Paying for assisted living in California with SSI or Medi-Cal

SSI/SSP pays more in a licensed care home

In 2026 a person aged 65 or older who gets SSI/SSP and lives in a licensed residential care home receives up to $1,626.07 a month: $994.00 from SSI and $632.07 from the state supplement. Living independently, the same person receives up to $1,233.94. State rules limit what a home may charge an SSI/SSP resident for basic services and leave part of the payment with the resident for personal needs. Not every home accepts this rate, so ask before you visit. To apply for SSI/SSP, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Official source: SSI/SSP payment standards, January 2026 (DHCS) · SSI/SSP (CDSS)

Assisted Living Waiver (Medi-Cal)

The Assisted Living Waiver helps Medi-Cal members who need a high level of daily support get care in licensed assisted living instead of a nursing facility. You must be 21 or older, have full-scope Medi-Cal with no share of cost, have care needs equal to those of nursing facility residents, and be able to live safely in assisted living. It is offered in 15 counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma. Participants pay the home directly for room and board. The number of places is limited: for March 2026 the state reported 14,831 people enrolled and 15,910 on the waitlist. You apply through a Care Coordination Agency listed by the state.

Official source: Assisted Living Waiver (DHCS)

Ask your Medi-Cal health plan

Some Medi-Cal managed care plans offer a Community Support that pays for services in assisted living for members who would otherwise need a nursing facility. Plans are not required to offer it, and it does not pay for room and board. Call the member services number on your plan card and ask about Community Supports.

PACE: care that helps you stay at home

PACE provides and coordinates medical care and long-term services, with a PACE center, for older adults who would otherwise live in a nursing facility. To be eligible you must be 55 or older, live in a PACE service area, be determined by the state to need nursing home level of care, and be able to live safely at home or in the community when you enroll. Ask the PACE organization what you would pay.

Official source: PACE (DHCS)

Free counseling

HICAP gives free, confidential one-on-one counseling about Medicare and long-term care insurance: 1-800-434-0222. The California Aging and Adult Information Line connects you with your local Area Agency on Aging: 1-800-510-2020.

Official source: HICAP

More help paying