The fastest way to apply is through the county social services office that covers where you live

California's Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal. You apply through your county's social services department, not through a state office or website. Each county runs its own intake, so the office you contact depends on your address. You can apply in person, by mail, by phone, or online through the county system — the speed and process vary by county.

Start by finding your county social services office. Search "[your county name] social services" or call 211 California, which will connect you to the right office and tell you their current hours and application methods. Some counties have moved to online-only intake during certain hours; others still take walk-ins. Calling first saves a trip.

You will need to provide proof of income, residency, and citizenship or immigration status. Have recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer ready. For residency, a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency with your name and address works. For citizenship, a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers; for immigration status, your immigration documents or a letter from USCIS.

Key Takeaways

  • You apply at your county social services office, not the state level, and the office location and hours depend on where you live.
  • You can apply by phone, mail, in person, or online depending on what your county offers; calling 211 or your county office first tells you which methods are open now.
  • Bring proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate or immigration documents).
  • Processing time ranges from two to four weeks in most counties, though some take longer if they need to verify information with other agencies.
  • If you are denied, you have the right to a hearing before an administrative judge; the denial letter explains how to request one.

What documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you contact your county office. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance the office will ask you to come back with missing paperwork.

Proof of income: Recent pay stubs (usually the last two), a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and pay, or your most recent tax return. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years and a profit-and-loss statement if you have one. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, or other benefits, bring the award letter or a recent statement showing the amount.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or mail from a government agency (DMV, court, tax assessor) with your current address. The document must be dated within the last two months. A bank statement or credit card bill works if it shows your name and address.

Proof of citizenship or immigration status: A birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or green card. If you have a pending immigration case, bring your Notice to Appear or receipt notice from USCIS. If you are undocumented, California's Medi-Cal program covers some services regardless of immigration status; the county office will explain what you are covered for and what documents they need instead.

Social Security number: Yours and any household members you are including in the application. If you do not have one, the county can help you request one.

How to apply by phone, mail, or in person

Call your county social services office and ask how they are taking Medi-Cal applications right now. Some counties have dedicated phone lines for Medi-Cal; others route you through a general intake line. Have your documents ready when you call so you can answer questions about income and household size on the spot.

If you apply by phone, the worker will ask for your income, household members, citizenship status, and residency. They will tell you what documents to mail in or bring. Mail applications to the address they give you, and keep a copy of everything you send. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and phone number so they can match your documents to your application.

If you apply in person, bring originals or certified copies of your documents. The office will make copies and give you a receipt showing the date you applied. Ask for the name of the worker handling your case and when you can expect to hear back. If the office is busy, you may be given an appointment time instead of being seen immediately.

Some counties now require online applications through CalFresh/Medi-Cal Online Services (COMOS) or a similar county portal. Ask your county office for the website link. Online applications often move faster because the system can verify some information automatically.

How to apply online through your county

Most California counties now offer online Medi-Cal applications through their own portals or through the state's CalFresh/Medi-Cal Online Services system. Search "[your county name] Medi-Cal online application" or ask your county office for the link.

You will create an account with your email and password, then fill out a form with your household information, income, and assets. The system will ask you to upload photos of your documents — take clear photos of both sides of your ID, your pay stubs, and your proof of residency. Upload them as PDF or JPG files. The system will tell you if a photo is too blurry or cut off.

After you submit, you will get a confirmation number. Write it down. The county will contact you by phone or email if they need more information. Processing time is usually two to three weeks if all documents are clear and complete.

What happens after you submit your application

The county has up to 45 days to make a decision, though most counties decide within two to four weeks. They will contact you by phone or mail if they need more information — for example, if a pay stub is unclear or if they need to verify your immigration status with another agency.

If you are approved, you will receive a Medi-Cal card in the mail within one to two weeks. The card shows your member ID number. You can use it at any doctor or hospital that takes Medi-Cal. Some counties also send approval letters by email or through an online portal.

If you are denied, the county will send you a written notice explaining why. Common reasons include income above the limit, failure to provide proof of residency or citizenship, or not meeting the age or disability requirements. The notice will tell you how to request a hearing before an administrative judge if you disagree with the decision. You have 90 days from the date on the notice to request a hearing.

If you do not hear back within 45 days, call your county office and ask for the status of your application. Bring your confirmation number or the date you applied.

Income limits and who can apply

Medi-Cal covers people with low income. The income limit depends on your household size and changes each year. For 2024, a single adult with income below roughly $1,500 per month qualifies; a family of four with income below roughly $3,100 per month qualifies. These numbers increase slightly each January. Ask your county office for the current limit for your household size.

You must be a California resident, a U.S. citizen, national, or may have access to immigrant, and either under 65, over 65, blind, or disabled. California's Medi-Cal also covers some undocumented immigrants under age 26 and over age 50, and all undocumented immigrants for emergency services. The county office will explain what you are covered for based on your immigration status.

If your income is slightly above the limit, you may still may have access to if you have high medical or dental expenses, or if you are pregnant. Tell the county worker about any large medical bills or ongoing treatment.

What to do if you are denied or need help with your application

If the county denies your application and you believe the decision is wrong, you have the right to a hearing. The denial notice will include instructions for requesting one. You must request the hearing within 90 days of the date on the notice. You can request it by phone, mail, or online through your county office.

At the hearing, an administrative judge will review your case. You can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative — a lawyer, advocate, or family member. Many legal aid organizations in California offer free help with Medi-Cal hearings. Search "[your county name] legal aid" or call 211 to find one near you.

If you need help filling out your application or understanding the process, call 211 California or your county social services office. Many counties have application assistants who can help over the phone at no cost. Some community health centers and nonprofits also offer free help with Medi-Cal applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am undocumented?

Yes. California covers undocumented immigrants for emergency services and for some age groups (under 26 and over 50). You will need to provide an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number. The county office will explain what services you are covered for based on your immigration status.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most counties decide within two to four weeks if your documents are complete and clear. Some counties take up to 45 days. If you apply online, processing is often faster. Call your county office if you have not heard back within 30 days.

What if my income changes after I am approved?

You must report changes in income within 30 days. Call your county Medi-Cal office or log into your online account to report the change. If your income goes above the limit, your coverage may end, but you will receive a notice before that happens.

Can I apply if I am homeless?

Yes. You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a mailing address where you can receive mail. Bring any document with that address on it, such as a shelter intake form or a letter from a social worker. If you do not have any address, ask your county office what alternative they accept.

Do I need a Social Security number to apply?

You need one for yourself and any household members you are including. If you do not have one, the county can help you request one from the Social Security Administration. You can apply for Medi-Cal while your Social Security number application is pending.