California Grants & Benefits 2026

California residents have access to federal programs plus dozens of state-specific grants, scholarships, and assistance programs. Find everything you qualify for.

Find My California Grants →

Top California Programs

  • Cal Grant A & B — up to $9,358/year for college
  • CalVet Home Loans — below-market rate mortgages for veterans
  • CA Dream For All — 20% down payment assistance
  • CA IBank — loan guarantees for small businesses
  • CA Weatherization — free home energy upgrades

Federal Programs Available in California

All California residents also qualify for federal programs including SNAP, Medicaid, Pell Grants, LIHEAP, Section 8, SSDI/SSI, and more. GrantLantern checks both federal and California state programs simultaneously.

SNAP Food Benefits Medicaid / CHIP Pell Grant LIHEAP Energy Help Section 8 Housing VA Benefits SBIR/SBTT SSI / SSDI

How to Apply for California Grants

  • Use GrantLantern to get your personalized match list (free, 5 minutes)
  • Each match includes direct links to the official California application page
  • Gather common documents: ID, proof of income, proof of residency, Social Security number
  • Apply to multiple programs — most don't conflict with each other