ADDITIONAL FAMILY RESOURCES
More support for your family. Home-care, household and other assistance resources. For a shorter placement-focused guide, see help paying for senior living .
What other support are you looking for? Care at home & caregiver relief → Medical bills & everyday expenses → Veterans & surviving spouses →
Optional: narrow by countyAll service areas Los Angeles County Kern County Ventura County Show all resources
Lancaster, Palmdale & Santa Clarita: Los Angeles County. Pine Mountain Club & Frazier Park: Kern County. ZIP, plan and provider restrictions may still apply.
Looking for assisted living assistance? Visit help paying for senior living and select the county where the community is located.
All resources are shown below. Use your browser’s Find command to search by program name.
Care at home & caregiver relief Authorized home assistance
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) LA, Kern & Ventura; county administered
Assistance with approved daily tasks so the person can remain safely at home.
Keep in mind: County assessment determines services and hours. Licensed community care facilities do not count as the person’s own home for IHSS.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Eligible aged, blind or disabled California residents with a Medi-Cal eligibility determination and required health certification. Where to start Follow CDSS instructions to apply through the county IHSS office; application and certification links are on the official page. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.cdss.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Care management & services
Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) LA, Kern & Ventura; assigned agency / ZIP
Care management and authorized home and community services.
Keep in mind: A waitlist applies. Services depend on assessment and authorization, not an automatic allotment of around-the-clock care.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify People at risk of institutional placement who meet Medi-Cal and waiver requirements. Where to start Find the assigned waiver agency on DHCS; request an application. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.dhcs.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Coordinated care program
PACE Exact service-area ZIP required
Coordinated medical and social services through a PACE organization.
Keep in mind: Not a cash grant. Enrollment changes how covered care is arranged; coverage, costs and ZIP eligibility must be confirmed.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Adults 55+ who meet nursing-home-level care criteria and can live safely in the community with program support. Where to start Check the current DHCS service-area list and contact the relevant PACE organization. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.dhcs.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Care coordination & support
Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) Check local provider coverage
Care coordination and some services otherwise unavailable to help a person remain at home.
Keep in mind: Local availability and assessment apply. This is not unrestricted cash assistance.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Eligible Medi-Cal members meeting the program’s age and nursing facility care criteria. Where to start Find the county’s MSSP provider through the California Department of Aging. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.aging.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Adult day health services
Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) Participating local centers
Daytime nursing, therapies, personal care, meals and transportation as authorized.
Keep in mind: Not residential care or overnight caregiving. Center availability and clinical eligibility apply.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Eligible Medi-Cal members with qualifying medical needs. Where to start Use the state’s county directory and ask the health plan or local center about assessment. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: aging.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Local support services
Family caregiver support & respite Local Area Agency on Aging / resource center
Caregiver guidance, training, counseling and possible respite or supplemental services.
Keep in mind: Services and funding vary locally. This is not a universal caregiver salary.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Unpaid family caregivers who meet the relevant program criteria. Where to start Find your local Area Agency on Aging or Caregiver Resource Center. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: aging.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Temporary wage replacement
California Paid Family Leave Eligible California-covered workers
Partial wage replacement for up to eight weeks in a 12-month period.
Keep in mind: Paid to the eligible worker, not the care provider. Benefits do not themselves guarantee job protection.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Eligible workers taking time off to care for a seriously ill qualifying family member. Where to start Review EDD eligibility and claim instructions; medical certification is required for care claims. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: edd.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Charitable care grant
HFC dementia respite grants Provider availability; application required
Professional in-home or adult day respite care if awarded.
Keep in mind: Not cash and not guaranteed. Provider coverage and application rules apply.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Family caregivers meeting HFC’s current dementia, living arrangement and hardship criteria. Where to start Read the organization’s guidelines before applying on its external application page. Organization guidelines & application ↗︎ Source: helpforalzheimersfamilies.submittable.com · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Medical bills & everyday expenses Medical cost reduction
Medicare Savings Programs California; county eligibility office
Medicare premiums and, for some programs, deductibles and copayments.
Keep in mind: Not an assisted living rent or caregiving benefit. Use California rules rather than only national income tables.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Medicare beneficiaries who meet California’s program requirements. Where to start See DHCS application options, including the MC 14A application and county contacts. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.dhcs.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Prescription cost reduction
Extra Help for prescriptions Federal program; eligibility applies
Help with Part D premiums, deductibles and prescription costs.
Keep in mind: Does not pay housing or long-term caregiving costs.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Medicare Part D beneficiaries meeting requirements; some qualify automatically. Where to start Use Medicare’s official page to reach the Social Security application. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.medicare.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Food benefit
CalFresh California; county administered
Assistance buying eligible food.
Keep in mind: Household and living arrangement rules apply. Not payment for an assisted living package.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Households meeting current eligibility rules; SSI recipients may qualify. Where to start Follow the CDSS link to BenefitsCal or contact the county. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: cdss.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Utility bill relief
CARE / FERA & Medical Baseline Participating utility service areas
Energy discounts or additional medical energy allowances, depending on the program.
Keep in mind: Utility-specific rules apply. Medical Baseline is an allowance, not a cash benefit.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Income-qualified households; Medical Baseline has separate medical requirements. Where to start Contact the household’s actual gas or electric utility for its application. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.cpuc.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Limited utility assistance
LIHEAP energy assistance Local service provider / funding
Energy bill help, crisis assistance or weatherization, depending on local availability.
Keep in mind: Funding is limited; eligibility does not guarantee assistance.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Eligible low-income households with energy needs. Where to start Use the state’s local provider finder to check current availability. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.csd.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Monthly cash benefit
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) California; county administered
Monthly cash support for people meeting the program’s full requirements.
Keep in mind: Not available to everyone who is ineligible for SSI; immigration, income and resource criteria apply.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Certain aged, blind or disabled noncitizens ineligible for SSI/SSP solely due to immigration status. Where to start Review CDSS eligibility information and contact the county social services office. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.cdss.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Housing assistance
Affordable senior housing Local housing authority / property
Subsidized rental housing or other housing assistance where available.
Keep in mind: Separate from assisted living care. Waitlists may be closed or lengthy; apply to the appropriate authority or property.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Eligible older adults and households meeting the relevant housing program rules. Where to start Start with HUD’s senior housing guidance. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.hud.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Free benefits guidance
HICAP Medicare counseling All California counties; local appointments
Objective help understanding coverage, costs and available assistance.
Keep in mind: Counseling service, not a cash grant or insurance plan.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify People seeking help understanding Medicare and related insurance options. Where to start Use the official county contact directory to arrange counseling. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.dhcs.ca.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Veterans & surviving spouses Authorized home care
VA Homemaker & Home Health Aide VA care team; local service availability
Authorized assistance with daily activities in the veteran’s home.
Keep in mind: Separate from pension Aid & Attendance. Availability, assessed needs and possible copays apply.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Enrolled veterans meeting community care and clinical criteria. Where to start Ask the veteran’s VA social worker about an assessment and authorization. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.va.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Managed service budget
Veteran-Directed Care Check availability with VA care team
Support planning and managing a budget for approved home and community services.
Keep in mind: Not unrestricted cash. Local availability and program requirements apply.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Eligible enrolled veterans meeting clinical and community care requirements where available. Where to start Ask the VA social worker whether the program serves the veteran’s location. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.va.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Caregiver support / potential stipend
VA family caregiver assistance VA eligibility and assessment
Support for approved caregivers; a primary caregiver may qualify for a monthly stipend.
Keep in mind: Not a general benefit for every veteran’s family caregiver. VA assesses eligibility.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Eligible veterans and family caregivers meeting PCAFC requirements. Where to start Use VA’s official application and Caregiver Support Program team. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.va.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Application guidance
Accredited VA claims assistance VA-accredited representatives
Help preparing and pursuing claims through a qualified representative.
Keep in mind: Accredited VSO claims services are free. Love & Patience does not prepare or submit VA claims.
Who may qualify & where to start Who may qualify Veterans and survivors seeking assistance with a VA claim. Where to start Find and verify an accredited representative using VA’s directory. Official information & next steps ↗︎ Source: www.va.gov · Reviewed Oct. 27, 2026 Comparing community quotes? Download the blank care cost worksheet →
SEPARATE FROM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Other ways to plan for costs These options have different rules and tradeoffs. They are not grants.
Existing long-term care insurance An existing policy may reimburse covered care, subject to its benefit triggers, waiting period, limits and provider requirements. Ask the insurer about the specific policy before relying on coverage.
California Department of Insurance guidance ↗ Possible tax deductions or credits Some qualifying care expenses may receive tax treatment depending on the circumstances. A tax professional can review whose expenses qualify, documentation and applicable limits. Do not assume the entire assisted living bill is deductible.
IRS medical expense guidance ↗ Property tax postponement & borrowing California’s property tax postponement program creates a repayable obligation secured by a lien, with interest. Loans, reverse mortgages and insurance settlements also have costs and eligibility consequences. Seek qualified, independent advice before making a financial commitment.
State Controller program details ↗ Need to apply for Medi-Cal first? Official application options, including large-print and translated forms ↗
A few important distinctions Medicare and long-term caregiving are different. Medicare does not pay for most custodial long-term care. Eligible home health benefits cover certain skilled services; they do not cover 24-hour care at home or personal care when that is the only help needed.
Medicare home health coverage ↗ · Long-term care coverage ↗
Benefits can interact. Before combining programs or changing assets, ask the administering agencies or a qualified benefits professional about your situation.
Independent educational resources Love & Patience is not affiliated with or endorsed by the listed government agencies or organizations. We do not determine benefits eligibility, promise funding, prepare or submit VA claims, or provide legal, tax or financial advice. Listing is not a partnership or endorsement. This is a starting directory, not a complete list of available assistance.
Use official sites for current eligibility, forms and deadlines. No benefits applications, financial records or medical documents are collected here. External websites have their own privacy policies and terms.
Content reviewed October 27, 2026. Program rules, service areas and funding can change. Report a link or information concern .
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