California
This is the full guide: programs, benefits, and local services, grouped by topic. 69 listings. Each one has a source, the day we checked it, and a next step. Nothing here is medical, legal, or benefits advice.
211 in California
United Way says you can call 211 to reach a local 211. You can also search its page by address, ZIP code, or county.
The website name is the one on United Way's 211 map, checked October 15, 2026.
Medicaid in California
Medicaid.gov lists Department of Health Care Services for California. The state agency decides who qualifies. This page does not.
Open Department of Health Care Services
Copied from Medicaid.gov on October 15, 2026. Open the federal contact page.
Work help in California
The Rehabilitation Services Administration lists a vocational rehabilitation agency in every state. We copied the California lines from that federal page. The agency decides whether it can help.
Protection and advocacy in California
Disability Rights California is the protection and advocacy office on the National Disability Rights Network member list. It can help with disability rights. It does not decide benefits.
Open Disability Rights California
Copied from the member list on October 15, 2026. Open the member list.
Medicare counseling in California
California Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program for California. The SHIP center says this counseling has no charge. It is not an insurance sale.
Open California Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Copied from the SHIP page on October 15, 2026. Open that SHIP page.
National steps you can use today
- Social Security disability benefits: call 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778, or open the how-to-apply page.
- Health coverage: start at HealthCare.gov.
- Devices to borrow: the state assistive technology directory.
- Rides: the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center.
- A vehicle you need for work: ask the vocational rehabilitation office on this page whether it can be part of a plan. The agency decides. Buying, payment, and equipment are in Getting a vehicle.
- A local center: the independent living finder.
- Health coverage2 listings
Where Californians start an application for Medi-Cal or for a plan through the state marketplace.
- Money and time off work6 listings
State programs for pay while you cannot work, pay while you care for family, food benefits, and a disability savings account.
- Help at home2 listings
In-home help through the county In-Home Supportive Services program.
- Work2 listings
Help from the Department of Rehabilitation to prepare for, find, or keep a job.
- Housing1 listing
A state program that pairs housing support with help applying for disability benefits.
- Getting around7 listings
State help with disabled person parking placards and plates. City rides are still local.
- Phones and communication1 listing
California's program for accessible phones, the relay service, and speech generating devices.
- Developmental disability services3 listings
Regional centers, eligibility assessments, and Early Start for infants and toddlers.
- School and early help4 listings
The state special education page, community college disability services, and family resource centers.
- Living on your own terms3 listings
What an independent living center is, and a nonprofit directory of centers in California.
- Rights3 listings
A nonprofit that helps Californians with disabilities reach rights and services.
- Older adults4 listings
The state department that points older adults and people with disabilities to county services.
- Voting1 listing
How to register and vote with the access options the state elections office lists.
- Family and community groups2 listings
A statewide nonprofit with local chapters for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Regional centers22 listings
The 21 regional centers listed by the Department of Developmental Services, plus the lookup tool. Centers arrange services for people with developmental disabilities. They decide intake.
- Devices, loans, and reuse3 listings
California's assistive technology program, short-term loans, and places that pass on used equipment. Not a store, and not a promise that insurance will pay.
- Caregiver breaks3 listings
State programs that help family caregivers find respite, a class, or a local caregiver center. They do not replace emergency care.
Nationwide listings live on equipment, getting around, and encouragement. 103 listings are on the site in total.