Additional Resources
The EDD promotes California’s economic growth by providing services to keep employers, employees, and job seekers competitive. The following is a list of additional resources that may help you. In many parts of California, you can call 2-1-1 to learn about resources in your community or contact these agencies and organizations directly to ask about their programs. Some programs may have eligibility requirements.
Basic Necessities Assistance
- BenefitsCal
Connects people with services in their county, such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps), and California Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), including cash assistance to families with children and pregnant women in the last 120 days of pregnancy, who have little or no assets or income.
Food Assistance
- CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps)
CalFresh provides monthly food assistance to people and families with low income, including those who lost their job because of the pandemic. Visit GetCalFresh.org to apply online. - California Association of Food Banks
In California, federal, state, and local community organizations coordinate to make sure that groceries are available at local food banks. - Free Summer Lunch Programs
Free lunches are available to all children under 18, regardless of income. - School Meals
Free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch at public schools when in session. - Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program
Pregnant women and children under age 5 receive nutrition support at WIC.
Medical Care and Healthcare Coverage
- Covered CaliforniaTM
A marketplace for people to find out if they are eligible for financial help and buy health insurance, including Medi-Cal. They help you choose a plan that works best for your health care needs and your budget. You may even be able to get help paying for your health care or qualify for Medi-Cal. - Covered California for Small Business
A marketplace where businesses with up to 100 employees can apply for coverage for their workers. Small businesses can offer employees a choice from affordable, top quality, brand-named health insurance within a budget set by the company. Some small businesses could be eligible for federal tax credits. - County Medical Services Program
Counties offer health care for low-income people not eligible for other help. - Community Health Clinics
California Primary Care Association can help you find a community clinic. - COBRA
Eligible individuals can continue group health insurance benefits during periods of unemployment.
Employment and Training Services
- America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM (AJCC)
The AJCC offers a variety of services that bring employers with job openings and qualified job seekers together at no cost. You can contact your local AJCC for help with mailing or faxing a paper Unemployment Insurance application. - Apprenticeship Opportunities
Learn more about apprenticeship opportunities through the “I Built It!” website at the Department of Industrial Relations.
Credit Card Debt Relief
- ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions
A nonprofit organization offering credit counseling.
Low Cost Car Insurance
- California Department of Insurance
California’s Low Cost Auto (CLCA) Insurance Program is a state-sponsored program that makes insurance affordable for California residents who meet the eligibility requirements.
Discounted Phone Service
- California LifeLine Program
A state program that offers discounted home phone and cell phone services to eligible households.
Housing and Utilities Assistance
- Housing and Urban Development
Find local nonprofit organizations that can offer housing assistance, learn about avoiding foreclosure, and locate a regional housing authority. - Department of Community Services and Development
Connecting people to home energy assistance, energy crisis intervention, and low-income weatherization programs. - California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians' access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. - CalCAPA
Local services including utility and rental assistance. - California Mortgage Relief
Helping homeowners get caught up on past-due housing payments and property taxes.
Human Services Assistance
- California Area Agencies on Aging
Assists elders and their families to identify services and opportunities. - California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV)
Provides referrals to local service providers, shelters, legal services and more. - Child Support Services
Request changes in your child support orders due to loss of job or Unemployment Insurance benefits. - County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA)
A non-profit association that promotes a human services system that encourages self-sufficiency of families and communities and protects vulnerable children and adults from abuse and neglect. This association promotes county services. - First 5 California
Useful resources and information for parents, guardians, and caregivers with children ages 0 to 5.