Access and Benefits

211 San Diego

Public assistance programs are undergoing significant changes. The federal “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1) and corresponding California state budget shifts introduce the most significant updates to our safety net in decades. These changes can make it harder to understand eligibility, complete applications, or maintain enrollment. 

At 211 San Diego, our role is to help simplify that process. We help bridge the gap between public programs and the people who need them, making sure resources are used effectively and fairly, especially for those facing language, technology, or physical barriers. Our goal is to make sure our community’s safety net is easy to reach for everyone, regardless of your circumstances. 

When you call 2-1-1, we provide clear information about program rules, offer screenings to see if you’re likely eligible, and guide you through your options to apply. In some cases, we can even complete and submit applications with you over the phone. 

Learn more about 211 San Diego
Smiling call center agent wearing a headset and sitting at an office desk with a keyboard and monitor.

Understanding the Programs

Get Help from 2-1-1

Learn how to get help with essential services from 211 San Diego. Dial 2-1-1 today.

Nurse in blue scrubs with a stethoscope taking notes while consulting with an elderly woman in a clinic office.

Medi-Cal (Medicaid)

What is Medi-Cal? Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, providing free or low-cost health coverage to residents who have low-income, including families, seniors, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and children. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and mental health care.

CalAIM Medi-Cal also offers services under the California Advancing Innovation in Medi-Cal (CalAIM). It provides “whole-person” care that goes beyond doctors and hospitals to address physical, mental, and social health needs. Some of these services are:

  • Community Supports: Addresses basic needs impacting health, such as securing housing or receiving medically tailored meals.
  • Enhanced Care Management (ECM): Provides high-need individuals with intensive, in-person coordination and care where they live.
  •  

Community Engagement Requirements (Effective Jan 1, 2027)
The “New Adult Group” which includes Adults aged 19–64 must complete 80 hours per month of qualifying activities. These can include:

  • Employment or Work Programs.
  • Community Service.
  • Half-time enrollment in Education.
  • Monthly income exceeding 80x the federal minimum wage ($580/month).

Who is Exempt?
Coverage remains protected without work requirements for those:

  • Under age 19 or 65+
  • Caregiving for a child under age 14
  • Pregnant or postpartum individuals (up to 12 months).
  • Foster youth and former foster youth (under age 26).
  • Members of a Tribe
  • Veterans with rated disabilities
  • Participating in a TANF WTW program or exempt from CalFresh work requirements
  • Individuals considered “Medically Frail” (disabling mental disorders, SUD, or complex medical conditions)
  • Individuals who are incarcerated or recently released from incarceration within the past 90 days

Six-Month Renewals (Effective Jan 1, 2027):
Most expansion group adults must renew eligibility twice a year. Watch for more frequent county mailers to prevent coverage gaps.

Reduced Retroactive Coverage (Effective Jan 1, 2027)
Medi-Cal will now only cover bills from one month prior to your application (down from three). Apply immediately when care is needed.

New Copayments (Effective Oct 1, 2028)
Some adults should expect small copays ($1–$35) for some services. Free services still include emergency care, prenatal visits, and mental health.

Immigrant Eligibility Restrictions
Many refugees and asylees will transition to “Restricted-Scope” coverage, limiting benefits to emergency and pregnancy-related care.

How to Prepare

  1. Check Your Mail Monthly: With 6-month renewals, missing one letter could end your health and food benefits.
  2. Report Changes Quickly: If you become pregnant, get a new job, or experience a health change, tell the County immediately because this may exempt you from work requirements.
  3. Apply Early: Because “Retroactive Coverage” is being cut from 3 months to 1, waiting to apply after an injury could leave you with thousands in unpaid bills.
Close-up of a SNAP sign reading “We Accept EBT” on a store cooler door.

CalFresh (SNAP) 

What is CalFresh? Known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), CalFresh provides monthly food benefits via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to help households purchase groceries and fresh food. Unused benefits roll over month to month. Households must generally have a gross income below 200% and net income below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. 

Work Requirements (Effective June 1, 2026 in CA)
California is reimplementing the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work rules. Non-exempt adults aged 18–64 must complete 80 hours per month of qualifying activities.

These can include:

  • Employment or Work Programs
  • Community Service
  • Half-time enrollment in Education

If you cannot prove that you are complying with the work requirement, you will be limited to three months of benefits in a three-year period. Failure to comply results in a loss of benefits for three years unless an exemption is met.

Who is Exempt?
Coverage is protected for those:

  • Under 18 or 65+
  • Pregnant
  • Caring for a child under age 14
  • Medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for work
  • Those Participating in the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program
  • Those who are Indians, urban Indians, California Indians, and other Indians who are eligible for Indian Health Services

NOTE: While work hours are often aligned, Medi-Cal and CalFresh have different exemption rules. Always verify your status for both programs.

Colorful assortment of healthy foods including vegetables, eggs, beans, oats, fruit, and spices arranged on a table.

Nutrition 

  • California Food Assistance Program (CFAP): State-funded food aid for legal non-citizens ineligible for federal SNAP.

  • Women Infants and Children (WIC): Support for pregnant/breastfeeding people and children under 5 (includes healthy food and education).

  • SUN Bucks (Summer EBT): Provides $120 per child during summer months for families under 185% FPL.
Smiling older man seated during a medical consultation with a doctor in the background

Health & Wellness  

  • Federally Qualified Health Centers: Safety net providers that deliver prevention and primary service in an outpatient clinic setting. 

  • Medicare: Federal health insurance for those 65+ or with specific disabilities.
    • What’s New? Effective January 4, 2027, coverage will be terminated for humanitarian status holders (Refugees, Asylees, T-Visa). New applications are limited to Citizens, Green Card holders (LPRs), and Cuban/Haitian/COFA entrants. 

  • First 5 San Diego: Free developmental/dental services and parenting education for families with children ages 0–5. 
Hands exchanging U.S. dollar cash over a desk with financial charts, documents, and a laptop.

Cash Assistance 

  • CalWORKs: Time-limited cash aid and employment services to families with children. (California’s version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program) 

    • What’s New? New (July 1, 2026): The “100-hour rule” is eliminated for recipients. Parents can work more than 100 hours/month without losing aid, provided they stay under the income limit. 

  • General Relief: Temporary, repayable cash aid for county residents with no other support. Job training hours can help “pay back” the debt. 
Tablet on a living room table displaying a smart home energy efficiency rating scale from A+ to F.

Energy Savings

  • California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE): Qualifying households get 30–35% off electricity and 20% off natural gas.

  • Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA): If your income is slightly too high for CARE, FERA offers an 18% discount on electricity for households of 3 or more.

  • Medical Baseline: Provides extra energy at the lowest rates for those using medical devices or requiring specific climate control.

  • The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Federal aid for utility bills and home weatherization. Payments can reach up to $3,000 depending on need and funding.

  • Neighbor-to-Neighbor (SDG&E): Provides up to $150 toward past-due balances for those facing a disconnection notice who don’t qualify for state aid.

  • Energy Savings Assistance (ESA): No-cost home improvements (like new appliances or weatherstripping) to lower your long-term costs. 
Person checking a heart rate app on a smartphone while wearing a digital blood pressure monitor cuff.

Technology 

  • California LifeLine: Monthly discounts on home or cell phone service.

  • California LifeLine Broadband Pilot: $20/month discount for standalone high-speed internet. $30/month if bundled with phone service. Includes up to $39 toward connection fees. 

How 211 San Diego Can Help

211 San Diego helps San Diegans access and keep benefits. Call 2-1-1 to inquire about any of these programs. We’ll provide clear information about program rules, offer screenings to see if you’re likely eligible, and guide you through your options to apply. 

Guidance & Screening

We provide clear information on program rules and offer screenings to see which programs you're likely eligible for. 

Application Assistance

If you qualify for CalFresh and/or Medi-Cal, we can schedule a phone appointment with an Enrollment Specialist to apply over the phone.

Medi-Cal ONLY application assistance is limited to people age 55+

Work Requirement Referrals

We can refer you to providers to help you find qualifying work, education, or community service activities to meet the new 80-hour monthly requirement. 

Search our Database