Grants for Seniors in San Francisco

Grants and Assistance for Seniors in San Francisco (2026 Guide)

Written & Reviewed by

Analic Mata-Murray

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Yolanda Taylor

Yolanda Taylor

Senior Healthcare Editor

Last updated:

Key Takeaways

  • San Francisco has strong senior services, but housing and cost of living make access difficult. Expect waitlists for housing; apply to multiple programs and use local nonprofits while you wait.
  • Start here: In-Home Supportive Services (if you need help with daily activities), Medi-Cal (healthcare), CalFresh (food), and the DAHLIA Housing Portal (affordable housing listings).
  • Use free help: San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS), HICAP for Medicare advice, legal aid for evictions/benefits, and 211 for quick referrals.
  • Beware of scams: No government program charges application fees. Verify any caller’s identity using official phone numbers and websites.

If You Need Emergency Help

What this guide covers

  • The most-used grants and assistance for older adults in San Francisco (City and County).
  • How the programs work, who qualifies, how to apply, and where to get free help.
  • Reality checks on wait times, eligibility, and common pitfalls.

This is a practical, step-by-step guide with official links you can click and use right away.

Quick Program Finder (At-a-Glance)

Program What it helps with Who runs it How to apply
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Paid caregiver help at home (bathing, meals, housekeeping) County (DAS/HSA) + Medi-Cal Start at SF IHSS (instructions and forms): https://www.sfhsa.org/services/in-home-supportive-services-ihss
Medi-Cal Health coverage, including long-term care, dental CA Dept. of Health Care Services (DHCS) Apply via BenefitsCal: https://www.benefitscal.com or DHCS overview: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal
CalFresh (SNAP) Monthly money for groceries (EBT card) CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) Fastest: GetCalFresh — https://www.getcalfresh.org
DAHLIA Housing Portal Affordable housing listings, lotteries SF Mayor’s Office of Housing & Community Development DAHLIA Portal — https://housing.sfgov.org
Section 8 Vouchers Pay 30% of income for rent San Francisco Housing Authority SF Housing Authority — https://www.sfha.org
Meals on Wheels SF Home-delivered meals Meals on Wheels San Francisco Referral/self-referral: https://www.mowsf.org
SF-Marin Food Bank Groceries/pantries SF-Marin Food Bank Find food: https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/find-food
SF Paratransit Door-to-door rides if you can’t use Muni SFMTA How to apply: https://www.sfparatransit.org
Free Muni for Seniors (income-based) Free Muni rides SFMTA Eligibility and application: https://www.sfmta.com/fares/discounts/free-muni-seniors-people-disabilities
CARE/FERA (PG&E) 20–35% electric and gas discount PG&E CARE: https://www.pge.com/care, FERA: https://www.pge.com/fera
LIHEAP One-time help with energy bills State-funded via local providers Overview and local provider lookup: https://www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/LIHEAPProgram.aspx
HICAP Free, unbiased Medicare counseling CA Dept. of Aging Find local HICAP: https://aging.ca.gov/hicap
Healthy San Francisco Care access for uninsured adults SF Dept. of Public Health Eligibility/how it works: https://healthysanfrancisco.org

Note: Links go to the official program or government site whenever possible.

Who qualifies financially? (2026 reference)

Income rules vary by program. These reference figures help you decide where to apply. Always check the official site for current numbers.

Program 2026 monthly income limit (individual) 2026 monthly income limit (couple) Source
Medi-Cal (most adults 65+) About $1,836 (138% FPL) About $2,489 DHCS Medi-Cal: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal
CalFresh (gross; seniors get extra deductions)  $2,610 (Oct 2025–Sept 2026) $3,526 CDSS CalFresh: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/calfresh
SSI/SSP (max benefit shown; limits vary) Max benefit: $1,234 Max benefit: $2,099 Social Security (SSI): https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/ and CA SSP: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ssp

Tip: Seniors get special deductions in CalFresh for medical and shelter costs, which can help you qualify even if gross income looks high. Use official pre-screeners or get help from SF HSA or a community partner.

Housing Help in San Francisco

San Francisco’s housing is among the most expensive in the U.S. Waiting lists are common. Use official portals and apply widely.

Affordable Housing Listings and Lotteries

  • DAHLIA Housing Portal (official city site): Search and apply for below-market-rate (BMR) rentals and senior housing lotteries. Create a profile, upload documents, and set alerts. https://housing.sfgov.org
  • Reality check: Many listings fill by lottery. Keep your DAHLIA profile current and apply to every listing you qualify for.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (SF Housing Authority)

  • What it is: You generally pay 30% of your adjusted income; the voucher covers the rest up to limits.
  • Waitlist: Often closed with long waits in SF. Check current status and instructions: https://www.sfha.org
  • Tip: If any nearby authority opens waitlists (e.g., across the Bay), consider applying there if you can relocate.

HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly

  • What it is: Federally funded senior-specific buildings, typically charging 30% of income.
  • How to apply: Each property has its own waitlist. Use HUD’s resource locator and contact buildings directly: https://resources.hud.gov

Eviction Defense and Rent Help

Property Tax Relief (Homeowners)

Housing Reality Check:

  • Most SF programs have waitlists. Apply early, apply often, and keep your contact info updated.
  • Consider senior-only buildings, Section 202 properties, and nearby counties for shorter waits.
  • Always get free legal advice early if you receive an eviction notice.

In-Home Care and Long-Term Services

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

  • What it provides: Paid in-home help with bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping, and more to help you stay safely at home.
  • Who qualifies: Age 65+ or disabled; must meet Medi-Cal rules and show you need help with daily activities.
  • How to apply in San Francisco: Start at SF IHSS page (application steps, forms, contacts) — https://www.sfhsa.org/services/in-home-supportive-services-ihss
  • Tips for approval:
    • Be specific about what you can and cannot do safely.
    • Ask your doctor to document your functional needs.
    • Keep records of falls, hospitalizations, and medication routines.

Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)

  • What it is: Intensive case management and extra services for frail elders who meet nursing-home level of care, funded by Medi-Cal.
  • Local contact: Institute on Aging (IOA) often coordinates in SF. Start here: https://www.ioaging.org
  • State overview: https://aging.ca.gov

PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)

  • What it provides: One coordinated program for medical care, adult day health, medications, transportation, and in-home support.
  • Local provider: On Lok PACE — check service area and eligibility: https://www.onlok.org/pace
  • National info: https://www.npaonline.org

Long-Term Care Reality Check:

  • PACE can replace a patchwork of services, but you must live in the service area and meet clinical criteria.
  • IHSS hours reflect need; if your condition changes, request reassessment.

Healthcare and Prescription Help

Medi-Cal for Seniors

Healthy San Francisco (If Uninsured and Ineligible for Insurance)

  • City program that helps uninsured adults access primary and specialty care within SF.
  • Not insurance; serves SF residents who meet eligibility rules.
  • Learn more and enroll: https://healthysanfrancisco.org

San Francisco Health Network

Medicare Counseling (Free, Unbiased)

  • HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program): Compare plans, avoid penalties, resolve billing issues.
  • Find local HICAP: https://aging.ca.gov/hicap

Medi-Cal Dental (Denti-Cal)

  • Cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures (subject to limits/medical necessity).
  • Provider search and benefits: https://dental.dhcs.ca.gov

Low-Cost Dental in SF

CalRx (Lower-Cost Prescriptions)

  • California’s program to lower certain medication prices (e.g., insulin).
  • How it works and participating pharmacies: https://www.calrx.ca.gov

Healthcare Reality Check:

  • If you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal, ask HICAP how they work together. Medi-Cal can cover premiums and copays for many.
  • Bring all medications to appointments. Ask about free transportation (NEMT) if you have Medi-Cal.

Food and Nutrition

CalFresh (SNAP) — Extra Help for Seniors

Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)

Meals on Wheels San Francisco

  • Hot and frozen meals delivered to your home, plus wellness checks.
  • How to get started: https://www.mowsf.org

SF-Marin Food Bank

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (seasonal)

Food Reality Check:

  • Many seniors combine CalFresh with food pantries and home-delivered meals.
  • If standing or lifting is hard, ask pantries about accommodations or delivery options.

Transportation and Mobility

Program Who qualifies Benefit Where to apply
Senior Clipper Card 65+ Discounted fares regionwide (BART, Muni, etc.) How to get one: https://www.clippercard.com
Free Muni for Seniors (income-based) 65+, income limits apply Free rides on all Muni vehicles (not BART in SF) Program and application: https://www.sfmta.com/fares/discounts/free-muni-seniors-people-disabilities
SF Paratransit (ADA) Can’t use standard transit due to disability Door-to-door shared rides Eligibility and rides: https://www.sfparatransit.org
Medi-Cal NEMT/NMT Medi-Cal members with medical need Rides to covered medical appointments Ask your Medi-Cal plan; general info: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov

Tip: Apply for your Senior Clipper Card first; then layer on Free Muni if you qualify by income.

Utilities, Phone, and Internet

Program What it covers Who qualifies Where to apply
CARE (PG&E) 20–35% off electric/gas Income-based or participation in Medi-Cal/CalFresh/SSI https://www.pge.com/care
FERA (PG&E) Additional electric discount (moderate income) If just above CARE limits and higher household size https://www.pge.com/fera
LIHEAP One-time payment to help with energy bills or emergencies Income-qualified; seniors prioritized https://www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/LIHEAPProgram.aspx
California LifeLine Discounted phone/wireless/internet Income-based or participation in eligible programs https://www.californialifeline.com
SFPUC Customer Assistance Program Discount on water/sewer bills Income-qualified SF households Start at SFPUC bill relief: https://sfpuc.org (search “Customer Assistance Program”)

Utility Reality Check:

  • Discounts may take 1–2 billing cycles to show.
  • Keep confirmation letters and re-verification dates on your calendar.

Cash and Financial Assistance

SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income + California State Supplement)

  • Monthly cash for low-income seniors and people with disabilities; California adds a state supplement to federal SSI.
  • Apply or manage your case: Social Security — https://www.ssa.gov/ssi
  • About CA State Supplement (SSP): https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ssp

CAAP (County Adult Assistance Programs) — San Francisco

Property Tax Postponement (Homeowners 62+)

One-Time Crisis Help

Money Reality Check:

  • Benefits can interact. HICAP and legal aid can help you avoid losing one benefit by applying for another.
  • Keep copies of every application and decision letter.

Legal Help and Elder Protection

Tip: Seek legal help immediately when you receive any notice about eviction, benefit termination, or overpayment.

Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Older Adults

Veterans

Seniors with Disabilities

Native/Tribal Elders (Urban)

Bay Area Seniors in More Rural/Remote Areas

San Francisco is urban, but if you live on the edges of the Bay or travel in from less-served areas:

Consider telehealth for specialists, prescription delivery, and clustering appointments on the same day to cut travel.

Applying Without the Headache (What Works in SF)

  • Use official portals: DAHLIA for housing, BenefitsCal for Medi-Cal/CalFresh, and SFHSA pages for county programs.
  • Keep a “benefits folder”: ID, Social Security letter, Medicare/insurance cards, proof of SF address, bank statements (3 months), lease/mortgage, medical bills, and a medication list.
  • Track everything: Application date, confirmation number, who you spoke with, and follow-up dates.
  • Ask for help: DAS intake, HICAP, legal aid, and 211 will walk you through forms and appeals.
  • Reassess often: If your health changes, request an IHSS reassessment. If rent or medical costs rise, tell CalFresh.

Common Roadblocks (and how to handle them)

  • “I’m on a housing waitlist and never hear back.” Log into DAHLIA monthly, update contact info, and apply to all senior-eligible listings. Consider Section 202 properties and nearby counties.
  • “I was denied IHSS.” Appeal within the deadline on your notice. Get a clear doctor’s letter describing what you cannot do safely and why.
  • “I can’t afford utilities this month.” Apply for LIHEAP and CARE right away; ask about payment plans with PG&E and SFPUC. Call 211 for emergency help.
  • “My Medicare plan is confusing and costly.” Book a free HICAP appointment before open enrollment ends. Bring your drug list and doctors.

Regional and Community Resources (San Francisco)

If you’re not sure where to start, call 211 or use the DAS page above to reach the city’s intake line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I get a caregiver through IHSS in San Francisco?

Apply via SFHSA’s IHSS page (application, forms, and steps): https://www.sfhsa.org/services/in-home-supportive-services-ihss. A social worker will assess your needs at home and determine hours. You can choose a family member or friend as your IHSS provider (spouses have rules). If denied or hours are too low, you can appeal.

Where do I find affordable senior apartments?

Use the DAHLIA Housing Portal for city listings and lotteries: https://housing.sfgov.org. Also call or visit HUD Section 202 properties directly (find properties via https://resources.hud.gov). Keep a list of everywhere you applied and update it monthly.

Can I get free rides on Muni?

If you are 65+ and meet income limits, apply for Free Muni for Seniors: https://www.sfmta.com/fares/discounts/free-muni-seniors-people-disabilities. All seniors should get a Senior Clipper Card for discounted fares: https://www.clippercard.com.

Who can help me pick a Medicare plan?

HICAP provides free, unbiased counseling. Book an appointment here: https://aging.ca.gov/hicap. Bring your medication list and your doctors’ names.

I’m paying too much for utilities. What can I do?

Apply for CARE (https://www.pge.com/care) and, if you just miss the cutoffs, FERA (https://www.pge.com/fera). For one-time help, apply for LIHEAP: https://www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/LIHEAPProgram.aspx. For water/sewer, check SFPUC’s Customer Assistance Program: https://sfpuc.org.

I need food quickly. Who delivers?

Meals on Wheels SF can deliver meals to your home: https://www.mowsf.org. For groceries nearby, use SF-Marin Food Bank’s pantry finder: https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/find-food. Apply for CalFresh at https://www.getcalfresh.org.

Is there help if I’m a veteran?

Yes. Contact the San Francisco County Veterans Service Office via the CalVet CVSO directory: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/CVSO-Locations.aspx. For healthcare, use the VA San Francisco system: https://www.sanfrancisco.va.gov. Ask about VA Aid and Attendance if you need help with daily activities: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound.

I received an eviction notice. What should I do first?

Contact Eviction Defense Collaborative as soon as possible: https://evictiondefense.org. Also, call 211 for referrals and Season of Sharing emergency help: https://www.sfhsa.org/services/financial-assistance/season-sharing. Do not ignore court notices.

I don’t have insurance and don’t qualify for Medi-Cal. Can I still see a doctor?

Healthy San Francisco can connect eligible uninsured adults to primary and specialty care within the city: https://healthysanfrancisco.org. Also see the San Francisco Health Network for clinics: https://sfhealthnetwork.org.

Application Checklist (print or save)

  • Government ID (CA ID/driver’s license) and Social Security card
  • Proof of SF residency (lease, utility bill, benefit letter)
  • Income proof (Social Security award letter, pension, pay stubs)
  • Bank statements (past 3 months)
  • Medicare and/or Medi-Cal card
  • Medical bills and medication list
  • Landlord name/number and current lease (for housing help)
  • Contact info for your doctor(s)

Pro tip: Keep digital photos or scans on your phone or a USB drive so you can re-use them across applications.

Sources and Official Links (selected)

Disclaimer

Program details, eligibility, dollar amounts, and wait times can change. Always confirm current information with the official agency or program website linked above. This guide is for general information and is not legal, financial, or medical advice.

About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

  • Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
  • Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
  • Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

  • Last Updated: January 2026
  • Sources Verified: January 2026
  • Next Review: May 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.

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About the Authors

Analic Mata-Murray

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Analic Mata-Murray holds a Communications degree with a focus on Journalism and Advertising from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. With over 11 years of experience as a volunteer translator for The Salvation Army, she has helped Spanish-speaking communities access critical resources and navigate poverty alleviation programs.

As Managing Editor at Grants for Seniors, Analic oversees all content to ensure accuracy and accessibility. Her bilingual expertise allows her to create and review content in both English and Spanish, specializing in community resources, housing assistance, and emergency aid programs.

Yolanda Taylor

Yolanda Taylor, BA Psychology

Senior Healthcare Editor

Yolanda Taylor is a Senior Healthcare Editor with over six years of clinical experience as a medical assistant in diverse healthcare settings, including OB/GYN, family medicine, and specialty clinics. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento.

At Grants for Seniors, Yolanda oversees healthcare-related content, ensuring medical accuracy and accessibility. Her clinical background allows her to translate complex medical terminology into clear guidance for seniors navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and dental care options. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and holds Lay Counselor certification and CPR/BLS certification.