Financial assistance for low-income, older, and disabled homeowners and renters
30 programs listed · 29 verified against the program's own website
California delivers most of this help either through counties and local grantees or through the four big investor-owned utilities, so the practical first calls are usually the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-800-510-2020 for in-home supports and modifications, your local Community Action Agency (find it through CSD at 1-866-675-6623) for weatherization and energy help, your utility for rate discounts, and your county assessor for property tax relief. A key theme: California has no single statewide home-repair grant that pays homeowners directly, so repair money almost always reaches owners through a local CalHome or CDBG grantee or a repair nonprofit.
Everything below, in one file you can print or take to an appointment.
Home modification and aging in place
Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver
state
Who it is for
Owners or renters (services follow the person in their home, owned or rented)
Type of help
service
Who runs it
California Dept. of Health Care Services (DHCS)
What you get
Medi-Cal waiver services that include environmental accessibility adaptations (home modifications such as ramps, grab bars, and bathroom access) and assistive technology, authorized in the care plan (2026)
Who qualifies
any (must meet a nursing-facility level of care)
Income limit
Must be Medi-Cal eligible; long-term-care financial rules apply (2026: roughly $1,800/mo income for a single applicant; higher income can be handled through allowances)
How to apply
Contact the HCBA waiver agency serving your county, or your county Medi-Cal office; DHCS waiver line can direct you
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Owners or renters (must live in own home, owned or rented, not a facility)
Type of help
service
Who runs it
California Dept. of Social Services (CDSS), delivered by county IHSS offices
What you get
Paid in-home personal care and domestic assistance hours based on a county social-worker assessment; supports aging in place but does not directly fund structural home modifications (2026)
Who qualifies
any (aged, blind, or disabled individuals)
Income limit
Tied to Medi-Cal eligibility rather than a fixed dollar figure; recipients over certain limits may have a Medi-Cal share of cost (2026)
How to apply
Submit form SOC 295 to your county IHSS office; a county social worker conducts an in-home assessment
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
County IHSS offices vary (no single statewide intake line); CDSS IHSS fraud hotline 1-888-717-8302Official program page
Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) / Area Agencies on Aging
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
California Dept. of Aging (CDA), via local Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living Centers
What you get
Free information, options counseling, and No Wrong Door connection to long-term services and supports, including referrals to home-modification and repair resources
Who qualifies
primarily 60+ for Older Americans Act services; ADRC serves people of all ages
Income limit
none (information and referral service)
How to apply
Call 1-800-510-2020 or contact your local ADRC / Area Agency on Aging (find via the CDA service-area map)
California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), under the federal Assistive Technology Act
What you get
Free short-term device lending and reused/refurbished assistive technology; the Freedom Tech program offers low-interest financial loans to buy AT and home-access equipment such as ramps and stair lifts (2026)
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
None for device lending/reuse; Freedom Tech loans are credit-based, not income-tested
How to apply
Find a local Device Lending and Demonstration Center or AT reuse center via abilitytools.org; apply for Freedom Tech loans through CFILC
1-800-390-2699 (statewide AT network line; confirm at abilitytools.org)Official program page
Home repair and deferred maintenance
CalHome Program (owner-occupied rehabilitation)
stateHomeowners (owner-occupied)
Type of help
loan
Who runs it
California Dept. of Housing and Community Development (HCD); delivered by local government and nonprofit grantees
What you get
Deferred-payment, low-interest loans for owner-occupied rehabilitation and repair; loan amounts set by local grantees within HCD limits (most recent statewide round awarded about $126 million to grantees, 2024)
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
Low-income households at or below 80% of area median income (standard CalHome rule; confirm current AMI with the local grantee, 2025-2026)
How to apply
Apply through your local CalHome grantee (a city, county, or nonprofit that holds a CalHome award), not directly to HCD
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing rehabilitation, non-entitlement
state
Who it is for
Owners or renters (homeowner rehab is common)
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
California HCD administers HUD CDBG funds for non-entitlement (smaller/rural) jurisdictions
What you get
Federal funds passed to jurisdictions; homeowner rehab is commonly delivered by the local grantee as a deferred or forgivable loan. Amounts set by the local program (2025-2026)
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
Low- and moderate-income households up to 80% of county median income, adjusted for family size (2025-2026)
How to apply
Apply through your participating non-entitlement city or county CDBG program, not directly to HCD
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
USDA Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants (California)
federal-in-stateNot confirmed
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Who it is for
Homeowners (must own and occupy)
Type of help
loan and grant
Who runs it
USDA Rural Development, California State Office
What you get
Loans up to $40,000 at 1% fixed for 20 years; grants up to $10,000 for owners 62+ to remove health and safety hazards; combined up to $50,000, or up to $55,000 in declared disaster areas (2025 pilot limits)
Who qualifies
any for the loan; 62+ for the grant
Income limit
Very-low income, at or below 50% of area median income, set by county (2025)
How to apply
Apply year-round through the California USDA Rural Development office; confirm the property is in an eligible rural area
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Rebuilding Together, Inc. (national nonprofit) via local California affiliates
What you get
Free critical home repairs and accessibility modifications (roof, window, door, bathroom and kitchen safety, grab bars, ramps) delivered by volunteers and partners at no cost to the homeowner (2025-2026)
Who qualifies
any (strong focus on older adults)
Income limit
Low-income; thresholds set by each local affiliate (commonly around 80% AMI, 2025-2026)
How to apply
Find and apply to a local California affiliate via the national affiliate locator; eligibility and intake are handled locally
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Owners or renters (renters eligible, landlord consent typically required)
Type of help
service
Who runs it
California Dept. of Community Services and Development (CSD), via local service providers and community action agencies
What you get
No-cost home energy-efficiency upgrades plus health and safety improvements (insulation, air sealing, appliance measures); value varies by home (2025-2026)
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
Income-qualified per DOE WAP guidelines; automatically eligible via LIHEAP, CalFresh/SNAP, or SSI (2025-2026)
How to apply
Use the Find Services in Your Area zip-code locator on the CSD page to find your local provider, then contact them; or call the CSD helpline
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
No-cost weatherization and energy-efficiency measures (heat pump water heaters, furnaces, lighting, refrigerator replacement, weatherization, home energy assessment); home must be at least 5 years old. Income guidelines valid through May 31, 2027
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
Income-qualified by household size (guidelines valid through 5/31/2027); auto-qualify via CalFresh, Medi-Cal, TANF, or SSI (2025-2026)
How to apply
Apply online through your utility's ESA application (PG&E: energyinsight.pge.com/esaApplication) or by phone, then schedule a home assessment; SCE, SDG&E, and SoCalGas each run their own ESA application
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
18% discount on the electric bill only, no gas discount (2025-2026)
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
Households of 3 or more only, income just above CARE limits (2025-2026 CPUC table): 3 $66,625; 4 $80,375; 5 $94,125; 6 $107,875; each additional +$13,750
How to apply
Use the same combined CARE/FERA application at PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E (online, mail, or email)
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
federal-in-state
Who it is for
Owners or renters (renters eligible)
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
California Dept. of Community Services and Development (CSD), via local service providers
What you get
One-time bill-payment assistance paid to the utility, energy crisis intervention to avoid disconnection or fuel emergencies, and referral to weatherization; amount varies by energy burden (2025-2026)
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
Income-qualified, commonly up to about 60% of state median income; confirm with the local provider (2025-2026)
How to apply
Contact your local LIHEAP provider (locate via CSD Find Services in Your Area), apply online at caliheapapply.com, or call the CSD helpline; crisis cases are prioritized
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Medical Baseline Program (medical baseline allowance)
utility
Who it is for
Owners or renters (any residential customer; renters eligible)
Type of help
discount
Who runs it
PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, SoCalGas (CPUC-regulated); primary page is PG&E
What you get
Extra monthly energy at the lowest baseline price (PG&E: about 500 kWh electricity and/or 25 therms gas per month), or a 12% discount on certain rate plans; also extra advance notice before Public Safety Power Shutoffs (2025-2026)
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
None; eligibility is based on medical need, not income (2025-2026)
How to apply
Apply online (PG&E: pge.com/mblapp), by mail, or by email; a licensed medical practitioner must certify the qualifying condition or device; recertification every 2 to 4 years
California has no permanent statewide low-income water bill assistance program. The AB 401 framework for a permanent low-income water rate program has not been implemented. Ask your local water utility about its own low-income rate discount or arrearage program, and call 211.
Property tax relief
Property Tax Postponement (PTP) Program
stateHomeowners
Type of help
deferral
Who runs it
California State Controller's Office (SCO)
What you get
The state pays all or part of the annual property taxes on the primary residence; the deferred amount accrues 5% simple interest per year (2025-2026 program year)
Who qualifies
62 or older, OR blind, OR disabled (any one qualifies)
Income limit
$55,181 or less total household income (2025-2026 program year, based on 2024 income)
How to apply
Call the SCO PTP team at 1-800-952-5661 or email postponement@sco.ca.gov to request an application; file between October 1 and February 10
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
County Assessor (oversight by the California State Board of Equalization)
What you get
Reduces the taxable assessed value of the primary residence by $7,000, saving roughly $70 or more per year depending on the local rate (2025-2026)
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
none (not income-tested)
How to apply
File claim form BOE-266 with your county assessor; must occupy the dwelling as principal residence as of the January 1 lien date
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
1-916-274-3350 (BOE general; apply through your county assessor)Official program page
Disabled Veterans' Exemption
stateHomeowners
Type of help
exemption
Who runs it
County Assessor (oversight by the California State Board of Equalization)
What you get
Basic exemption $175,298 of assessed value; low-income exemption $262,950 of assessed value (2025 amounts, adjusted annually for inflation)
Who qualifies
any (based on disability status)
Income limit
None for the basic exemption; $78,718 or less household income for the enhanced low-income exemption (2025)
How to apply
File claim form BOE-261-G (and BOE-261-GNT annually for the low-income version) with your county assessor, with a VA disability rating letter and discharge proof
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
County Assessor (oversight by the California State Board of Equalization)
What you get
Lets a qualified homeowner carry their existing low Proposition 13 base-year value to a replacement primary residence anywhere in California, avoiding reassessment to full market value; savings vary by property (effective April 1, 2021)
Who qualifies
55 or older, OR severely and permanently disabled, OR a wildfire/Governor-declared disaster victim
Income limit
none (not income-tested)
How to apply
File with the county assessor where the replacement home is located (BOE-19-B for age 55+, BOE-19-D for disabled, BOE-19-V for disaster); buy or build the replacement within 2 years of selling and file within 3 years
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
1-916-274-3350 (BOE general); apply through your county assessorOfficial program page
California has no active general income-based circuit-breaker credit or property-tax assessment freeze for older adults. The former Senior Citizens Property Tax Assistance Program and the Senior/Blind/Disabled Renter Assistance Program (once run by the Franchise Tax Board) had funding suspended in 2008-09 and were repealed; they are not accepting applications. The active substitutes are the PTP deferral and the flat Homeowners' Exemption above.
Insurance-related help
California FAIR Plan (last-resort property/fire insurance)
state
Who it is for
Owners or renters (owner-occupied and tenant-occupied residential up to 4 units)
Type of help
service
Who runs it
California FAIR Plan Association (overseen by the California Dept. of Insurance)
What you get
Access to basic property/fire insurance for high-risk homes that cannot get coverage on the open market; the policyholder pays the full premium (this is access, not a subsidy)
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
none
How to apply
Apply through any licensed California insurance broker or agent after a diligent search shows coverage is unavailable in the standard market; there is no extra cost for using a broker
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
1-800-927-4357 (California Dept. of Insurance consumer hotline)Official program page
HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program)
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
California Dept. of Aging (CDA), delivered through local Area Agencies on Aging
What you get
Free, confidential one-on-one counseling and advocacy on Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D, Medigap and long-term-care insurance, claims, and appeals
Who qualifies
65+ (and people under 65 with Medicare-qualifying disabilities, plus those approaching Medicare eligibility)
Income limit
none
How to apply
Call 1-800-434-0222 to reach the local HICAP office, or use the Find Services in My County locator on the CDA website
California has no state-funded program that pays down or subsidizes homeowners or fire insurance premiums for homeowners who are low income, older, or disabled. The FAIR Plan provides access to last-resort coverage but the policyholder pays full premium. Options are limited to FAIR Plan access, shopping via a broker, mandated mitigation discounts (Safer from Wildfires), and the Dept. of Insurance consumer hotline (1-800-927-4357) for complaints and mediation.
HomeShare-relevant extras
Statewide ADU and JADU law and technical assistance
state
Who it is for
Homeowners (benefits renters indirectly by adding shareable units)
Type of help
service
Who runs it
California Dept. of Housing and Community Development (HCD), Division of Codes and Standards
What you get
Enabling policy plus free technical assistance (ADU Handbook updated 2026); state ADU/JADU statutes were renumbered by SB 477 (2024) and include AB 68 (2019) and the SB 9 lot-split/duplex framework
Who qualifies
any (any property owner)
Income limit
none
How to apply
No application to HCD; homeowners apply for ADU permits through their local city or county. Submit technical-assistance questions via HCD's ADU portal
Up to $40,000 to reimburse pre-development and non-recurring closing costs (design, permits, soil tests, impact fees). Reflects the last active round; funding is currently closed
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
CalHFA county-based ADU income limits applied when active; not currently applicable
How to apply
Not currently accepting applications; monitor CalHFA eNews for any new funding round. When active, applied through a CalHFA-approved lender
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
$60 (single, or married/RDP filing separately) or $120 (head of household, married/RDP filing jointly, or qualifying surviving spouse) for the 2025 tax year
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
2025 AGI of $53,994 or less (single or married/RDP filing separately); $107,987 or less (married/RDP jointly, head of household, or qualifying widow(er))
How to apply
Claim on the California income tax return (Form 540, 540 2EZ, or 540NR); must have paid California rent for at least half the year on a non-tax-exempt property and not be claimed as a dependent
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Front Porch (Front Porch Communities and Services)
What you get
Free, staff-facilitated homeshare matching that connects home providers (a spare room, ADU, or in-law unit) with home seekers, with screening and match support
Who qualifies
any (strong focus on older adults)
Income limit
none stated (2026)
How to apply
Complete the online Request Information form at frontporch.net/homematch or contact the county program office
510-350-4367 (Alameda); 925-956-7385 (Contra Costa); 415-456-9068 (Marin); 415-351-1000 (San Francisco)Official program page
HIP Housing Home Sharing Program
nonprofitOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
HIP Housing (Human Investment Project, Inc.)
What you get
Free home-sharing match service pairing people who have space to share with people seeking affordable housing in San Mateo County
Who qualifies
any (serves older adults, people with disabilities, and working families)
Income limit
none stated as a hard test (2026)
How to apply
Contact HIP Housing via hiphousing.org (Home Sharing Program); serves San Mateo County
Free national directory (by state) of independent nonprofit homesharing programs, used to locate a local California homeshare match program for referral
Who qualifies
any
Income limit
none
How to apply
Use the online Program Directory (by state) to find and contact a local homesharing program; NSHRC itself does not run matches
Some of the biggest sources of help are federal and work much the same everywhere, including USDA Section 504 home repair, LIHEAP energy assistance, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and VA housing grants. They are described once, in detail, on our federal programs page, and the entries above give you the California contacts.
One more option
Sharing your home is not on this list, but it belongs beside it.
Every program here helps you afford the home you have. Home sharing does something different: it turns a spare room into steady income and company. It is worth considering before you sell, before you move, and before things get harder to manage alone.