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Additional supports to ease your path through college.

The following programs provide employment support, housing assistance, financial relief, and other essential services to help students and families maintain stability while pursuing their educational goals.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

 provides job training, career coaching, and employment support services to help individuals gain the skills needed for quality employment. WIOA offers resources such as job search assistance, resume building, educational opportunities, and job placement services. This program is available through American Job Centers, which are located nationwide. To find your local center and learn about available services, visit this .

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

CalWORKs Homeless Assistance

 provides financial support for essential needs to low-income families, including food, rent, and other basic expenses. It also offers assistance to prevent eviction or secure temporary housing. This program can help cover costs such as security deposits, last month’s rent, up to two months of past-due rent to avoid eviction, and up to 16 days of temporary housing expenses (up to $145 per day for hotel or motel stays). To learn more about eligibility and apply, visit the CalWORKs  or contact your .

2-1-1 Information Services

 is a free, confidential service that connects individuals and families to essential resources within their community. Whether you need help with food, mental health, health care, housing, transportation, utility assistance, legal aid, job training, after-school programs, disaster relief, or other services, 2-1-1 can guide you to the right support. You can dial 2-1-1 directly and explain the type of assistance you are seeking or visit the 2-1-1  to search for resources online.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

 helps low-income households manage their energy costs by providing a one-time payment to assist with heating or cooling bills. In addition, LIHEAP offers in-home weatherization services to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the health and safety of your home. To learn more about eligibility and to apply, visit the LIHEAP .

Supplemental Security Income / State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP)

provides monthly financial assistance to low-income individuals who are blind, disabled, or 65 years of age or older. This program allows most students to work without their SSI benefit decreasing. This is known as the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE), which lets students keep the first $2,220 in earnings each month without affecting the countable earned income calculation. But, there is an annual cap of $8,950, so if you earn more than this in any given year, the income starts counting towards the earned income calculation again. To learn more about eligibility and apply, you can visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) , visit your , or call 1-800-772-1213.

Cash, food, and other direct support to offset your college costs.

The following programs provide financial, food, and health assistance to help students and families meet essential needs while pursuing their education.

CalFresh

 provides monthly food benefits to help low-income students and households buy food for themselves and their families.  are issued through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card, which can be used at grocery stores and participating farmers markets. Eligibility is based on income and is open to students and children who are U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. To help determine whether you are eligible, use this .

CalWORKs

 provides monthly cash assistance to low-income families with at least one child in the home to help cover essential needs such as rent, housing, food, clothing, medical payments, and utilities. CalWORKs benefits are issued to support basic household stability and may include additional supportive services like childcare assistance and housing support. Eligibility is based on income, age, and citizenship. To apply for benefits, go to this .

California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

 program supports pregnant individuals, new parents, and young children (birth through age four) in staying healthy and meeting their nutritional needs. WIC provides monthly cash benefits to purchase healthy foods, along with access to nutrition education, breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, and referrals to additional family resources. This program aims to ensure that families have the resources they need for a healthy start. To learn more about eligibility and apply, visit the WIC  or contact a 

Medi-Cal

 offers free or low-cost health care to low-income individuals and families, ensuring access to essential medical services. Medi-Cal can help cover doctor visits, hospital care, vaccinations, pregnancy-related services, medications, and more. To learn more about eligibility and apply, visit the Medi-Cal  or visit your .

Covered California

 provides affordable health insurance options to individuals and families, ensuring access to essential health care services. Additionally, it offers financial assistance to lower the cost of health insurance, with some plans available for less than $10 per month. This program can help cover expenses for doctor visits, hospital care, medications, preventive services, and more. To learn more about eligibility and apply, visit the Covered California , call 800-300-1506, or contact a certified enroller or your .

On-Campus Support: Toro Care

Toro Care supports ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ students who are experiencing unexpected challenges, basic needs concerns, or difficult circumstances. The program coordinates care and connects students to a network of campus resources that provide individualized support to help reduce barriers impacting academic success, emotional well-being, and social progress.

Students who have a concern or are unsure where to begin are encouraged to contact Toro Care. The Care team will help identify needs and connect students to the appropriate campus offices and support services.