Help aging out of foster care in California
We've found 7 places in California for people aging out of foster care, mostly in San Francisco, and 6 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with benefits & cash (4), food (3) and shelter & housing (2).
What's different in California
$29 per copy, or free for people who are homeless, with an affidavit signed by a homeless services provider.
Medi-Cal covers former foster youth under 26 who were in another state's or a tribe's foster care and had Medicaid when they turned 18 or aged out, under a federal approval from 2017.
Chafee Grant of up to $4,500 for 2026 to 2027 if you were in foster care for at least one day between ages 16 and 18 and are under 26 on July 1 of the school year. Cal Grant students from foster care may get up to $6,000 more, and community college students have until September 2 to apply for Cal Grant.
You can stay in care from 18 to 21 if you had a foster care placement order on your 18th birthday and meet one of five participation conditions. Left early? Sign a voluntary re-entry agreement any time before 21.
From our guides, where every fact links to its official source.
Places in California
Extended Foster Care (AB 12)
Lets California foster youth stay in care from 18 to 21 with case management, housing payments, and Independent Living Program services. Youth who already left care can re-enter before 21 by contacting their former social worker or county child welfare agency.
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
Grant of up to $5,000 per year for college or vocational training for current and former foster youth under 26. Apply by filing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and then the one-time Chafee application.
GLIDE Daily Free Meals
Three free meals every day in San Francisco's Tenderloin with no eligibility requirements and no intake form. GLIDE also runs a Welcome Center, workforce development, a women's center, a transitional age youth program, and a legal clinic.
CDPH Vital Records
State office that issues certified copies of California birth certificates by mail. There is no public counter; orders are mailed through USPS and are not refundable once accepted.
California ID Card
Start the ID card application online, then visit a DMV office with your Social Security number and identity document. People experiencing homelessness and those fleeing domestic violence can get a no-fee ID; people on public assistance may qualify for a reduced-fee ID with form DL 937.
CalFresh
California's SNAP food benefits program, applied for through your county's online application, by phone, or at a county social services office. Application forms are available in 16 languages.
211 California
Network of county 211 call centers covering housing, food, utility help, health care, and mental health referrals across California. Use the Find Your 211 page to reach the center for your county, which can be called or texted.
National lines that work in California
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.