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Benefits Assistance

Program Details

MidPen site staff help residents apply for benefits if they ask for it. Staff usually help people one-on-one because the information needed for applying for benefits can be private. 

Benefits are resources that help pay for living costs. You might hear them called different names like public benefits, entitlement programs, social welfare, social insurance, safety net programs, or income support programs.

Benefits Can Be Different

Benefits can differ in many ways. This includes how much money you get, who can get the benefit, and how long it takes to get it after applying. Sometimes, they can only be used for specific items like food or healthcare. Money for benefits usually comes from the federal or state government and is given out by counties. Money for benefits can also come from private groups or nonprofit organizations.

Examples of Benefits

(This is not a complete list)

If you have additional questions please fill out the GO Program Interest Form or speak with your MidPen site staff.

  • Childcare:
    • Head Start
  • Employment:
    • SDI (California State Disability Insurance)

    • UI (Unemployment Insurance)

    • Worker’s Compensation Insurance

  • Healthcare:
    • DME (Durable Medical Equipment)
    • IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services)

    • Medicare

    • Medi-Cal (also known as Medicaid federally)

    • Private health insurance (employer or individual paid)

  • Housing:
    • Emergency rental assistance

    • Section 8 Voucher (also known as Housing Choice Voucher Program)

  • Nutrition and Food:
    • CalFresh (also known as food stamps or SNAP federally)
    • Medically-tailored meals (via CalAIM Community Supports)
    • NSL (National School Lunch Program)
    • WIC (Women, Infant, & Children Program)
  • Tax Credits: (See MidPen’s Tax Relief program)
    • Credit Child Tax Credit
    • Earned Income Tax
  • Transportation:
    • Discounted bus or train passes
    • Medical transit
    • Paratransit
  • Utilities:
    • California LifeLine (discounted landline/cell phone plans)
    • CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy)
  • Utilities (continued):
    • FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance)
    • LI-HEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
    • LI-HWAP (Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program)
  • Other:
    • CalWORKS (also known as TANF federally)
    • GA (General Assistance)
    • RCA (Refugee Cash Assistance)
    • SSA (Social Security Retirement)
    • SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
    • SSI (Supplemental Social Insurance)
    • VA (Veterans Administration benefits)

Who Is Eligible

Eligibility varies by benefit and can be determined by many factors, including legal status, age, income, employment status, veteran status, family composition, disability status, and additional benefits programs in which an applicant is participating.

  • Resident must have their name on the lease.
  • Resident must be in good standing.
  • Eligibility varies by benefit and can be determined by many factors, including: 
    • Age
    • Income
    • Employment status
    • Legal status
    • Veteran status
    • Family composition
    • Disability status

Please see your MidPen site staff for information on the specific benefits you are seeking.

What You Need to Apply for Benefits

What you need to apply for benefits can be different depending on the type of benefit but usually, you will need to provide:

  • Your address and contact information
  • ID for all adults in your household
  • Proof of income or benefits for each adult (like pay stubs or benefit statements)

Talk to your MidPen site staff for more details about the specific benefit you want to apply for.

How to Apply

If you are interested in learning more about benefits assistance fill out the GO Programs Interest Form. MidPen site staff will contact you to discuss eligibility, the application process, as well as direct you to resources where you can apply on your own. 

FAQ

What does “good standing” mean? Your housing status at MidPen is in good shape, and you don’t have any unresolved legal issues.

Can I apply for/receive multiple benefits at the same time? Yes, you can get more than one type of help at the same time. If you get Medi-Cal for example, you automatically qualify for benefits like CalFresh and California LifeLine. 

Will receiving benefits impact my rent? It depends on the type of help you get. If you get help with your housing through a Section 8 voucher, your rent might change. But if you get CalFresh, your rent will not change. Talk to your MidPen site staff to find out more.

Am I eligible for benefits if I do not have a Social Security Number? Yes, you might still be able to get some benefits even if you don’t have a Social Security Number. For example, you can apply for Medi-Cal, California State Disability Insurance (SDI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), or emergency rental help without one. If your children have a Social Security Number, you might be able to get CalFresh benefits for them.

Will applying for benefits affect my immigration status/application? Many benefits will not prompt a “public charge” test. For example, applying for and/or receiving Medi-Cal and some other important health, food, and housing benefits won’t change your immigration status or application. 

What is the public charge test? A “public charge” is someone who relies on the U.S. government for help after coming to the U.S. The public charge test looks at things like age, health, income, and use of benefits to decide if someone might become a public charge. Some benefits like SSI, CalWorks, and GA are checked by this test and could affect your immigration application. Talk to your MidPen site staff if you have questions.

If you have additional questions please fill out the GO Program Interest Form or speak with your MidPen site staff.