Financial Resources

Rising costs for basic necessities continue to place a financial strain on families. There are many programs at the city, county, and state levels to help residents lower their monthly bills, access tax credits and secure essential services.

Taxes

File your Taxes with the Franchise Tax Board

• CalFile: Get the fastest refund possible. File directly with us for free.
• CalEITC: The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) offers support for low-income, working Californians. You may qualify for up to $3,756 cash back or a reduction of the tax you owe.
• VITA: If you live in California, you can get free tax help from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). You must:
  • Make $67,000 or less, generally
  • Have disabilities, or
  • Speak limited English
  • Are active duty or retired military personnel, or a dependent
• Renter’s Credit: Eligible renters a nonrefundable renter’s credit if you paid rent for at least ½ the year.

Check your refund status: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/refund/index.asp

Get Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Support

• The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) administers the federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs. Both programs were created to promote private investment in affordable rental housing for low-income Californians.

Utilities

Save on your Utility Bill

• California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program: The California Alternate Rates for Energy program offers a 30-35% discount on your electric bill and a 20% discount on your natural gas bill.
  • Electrical companies with 100,000 or more customer accounts in California offer a 30% to 35% discount as required by Public Utilities Code Section 739.1.
  • Electrical companies with fewer than 100,000 customer accounts in California offer a 20% discount.
• Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA): The Family Electric Rate Assistance Program offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill if your household income slightly exceeds the CARE allowances.
• California Climate Credit: The climate credit provides ratepayers with their share of the benefits of California’s Cap-and-Trade Program. These credits are typically distributed twice a year: a natural gas credit in April and electric credits in April and October.

Save on your Phone Bill and Internet Service

• California LifeLine Program: The California LifeLine Program (California LifeLine) is a state program that provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to eligible households.
• Broadband For All: The Broadband For All Program is a state program that provides low-cost home internet services and device offers to eligible households.

Utilities

Save on your Utility Bill

• EZ-Save Program - LADWP: Save on your utility bill and find out what other savings may be in store for you with the EZ-Save Program! Proof of income is not required.
• Lifeline Rate Program - LADWP: The Lifeline Rate Program is a City of LA Office of Finance program that offers senior and disabled citizens an exemption on their electric and other utility bills.
• Physician Certified Allowance Discount - LADWP:
  • Discounts on electric bills are available to customers who provide verification by a state-licensed physician that a full-time member of the household is a paraplegic, hemiplegic, quadriplegic, multiple sclerosis patient, neuromuscular patient, or scleroderma patient being treated for a life-threatening illness.
  • An allowance is also available if a member of the household has a compromised immune system and has a state-licensed physician’s certification that an additional heating and/or cooling allowance is medically necessary.
• City of LA & East LA - SoCal Assistance Programs: SoCalGas assistance programs offer discounts on your monthly gas bill, one-time grants to help with natural gas bills, bill forgiveness opportunities, payment extensions, pay plans, and more.
• Glendale Care Program: The Glendale Care program offers a $35 monthly discount to GWP electric customers who meet low-income guidelines. Proof of income will need to be submitted for the discount to be approved.
• Glendale Utility Users Tax Exemption: The Utility Users Tax Exemption program exempts taxes for Glendale households with at least one member that is 62 years or older and income below $13,950, or low-income households with a disabled person age 55 or older may be eligible for this exemption.
• Glendale Helping Hand Program: The Helping Hand Program offers emergency assistance to Glendale residents of up to $150.00 per account. To qualify, customers must meet certain qualifications including loss of job or reduction in work hours, unexpected medical expenses, or loss of a family member.
• Glendale Guardian Program: The Guardian Program provides customers monthly electric bill discounts using prescribed medical equipment or space conditioning.

Transportation

Ride the Metro for Free in LA

• Low Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) Program: The Low Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program offers free or discounted rides on Metro and other participating transit operators. Applicants who receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI and other eligible public benefits may already qualify.
• GoPass Program for Students: Students at participating K-12, Adult Schools and Community Colleges may be eligible for free rides on Metro buses and trains.

Ride on a Reduced Fare in LA

• EZ Transit Pass Program: EZ Transit Passes are available for qualifying riders, including Seniors over 62, people with disabilities and Medicare recipients. These EZ Transit Passes ensure you never pay more than $2.50 in a single day or $5 in a 7-day period. Once you reach the cap, the rest of your rides are free.
• Mobility-4-All Program: The Mobility-4-All program offers eligible customers a 50% discount on any Metrolink ticket or pass with a valid California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

Financial Education

Financial Services - the East LA Community Corporation (ELACC)

ELACC’s financial products and services are wealth-building measures that seek to directly increase the community’s assets and savings in a way that complement one’s financial education. Services provided:

• Financial Education Workshops: Educates families and individuals on mainstream financial tools, their rights as consumers, and resources that help them build and sustain their assets and wealth.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program: Provides free tax preparation for low to moderate-income members of the community.

Financial Literacy Resources - the City of LA Youth Development Department

The Youth Development Department (YDD) is committed to helping young Angelenos and their families build strong financial futures. In partnership with trusted community organizations, they offer free, accessible, and culturally relevant financial literacy resources, from mobile learning tools to guides for immigrant families. Whether you're budgeting for the first time, planning for college, or managing a crisis, these tools are here to support informed, confident money decisions.

Utilities

Save on your Utility Bill

• Clean Power Alliance (CPA): CPA customers can save money and be rewarded for sustainable choices through local programs.