Benefits & Assistance in Los Angeles, CA
Residents of Los Angeles can access dozens of federal, California state, and local programs — from food and health coverage to rent help and utility assistance. Use our free screener to find everything you qualify for in about 2 minutes.
Federal programs available in Los Angeles
These federal programs are available to qualifying Los Angeles residents:
LA County programs & local resources
In addition to federal and state programs, LA County has local resources that many residents don't know about:
CalFresh (LA County SNAP)
FoodCalifornia's SNAP program, called CalFresh, provides monthly EBT benefits. LA County residents can also apply at GetCalFresh.org for a streamlined mobile-friendly application.
LA County Emergency Rental Assistance
HousingLA County periodically opens emergency rental assistance programs for income-qualified residents facing eviction. Check the Housing Authority and LA County websites when programs are open.
Learn more →LA County LIHEAP (Utility Assistance)
UtilitiesLow-income households can receive help paying electric and gas bills through the federal LIHEAP program, administered locally by LA County and Community Action Agencies.
Learn more →LA County CalWORKs
Cash AssistanceCalifornia's welfare program providing temporary cash assistance and job training to families with children. Administered by LA County DPSS.
LA County WIC
FoodWIC clinics across LA County provide food benefits, nutrition counseling, and healthcare referrals for pregnant women and children under 5.
Learn more →Food assistance in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank — distributes over 100 million meals a year to LA County residents; find a distribution site at lafoodbank.org
- Feeding America food bank finder — find additional food pantries near you
- SNAP — if you don't have SNAP yet, apply online at BenefitsCal.com. Most Los Angeles households with low income qualify.
How to get help in Los Angeles
- Use our free screener — answer a few questions and we'll show you every federal, California, and local program you're likely eligible for.
- Call 2-1-1 — free, confidential, 24/7. A local specialist will connect you to programs in Los Angeles you may not know exist, including emergency cash assistance, food, and rental help.
- Visit your local office — LA County DPSS has offices throughout the county. Visit dpss.lacounty.gov for the nearest office or to apply online.
Related programs
- SNAP in California — state-specific income limits and apply links
- Medicaid in California — health coverage eligibility rules
- EITC in California — federal + state earned income tax credits
- LIHEAP — utility bill help
Find all benefits you qualify for in Los Angeles
Our free screener checks SNAP, Medicaid, housing, utility assistance, tax credits, and 70+ other programs — in about 2 minutes.
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