California · San Diego County · checked November 5, 2026
Every California benefit worth checking at 60 and older: what it's worth, who gets it, and the one step to take. Tick "Done" as you go; it stays checked on this phone or computer.
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Worth about $5,700 a year
Pays Medicare drug plan premiums, deductibles and copays, and there's no Part D late penalty.
Pays the Part B premium: $202.90 a month in 2026
The State pays your Medicare Part B premium, so that money stays in your Social Security check. It also brings Extra Help automatically.
Savings limit: $130,000 for one person
Health coverage on top of Medicare, and it brings Extra Help automatically. The savings limit is much higher than Extra Help's: $130,000 for one person plus $65,000 for each extra person, from January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (Department of Health Care Services).
Open now, closes Monday, December 7. Changes start January 1, 2027.
The yearly chance to change a Medicare health or drug plan. Plans and prices change every year, so it pays to look.
60 days, every year, starting on your birthday
With a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, California lets you switch to an equal or lesser plan during the 60 days that start with your birthday. Your insurance company has to tell you about it 30 to 60 days before your birthday (California Department of Insurance).
Monthly grocery money on an EBT card
The rules at 60 and older are kinder: only the net income test, your home doesn't count, and medical costs over $35 a month come off your income. The Medicare premium counts too, so keep the receipts.
Free at any income at 60 and older
Serving Seniors' dining rooms: "all older adults, 60 and older, are eligible at no-cost." In North County, the Oceanside Senior Citizens Center at 455 Country Club Lane serves lunch Monday to Friday at 11am. On CalFresh, the Restaurant Meals Program lets a household of people 60 and older buy hot meals at participating restaurants, with no tax or tip.
30 to 35% off electric and 20% off gas, every month
CARE takes 30 to 35% off the electric bill and 20% off gas. FERA takes 18% off electric for households just over the CARE line. CalFresh or Medi-Cal usually qualifies you.
A one-time $267 to $451 on the SDG&E bill
For one person in San Diego County, from the State's 2027 draft plan; the lower the income, the more. With a shutoff notice, crisis help pays up to $1,500 or the bill, whichever is less.
Up to $28.25 a month off the phone, about $339 a year
California LifeLine takes up to $19 a month off a home phone or cell phone, and federal Lifeline adds up to $9.25. Medi-Cal, CalFresh or SSI qualifies you. Since February 1, 2026 the two need separate sign-ups.
$7,000 off the assessed value, about $70 a year
Look at the upper-right corner of the property tax bill. Under "Exemptions" it should say Homeowners' $7,000 if you live there. If it's missing, the form is free and you file it once.
Applications open October 1, 2026 through February 10, 2027
At 62 or older (or blind, or disabled), the State Controller can pay this year's property tax on your home, and you repay it later at 5% simple interest a year, secured by a lien on the home. It's a delay, not a discount. Funds are limited and go first-come, first-served.
At 55 and older, take your low property tax base with you
Move your home's property tax base to a replacement home anywhere in California, bought or built within two years of selling the original, up to three times.
The State is holding more than $15 billion
Old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance benefits and safe deposit boxes. Search every name you've used, and a spouse or parent who passed away; heirs can claim too. Searching and claiming are free, with no deadline. Never pay a finder.
No fee at 62 and older
The California DMV: "Seniors 62 years old or older are eligible for a no-fee senior citizen ID card." It's good for eight birthdays, two more than a standard ID card.
For a veteran or a veteran's surviving spouse
Adds to a VA pension when someone needs help with daily care. Through November 30, 2026, it pays up to $18,697 a year for a surviving spouse and $29,093 for a veteran with no dependents, counted against your income. The net worth limit is $163,699. New rates start December 1.