How to Apply for California Medicaid
Updated August 2026
California's primary application portal is BenefitsCal at benefitscal.com. Operated by CalSAWS (the California Statewide Automated Welfare System), BenefitsCal handles Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, and other state program applications through one form. It replaced the older BenefitsCalWIN system in 2022.
45 days
Max processing time
1st of month
Coverage start date
BenefitsCal
Primary portal
13 languages
Paper app available
Medi-Cal eligibility rules changed in 2025
H.R. 1 (signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025) changed who qualifies for Medi-Cal and what services are covered. DHCS is notifying affected members through county offices. Check DHCS's Medi-Cal changes page for the latest guidance before applying.
How to apply for Medi-Cal in California
Households where some members qualify for Medi-Cal and others don't have a separate path. Apply through Covered California — one application determines who qualifies for Medi-Cal; those who don't qualify are offered subsidized private plans through the exchange. Per DHCS, both portals route eligible applicants into the same Medi-Cal program.
Paper applications are available in 13 languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Armenian, Simplified Chinese, Farsi, Hmong, Khmer, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and English large print. Download from dhcs.ca.gov or pick one up at any county social services office.
Four ways to apply
Per DHCS, California accepts Medi-Cal applications four ways. Online through BenefitsCal is the fastest method and allows direct document uploads.
- Online — BenefitsCal: Apply at benefitscal.com 24/7. Upload supporting documents directly. Mixed-household families can apply through coveredca.com instead.
- By phone — county office: California does not have a single statewide application line. Call your county social services office. Find your county's number at dhcs.ca.gov. BenefitsCal general support: 844-859-2100.
- In person — county office: Walk into any of California's 58 county social services offices. Staff can help with complex situations. No appointment required at most locations, though wait times vary.
- By mail — paper form: Download the application PDF from DHCS in any of 13 languages, complete it, and mail to your county office. Use certified mail. Keep a copy. Slowest method — typically adds one to two weeks versus online.
How long does a Medi-Cal application take?
Under 42 CFR 435.912, California has 45 days to process most Medi-Cal applications. Applications based on disability take up to 90 days. If the county hasn't issued a decision by the deadline, it must notify you in writing with the reason for the delay.
Coverage starts on the first day of the month you applied, assuming you're approved — not the date the approval notice arrives. Pregnant women may qualify for retroactive Medi-Cal coverage going back three months, covering prenatal care received before the application date.
Keep your contact information current while the application is pending. A notice mailed to an old address counts as delivered under state rules.
The 3-month rule for lapsed Medi-Cal coverage
If your Medi-Cal coverage lapses and you do not re-enroll within a 3-month grace period, you must reapply from scratch. During the grace period, your coverage drops to "restricted scope" Medi-Cal — emergency services only. Reapply as soon as possible to restore full coverage. This rule applies to most standard Medi-Cal enrollees; different rules may apply to pregnant women and people enrolled in certain managed care plans.
What you need to apply for Medi-Cal
California verifies identity, residency, income, and in some cases immigration status. Gather these before starting your BenefitsCal application.
- Proof of California residency — utility bill, lease, or official mail with your current address
- Proof of identity — driver's license, California ID, passport, or birth certificate
- Social Security numbers for everyone applying in your household
- Income documentation for the past 30 days — pay stubs, employer letter, or recent tax return if self-employed
- Immigration documents if applicable — green card, visa, I-94, or Employment Authorization Document
- Current health insurance information if anyone in the household has other coverage
- Information about any other public benefits your household receives (CalFresh, SSI, unemployment)
Not every document is required for every applicant. BenefitsCal will specify what verification the county needs based on your household composition. In some cases, DHCS can verify income electronically through state wage records and the Social Security Administration, reducing the documents you need to submit.
Certified Application Assisters (CAAs) and county eligibility workers can help you apply for Medi-Cal at no cost. Many community health centers, legal aid offices, and social service agencies offer this assistance. Contact your county social services office or call BenefitsCal support at 844-859-2100.
The application process, step by step
-
1
Gather your documents before you start
See the documents checklist above. Having everything ready means you can complete the application in one session without stopping to search for records.
-
2
Submit the application
Go to BenefitsCal.com and complete the online form. Answer all questions completely — partial answers trigger requests for more information, which delays the decision. Upload supporting documents immediately after submitting.
-
3
Respond promptly to follow-up requests
The county may request additional documents or clarification. Respond as quickly as possible — delays in providing verification can restart the 45-day review clock. Keep your BenefitsCal account login accessible.
-
4
Receive your eligibility notice
The county will send a written notice of approval or denial. If approved, coverage starts the first day of the month you applied — not the date the notice arrives. If pregnant, you may qualify for retroactive coverage going back up to three months.
If your application is denied
A denial notice must state the specific reason and explain your right to appeal. In California, you have 90 days from the denial date to request a State Fair Hearing through the California Department of Social Services. File the appeal quickly — if you appeal before your potential coverage end date, you may be able to continue benefits during the hearing process.
Common denial reasons that can be fixed without a hearing: missing documents, income verification not received, or an address that couldn't be confirmed. In those cases, reapplying with the correct documentation is often faster than appealing.
Certified Application Assisters (CAAs) at community health centers and legal aid offices can help you apply or appeal at no cost. Call BenefitsCal support at (844) 859-2100 or visit your county social services office.
Related guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →