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California state programs
Department of Aging
Your state's official aging-services agency is the right starting point for in-state programs and referrals.
California Department of Aging →
Property tax relief
Property Tax Postponement (PTP) + Prop 19 base-year transfer. PTP defers property tax for owners 62+ with under $51,762 income (state pays, lien on property). Prop 19 lets owners 55+ transfer their original tax base when they sell and buy a new primary home in CA.
Read program details and apply →
Medicaid Long-Term Care
For nursing home, assisted living, and in-home care help if income and assets are limited.
California Medicaid LTC information →
Standout California programs
- Medi-Cal LTC has the most generous spousal-impoverishment rules.
- IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) pays family members to provide care.
- PACE programs in 30+ counties — most in the country.
- CalFresh has expanded SSI/SSP integration.
Federal programs (work in every state)
These federal programs apply everywhere — but you apply through California's agencies for many of them.
Social Security Retirement 62+
Anyone with 40 quarters (about 10 years) of work credits. Age 62 starts reduced benefits; full retirement age (FRA) is 66–67 depending on birth year; age 70 unlocks the maximum delayed-retirement credit.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 65+
Age 65+ (or any age if blind/disabled) with very limited income and assets. 2026 resource limits are $2,000 single / $3,000 couple (your home and one car don't count).
Social Security Disability (SSDI) 50+
Under FRA, can't work for 12+ months due to a medical condition, and have enough recent work credits. Special rules at 50, 55, and 60 make approval easier ("grid rules").
Medicare 65+
Age 65+ (or any age with ALS, ESRD, or 24 months of SSDI). Most people get Part A premium-free; Part B has a standard premium ($185/month in 2026, more with higher income via IRMAA).
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) 65+
Medicare beneficiaries with limited income (typically up to about $1,800–$2,400/month single, more for couples — limits vary by state and program).
Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy) 65+
Medicare beneficiaries earning under about $23,475 single / $31,725 couple (2026, 150% of FPL). Asset limits also apply but are generous.
Medicaid Long-Term Care 65+
Seniors who need nursing home, assisted-living, or home-care help and meet state income/asset limits (typically $2,000 in countable assets for the applicant; spouse can keep more).
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) 55+
Age 55+, certified as needing nursing-home level of care, but able to live safely at home with PACE support. Must live in a PACE service area.
SNAP (Food Stamps) — Senior Track 60+
Households age 60+ have a simplified application, higher gross income limit (165% FPL in many states), and looser asset rules. Medical expenses above $35/month are deductible.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) 60+
Age 60+ with income under 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$1,632/month single, $2,215/month couple in 2026).
Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) 60+
Age 60+ with income at or below 185% FPL (~$2,322/month single in 2026).
Section 202 Senior Housing 62+
Very-low-income households (50% of area median income or less), at least one member age 62+.
HECM Reverse Mortgage 62+
Homeowners age 62+ with significant home equity, primary residence, current on taxes/insurance.
LIHEAP — Energy Bill Assistance Any age
Households at or below 150% FPL (most states); seniors are categorically prioritized in many states.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Any age
Income at or below 200% FPL (some states higher); seniors and disabled prioritized.
Lifeline — Phone & Internet Discount Any age
Anyone receiving Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, federal public housing, or the Veterans Pension; or income at or below 135% FPL.
VA Improved Pension & Aid and Attendance 65+
Wartime veterans age 65+ (or permanently disabled) with limited income; also surviving spouses. Aid and Attendance is an enhancement for those who need help with daily activities.
VA Aid and Attendance — In-Home Care 65+
Veterans (or surviving spouses) receiving VA Pension who need help with bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, or who are bedridden / in assisted living / in a nursing home.
SHIP — Free Medicare Counseling 65+
Anyone with Medicare or about to enroll. No income limit. Counselors are trained, certified, and unbiased — they don't sell anything.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) 60+
Age 60+, no income limit (some specific services do means-test).
Credit for the Elderly or Disabled (Schedule R) 65+
Age 65+ (or under 65 with permanent disability) with very low taxable income (under ~$17,500 single, under ~$25,000 joint, both 65+).
BenefitsCheckUp — Universal Screener 55+
Anyone. No income limit to use the screener.
Want a personalized checklist for California?
The checklist tool on the home page matches your age, income, and situation against California's programs and the federal ones, and tells you which to pursue first.
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