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California · How-To Guide

How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - county/regional level / California Department of Aging (state level)
Details

What you need to know

Fee
Most services free or on sliding scale based on income ONLINE OPTION: Yes - aging.ca.gov; findhelp.org; county social services websites WHERE TO GO: Your local Area Agency on Aging (33 AAAs statewide); 2-1-1 California; county Department of Social Services
Online Option
Yes - aging.ca.gov; findhelp.org; county social services websites
Where to Go
Your local Area Agency on Aging (33 AAAs statewide); 2-1-1 California; county Department of Social Services
County-specific variations apply

California's 33 AAAs serve different geographic regions - some cover multiple counties (rural areas); others serve a single large county (LA, San Diego, Santa Clara). Services and local program availability vary significantly. Urban counties (LA, Bay Area, San Diego) have comprehensive service networks; rural counties may have more limited options. Contact your specific AAA for local program enrollment.

California Notes

Important state-specific details

  • In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): California's largest senior home care program - provides paid in-home care (housekeeping, meal prep, personal care) for qualifying Medi-Cal recipients; apply at your county IHSS office or DHSS; significant waitlists in some counties.
  • HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program): free, unbiased Medicare counseling through AAAs statewide - helps with Medicare plan selection, billing disputes, and appeals; contact your AAA or call (800) 434-0222.
  • Property Tax Postponement Program for seniors 62+, blind, or disabled: defer property taxes if income under $53,574; apply at State Controller's Office at sco.ca.gov/ardtax_prop_tax_postponement.html.
  • Senior exemption for homeowners: Homeowners' Exemption ($7,000 from assessed value) - apply at County Assessor; not income-restricted.
  • Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse at 1-833-401-0832 (statewide) or your county APS office.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
California Department of Aging - aging.ca.gov | (916) 419-7500; HICAP Medicare Counseling: (800) 434-0222; APS: (833) 401-0832