"San Bernardino County Update", yellow arrowhead and "SBCounty.gov

San Bernardino County’s Transitional Assistance Department administers programs that offer individuals and families financial assistance, nutrition support and health coverage to eligible residents. These programs help stabilize households and promote long-term self-sufficiency throughout the county.

Programs include CalWORKs, CalFresh and Medi-Cal.  

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) provides cash aid and supportive services to eligible California families. Those who qualify receive monthly financial assistance to help pay for housing, food, clothing and other essential expenses. Emergency assistance is available for individuals and families who qualify.

Monthly aid amounts vary based on household size, income and other factors.

Services are generally available to:

  • Low-income families where one or both parents are absent, unemployed, disabled or deceased
  • Needy caretaker relatives

Residents may apply for CalWORKs by:

  • Completing an online application at BenefitsCal.com.
  • Calling 877-410-8829 to request an application by mail. 
  • Completing an application at a local Transitional Assistance office.

CalFresh,California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, supports the health and well-being of eligible low-income individuals and families by helping them meet their nutritional needs. Benefits are issued monthly on an electronic card, which works like a debit card and can be used to purchase nutritious food from participating grocery stores and markets. 

Eligibility is based on several factors, including:

  • Citizenship/immigration status
  • Income
  • Residency in San Bernardino County
  • Providing a Social Security Number
  • Additional requirements may apply depending on individual or family circumstances.

Residents may apply for CalFresh benefits by:

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, offers free or low-cost health coverage to eligible individuals and families. Covered services include:

  • Maternity and newborn care
  • Pediatric services
  • Dental care
  • Mental health services
  • Outpatient, emergency and hospital services
  • Prescription medication

In San Bernardino County, Medi-Cal services are provided through:

  • Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)
  • Molina Healthcare of California
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Senior Care Action Network (SCAN) Health Plan

Residents may apply for Medi-Cal by:

  • Completing an online application at BenefitsCal.com
  • Calling the Customer Service Center at 1-877-410-8829 to request an application by mail
  • Completing an application at a local Transitional Assistance office

Members can manage their coverage using the following official and trusted resources:

For more information about Transitional Assistance programs and services, please visit SBCounty.gov/TAD.


Additional County Update News – March 19, 2026