Everyday needs: food, health care and local help

This page is general information, not legal or medical advice.

What can 211 help me find?

Food, housing and rent, health care, child care, legal help and more. 211 connects you with local programs for all of it. A specialist will ask a few questions about your situation. 211 does not hand out money itself, but it can point you to programs that might. See 211: free help finding local services.

Can my children get food help if I cannot?

Yes. You can apply for CalFresh for your U.S. citizen children, whatever your own status. WIC helps pregnant people and children under 5. Every public school student can get free breakfast and lunch. See Food help for your family.

What changed with Medi-Cal in 2026?

We know this is hard news. Since January 1, 2026, most adults 19 and older without qualifying immigration status cannot newly sign up for full Medi-Cal. If you have it now, you keep it when you renew on time. Children under 19 and pregnant people can still sign up. More changes start in 2027. On January 1, 2027, members the state lists with "unsatisfactory immigration status," including people with DACA and green card holders in the five year wait, move from health plans to Fee for Service. From July 1, 2027, most adults 19 to 59 in that group would pay a monthly premium. The amount is not set yet. State law says it will be $30 to $50 a month per person, and the governor will set the exact amount in May 2027. The state budget plan expects $50 (DHCS budget highlights; LAO, checked October 23, 2026). Refugees, asylees and parolees affected by the October 2026 federal change keep state paid full Medi-Cal through June 30, 2027. See Full health coverage for undocumented adults in 2026. More: Medi-Cal changes in 2027.

What if I cannot get Medi-Cal?

You still have options. Restricted scope Medi-Cal still covers emergency, pregnancy and nursing home care. San Mateo County's ACE program does not require legal status, and in Santa Clara County you can ask about PCAP and HAP. Community health centers may not turn you away because you cannot pay. See What can I get if I cannot enroll?

Will using help hurt my immigration case?

It depends on your case, so get the facts before you decide. A new federal public charge rule took effect on September 18, 2026. CalFresh is among the benefits that can now count. The rule does not apply to most immigrants already in the U.S. If you have a green card case now or soon, talk with a free legal helper before you apply or cancel, and read Will food help hurt our immigration case?

Which benefits can my status get?

It depends on the program and the person. Each person in your family is checked on their own, and children often qualify when parents do not. See the table in Which benefits can I get in California based on my immigration status.

Is what I tell 211 private?

211 Bay Area says every contact is confidential. It does not give your information to other agencies unless you agree. It may call emergency services if someone is in danger. Read more in Is what I tell 211 private?

All everyday needs guides

Full guides

• Health care for immigrant families in California
• Benefits and public charge
• Renting and housing rights for immigrant families

Help today

• 211: free help finding local services
• Food help for your family, whatever your status
• Full health coverage for undocumented adults in 2026
• Which benefits can I get in California based on my immigration status
• Will using benefits like CalFresh hurt my immigration case?

Speak up and take part

• What your city and county can do to protect immigrant neighbors
• New California laws that help immigrant families this year
• How to talk to your lawmakers about what your family needs
• How to submit a public comment on an immigration rule or form
• Who can vote, and how the whole family can take part
• What to know before you share your immigration story in public

You do not have to figure this out alone. One call, one form, one question at a time.