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public benefits

We help appeal denials or other issues with state or county benefits (ex. CalWORKs, CalFresh, General Assistance, and IHSS).

Keeping public benefits programs accessible and effective for low-income families

We represent individuals and families appealing unlawful terminations and wrongful denials of state and local public benefits, work to ensure that the CalWORKs program serves as a bridge to gainful employment, and advocate with local governments to increase access to income support programs to improve the quality of life of individuals and families living in poverty.

Have Questions? Need Help?

  • Legal Advice Line: 800-551-5554
  • California Relay Service: Dial 7-1-1 or from TTY dial 1-800-735-2929 or visit California Relay Service for more information.

BayLegal's public benefits legal assistance program provides help with the following benefits programs:

  • CalWORKS (California Work Opportunities & Responsibilities to Kids Program)
  • CalFresh (aka food stamps)
  • California Food Assistance Program
  • General Assistance (GA)

News

Dec 22, 2025 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

CalFresh Update for San Francisco Residents Affected by the December 2025 Blackouts

Power was out to a large part of San Francisco over the weekend (December 20th-21st), and remains out in some neighborhoods as of the afternoon of December 22nd. At this…

Dec 10, 2025 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

Why Benefits Advocacy Is So Important to Me

This month marks 10 years since I started practicing law. In that time, I have helped hundreds of people secure access to the life-saving services they need – cash benefits…

Resources

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Nov 5, 2025 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

San Francisco CalFresh Emergency Grocery Card

As announced last week, SFHSA is giving a one-time prepaid grocery card to San Francisco CalFresh households. This CalFresh Emergency Grocery Card program will help people buy healthy food and reduce financial…

Nov 5, 2025 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley – Find Food

Use the Food Locator below to find free, nutritious food near you. Choose whether you want fresh groceries or ready-to-eat meals and pick days/times that fit your schedule.

Nov 5, 2025 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

SF/Marin Food Bank – Find Free Food

Use the Food Locator tool to find food assistance in San Francisco and Marin. You can locate weekly free groceries, monthly food boxes for seniors, one-time emergency food, or help…

Nov 5, 2025 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

CANV Food Pantry Finder

The Food Bank of CANV distributes food to eight food pantries throughout Napa County so that people and families can receive a bag of groceries and other emergency food assistance…

Nov 5, 2025 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

Marin HHS Food Pantry Guide

Marin County Health & Human Services maintains a community resource guide to food pantries on their website.

Nov 5, 2025 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano

Free food is available near you! Use the map or the Food Distribution Sites Listed by City tab at the bottom of the page in this link to find a location…

Nov 5, 2025 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

Find a Food Bank – Alameda County

The Find a Food Bank page can connect you to free groceries or hot meals in Alameda County as soon as possible.

Oct 1, 2024 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

Disability nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedure

Aug 8, 2024 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

Flooding Victims Benefits and Health Care Rights

FAQ prepared by Bay Area Legal Aid on public benefits and health care rights for those impacted by flooding.

Aug 8, 2024 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

CalFresh for Minors

Aug 8, 2024 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

Client Complaint Procedures

Client Complaint Procedures The attached documents provide instructions on steps to take if you have a complaint about Bay Area Legal Aid: Client grievance procedure Procedimiento de quejas del cliente…

Aug 8, 2024 March 8 @ 8:24 pm

Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office

Contra Costa Public Defenders (CCPD) provides constitutionally mandated representation to indigent individuals charged in adult and juvenile criminal court in Contra Costa County.