, and case management services, including specialized medical care, therapy services, and financial assistance.
35. California Office of the Patient Advocate (OPA)
Condition/Need: Healthcare quality and rights
Type of Assistance: Provides information on health care rights, complaint resolution, and health plan evaluations.
36. California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Condition/Need: Public health and safety
Type of Assistance: Offers a wide range of health services, including immunizations, disease control, health education, disease prevention, health promotion, and public health emergencies.
37. California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
Condition/Need: Veterans' health care
Type of Assistance: Provides health care services, mental health support, and long-term care for veterans.
38. California Office of Health Equity (OHE)
Condition/Need: Health disparities
Type of Assistance: Works to eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes for underserved communities.
39. California Poison Control System (CPCS)
Condition/Need: Poisoning and toxic exposures
Type of Assistance: Provides emergency poison information and treatment advice.
40. California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP)
Condition/Need: Breast cancer
Type of Assistance: Funds research, education, and community outreach related to breast cancer.
41. California Office of AIDS (COA) / AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
Condition/Need: HIV/AIDS
Type of Assistance: Provides services like medical care, housing assistance, and prevention programs. ADAP specifically provides medications and other services to people with HIV/AIDS.
42. California Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Program (CCDPCP)
Condition/Need: Chronic diseases
Type of Assistance: Offers programs to prevent and control chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The California Chronic Care Initiative supports programs that improve the quality of care for people with chronic conditions.
URL: CCDPCP
43. California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
Condition/Need: Environmental health
Type of Assistance: Conducts risk assessments and provides information on environmental health hazards.
URL: California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
44. California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM)
Condition/Need: Fire safety and prevention
Type of Assistance: Provides fire safety education, inspections, and code enforcement.
45. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
Condition/Need: People with disabilities who need to remain safely at home instead of living in long-term care facilities
Type of Assistance: Provides services such as house cleaning, meal preparation, personal care, and paramedical services.
46. Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Condition/Need: People 55 years and older who qualify for nursing home care but can live at home with assistance
Type of Assistance: Offers medical and social services and coordinates medical care, community services, and home care services.
47. Medical Therapy Program (MTP)
Condition/Need: Children with physical limitations or conditions
Type of Assistance: Offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical therapy services in public schools and medical therapy units.
48. California Early Start Program
Condition/Need: Infants and toddlers (up to age 3) with developmental delays or disabilities
Type of Assistance: Provides assessments, individualized family service plans, and early intervention services.
49. California's Regional Centers / Developmental Disabilities Regional Center
Condition/Need: Individuals with developmental disabilities
Type of Assistance: Offer services and support including early intervention, behavioral therapies, respite care, and family support.
50. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Condition/Need: Individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources; Blind, over 65, or disabled adults
Type of Assistance: Provides cash assistance/supplemental income provided monthly for basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
51. CalABLE
Condition/Need: Individuals with disabilities who need to save money without risking eligibility for government benefits
Type of Assistance: Provides tax-free savings accounts for qualified disability expenses.
URL: CalABLE
52. Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)
Condition/Need: Eligible seniors and persons with disabilities (Available in specific California counties)
Type of Assistance: Pays for assisted living, care coordination, and other benefits.
53. Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver
Condition/Need: Individuals with disabilities who need to live safely at home or in community settings
Type of Assistance: Provides services to help individuals with disabilities live safely at home, including case management, personal care services, and home modifications.
54. Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)
Condition/Need: Frail elderly individuals
Type of Assistance: Provides social and health care management to help seniors remain in their homes as an alternative to nursing home placement.
55. Self-Determination Program (SDP)
Condition/Need: Individuals with developmental disabilities who want more control over their services and supports
Type of Assistance: Provides participants with an individual budget to purchase services that meet their needs.
56. Medical Baseline Program
Condition/Need: People with qualifying medical conditions who require additional energy due to medical needs
Type of Assistance: Offers additional allocations of electricity or natural gas and provides discounts on utility bills.
57. California LifeLine Program
Condition/Need: Eligible individuals / low-income households
Type of Assistance: Provides discounts on telephone and cellular service for communication services.
58. Affordable Connectivity Program
Condition/Need: Eligible households / low-income families
Type of Assistance: Offers discounts on internet service, providing reduced-cost broadband access.
59. California State Parks Disabled Discount Pass
Condition/Need: Individuals with disabilities
Type of Assistance: Grants a 50% discount on basic facilities at California State Parks, including discounts on vehicle day use, family camping, and boat use fees.
60. California Healthy Families (SCHIP)
Condition/Need: Children and teens without insurance who don't qualify for free Medi-Cal
Type of Assistance: Low-cost health, dental, and vision coverage.
61. County Medically Indigent Services Program (CMISP)
Condition/Need: Eligible indigents who are residents of Sacramento County
Type of Assistance: Medically necessary care for those who don't have or aren't eligible for other health care coverage.
62. CalFresh
Condition/Need: Low-income individuals and families
Type of Assistance: Food assistance program (formerly known as food stamps).
URL: CalFresh
63. CalWorks
Condition/Need: Families with children
Type of Assistance: Cash assistance for food, housing, and other needs.
URL: CalWorks
64. 250% California Working Disabled (CWD) Program
Condition/Need: Working individuals with disabilities
Type of Assistance: Full Medi-Cal coverage with $0 monthly premium.
65. Disability Rights California (DRC)
Condition/Need: People with disabilities
Type of Assistance: Nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights of people with disabilities.
66. County Mental Health Departments
Condition/Need: Mental health services
Type of Assistance: Offer a variety of mental health services, including therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention.
67. California State Library - Talking Book and Braille Center
Condition/Need: Vision impairments (accessible materials)
Type of Assistance: Provides books and other materials in accessible formats.
URL: California State Library - Talking Book and Braille Center
68. California Relay Service
Condition/Need: People who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled
Type of Assistance: Provides telecommunications relay services.
69. County Alcohol and Drug Programs
Condition/Need: Substance use disorder
Type of Assistance: Offer a variety of substance use disorder treatment services.