Guides

Benefit guides for San Jose

Plain-word walkthroughs of the programs people here use most — who qualifies, what to bring, and exactly how to apply.

Rent help in San Jose: every door, in order Start with HPS before you fall behind, then your ZIP-code agency, free tenant lawyers, and the two housing lists worth joining. Read the guide → CalFresh in Santa Clara County How CalFresh works in California, the FFY2027 200%/100% income tests, the maximum amounts, and how to apply free on BenefitsCal. Read the guide → Medi-Cal renewal 2026: keep your coverage Renewals are back, the January 1, 2026 freeze explained, the 90-day cure period, and exactly what to do when the county letter arrives. Read the guide → Covered California 2027: open enrollment November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027 — plus the California state subsidy that stacks on federal help up to 200% of poverty. Read the guide → Help paying your PG&E bill CARE, FERA, SJ Cares, LIHEAP, REACH, Match My Payment and AMP — the whole Silicon Valley utility stack, in the right order. Read the guide → Free food in San Jose & Santa Clara County Second Harvest distributions, senior groceries, school meals and SUN Bucks — where to get food this week, with no paperwork at most sites. Read the guide → CalWORKs: cash aid for families Region 1 amounts (up to $1,338 a month for a family of three, from October 1, 2026), child care help, and how the county application actually works. Read the guide → Section 8 & affordable housing in San Jose, honestly SCCHA interest lists and the City portal open and close — how the lists really work and how to get told the day one opens. Read the guide → IHSS & senior help at home A paid caregiver — often a family member — plus Sourcewise, senior meals and rides for adults 60+ in Santa Clara County. Read the guide → Emergency help: bills, eviction & tonight Behind on rent, facing shutoff, or need shelter tonight — the fastest doors first, with the phone numbers that matter. Read the guide →

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