Help for immigrants

Last updated February 24, 2021 at 11:23 AM

If you’re an immigrant living in California, you can access help and public benefits, some regardless of immigration status.

On this page you will find:

Testing and treatment

Do not let fear stop you from getting necessary help or treatment. The effects of avoiding health care services can be serious. This will help keep you, your family, and your community healthy.

If you’re undocumented or do not have insurance, you can still get needed COVID-19 testing and treatment at no cost. Medi-Cal care for COVID-19 testing or treatment alone does not count under the public charge rule.

Testing is available to every Californian who needs it, including immigrants.

Uninsured? Have Medi-Cal, but no regular doctor? Call Medi-Nurse

Medi-Nurse is a free, 24/7 nurse advice line available at 1-877-409-9052. You can:

  • Speak directly with a health professional about your symptoms
  • Get advice about treatment in your area
  • Ask how to apply for health insurance

Know your rights

All Californians regardless of immigration status, have protections under our laws and Constitution.

Housing help

A law provides renters, homeowners, and small landlords with relief if COVID-19 or quarantine impacts your ability to pay all or part of your rent or mortgage.

Learn more at Housing is Key. 

Hotel rooms for agricultural workers

The Housing for the Harvest program offers temporary hotel housing to agricultural and food processing workers, including farm workers, who need to isolate due to COVID-19. This program gives exposed agricultural workers a place to stay and meals so they can protect their loved ones until they recover. 

Visit Housing for agricultural workers to get the contact info for this program in your county.

Utility shut-offs

Many utility companies are not shutting off services due to non-payment.

The Water Board has restricted water service shut-offs during the COVID-19 crisis. Fill out this form to report any water shut off or reconnection issue. Language assistance is available (en Español) for Spanish speakers to report water shut-offs by calling 916-445-5617.

Guide for Immigrant Californians

The COVID-19 Guidance for Immigrant Californians (PDF) will help you stay safe and informed. The guide may be updated over time.

The guide is available in:

Tax credits

If you work and have low income, you may qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). If you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under the age of six, you may also qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). These state credits can give you hundreds of dollars.

The CalEITC is now available to taxpayers who do not have a Social Security number, but do have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have an ITIN and are eligible, you can claim the credit on your 2020 individual tax returns (which are filed in 2021). The Franchise Tax Board has more info on CalEITC and YCTC (en Español).

You may also be eligible for free tax preparation at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site.

Questions and answers