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Legal Help for Single Mothers in California

Legal Help for Single Mothers in California

Last updated: September 2025

This page is built to get you real, usable legal help—fast. Every section starts with the most urgent action, shows you how to apply or defend your rights, and ends with a Plan B if that path doesn’t work. Links are built-in so you can tap straight to the right agency, court tool, or legal aid.


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

Where to Start: Fast Legal Help by Topic

Use the table to jump straight to the best first call or click into the court’s how‑to guides.

Topic First Action Where to Call / Click
Eviction defense File an Answer within 10 days and ask for fee waiver Eviction Answer steps and Filing & fees; SF tenants can contact Eviction Defense Collaborative. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Domestic violence File DV-100 today; ask clerk for same-day review DV-100 form and Domestic Violence how‑to; consider Safe at Home address confidentiality. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Child support Open/modify through DCSS; use guideline calculator Enroll in services and Guideline calculator info; call 1‑866‑901‑3212. (childsupport.ca.gov)
Health coverage Apply for Medi‑Cal if income‑eligible; immigration status does not bar eligibility Medi‑Cal Adult Expansion and Immigrant Eligibility FAQs; or shop plans at Covered California. (dhcs.ca.gov)
Energy & water Request AMP and Medical Baseline; apply for LIHEAP; use SB 998 protections PG&E AMP and SCE AMP; LIHEAP; water shutoff rules via State Water Board. (pge.com)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in California Today

Start with the fastest relief, then layer longer‑term help.

  • Call your utility and request a payment plan + AMP enrollment: Ask for the Arrearage Management Plan (AMP) to forgive up to $8,000 of past‑due energy charges after 12 on‑time payments and request Medical Baseline if you or your child uses qualifying medical equipment. Use PG&E AMP or SCE AMP; read SDG&E AMP terms and ask about CARE/FERA discounts. (pge.com)
  • Apply for LIHEAP (energy bill help): Find your local agency and ask about crisis appointments if you have a 24–48 hour shutoff notice; keep proof of notice ready when you call. Start at LIHEAP California and confirm eligibility with ACF LIHEAP info and the CPUC’s LIHEAP overview. (csd.ca.gov)
  • Use SB 998 (Water Shutoff Protection Act) rights: Water providers must wait 60 days before disconnection, offer payment plans, and provide notices in key languages; ask for the written shutoff policy. See local examples and guidance via CPUC Water Assistance and SB 998 policy pages from water systems like Thermalito Water. (cpuc.ca.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 for emergency referrals and ask a legal aid to push for utility protections based on medical need or domestic violence safety concerns; use 211 California and LawHelpCA to find free advocates. (211ca.org)

Evictions: The Fastest Way to Protect Your Home

What to do if this doesn’t work: Visit a walk‑in clinic. San Francisco tenants can go to Eviction Defense Collaborative for same‑day help, and statewide renters can call Tenants Together hotline for callbacks. (evictiondefense.org)

Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Safety Planning

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask a legal aid to review your filings and request a continuance to fix errors; the court’s Self‑Help Center can review forms, and LawHelpCA can refer you to a DV clinic. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)

Child Support, Custody, and Parenting Time

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for a court hearing to modify support or custody based on new income, childcare costs, or safety concerns; your family law facilitator can help with forms and filings. (courts.ca.gov)

Income, Work, and Leave While You Stabilize

  • Paid Family Leave (PFL) and State Disability Insurance (SDI): As of January 1, 2025, low‑wage workers may receive up to 90% wage replacement for PFL/SDI. Call EDD PFL at 1‑877‑238‑4373 and SDI at 1‑800‑480‑3287 or apply via myEDD. Read the 2025 update at EDD Newsroom. (edd.ca.gov)
  • Paid Sick Leave (5 days statewide): California requires at least five paid sick days per year; if denied, contact the Labor Commissioner. Review Paid Sick Leave FAQ and news release; get worker‑side help at Legal Aid at Work. (dir.ca.gov)
  • Food and cash support: Check CalFresh amounts (e.g., $975/mo max for a family of four in FY 2025) and income standards; apply at your county through BenefitsCal. See USDA FY 2025 SNAP COLA, county income charts like San Diego HHSA, and apply via BenefitsCal or your county portal. (fns.usda.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Appeal a denied or reduced benefit within the deadline using the CDSS State Hearings Division and ask a legal aid to help with the hearing packet; many courts’ Self‑Help Centers can also guide fee waiver forms. (cdss.ca.gov)

Health Coverage and Medical Bills

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call a health consumer center at legal aid (Bay Area: BayLegal Health Consumer Center at 1‑855‑693‑7285) and ask for help with plan appeals or hospital charity care applications; confirm county‑specific patient rights. (baylegal.org)

Tables You Can Use Right Now

Key Crisis Deadlines and Who to Call

Situation Deadline Where to act
Eviction — file Answer 10 days after service Court steps; Self‑Help Center directory at Find Self‑Help. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Domestic violence order Same day filing DV‑100; Find forms by category. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
Utility shutoff Before cutoff date AMP enrollment (PG&E); LIHEAP. (pge.com)

CalFresh FY 2025 Maximum Allotments (selected sizes)

Household Max benefit
1 $292
2 $536
3 $768
4 $975
5 $1,158

Source: USDA FY 2025 SNAP COLA and county charts like Santa Clara/SCC chart. Amounts can vary by deductions and household facts—confirm with your county before budgeting. (fns.usda.gov)

Energy and Water Help — What Each Program Does

Program What it does Where to apply
AMP (IOUs) Forgives up to $8,000 in arrears after 12 on‑time payments PG&E AMP; SCE AMP; SDG&E AMP. (pge.com)
Medical Baseline Extra low‑rate energy allowance for medical need CPUC Medical Baseline; ask your utility enrollment team. (webproda.cpuc.ca.gov)
LIHEAP One‑time payment help; weatherization CSD LIHEAP portal and hotline 1‑866‑675‑6623. (csd.ca.gov)
SB 998 Water shutoff protections; payment plans Local water policy page; overview at CPUC Water Assistance. (cpuc.ca.gov)

Justice System Access — Language and Disability

Need What to request How
Interpreter Court‑provided interpreter for hearings Request via Request an Interpreter or your court’s interpreter office. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
ADA accommodations Large print, assistive devices, or other aids File MC‑410 ADA request with your court’s ADA coordinator. (courts.ca.gov)

Child Support — Quick Tools

Task Tool
Open a case Enroll with DCSS or call 1‑866‑901‑3212. (childsupport.ca.gov)
Check case info Customer Connect self‑service, 24/7. (childsupport.ca.gov)
Estimate support See certified calculators and updates

County and City Examples You Can Use

Appeals and “Plan B” When Benefits or Services Are Denied

  • Request a State Hearing right away: If CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi‑Cal is denied or cut, you have strict deadlines to appeal. File online or by phone using CDSS State Hearings, and keep a copy of your Notice of Action for your packet; legal aid can help prep evidence and witnesses. (cdss.ca.gov)
  • Ask for “aid paid pending” if eligible: In some programs, you can request benefits continue during appeal; confirm with your county or the State Hearings Division and get help from your court’s Self‑Help Center. (cdss.ca.gov)
  • Escalate utility disputes: If your utility won’t offer a plan or AMP, file a complaint with the CPUC and ask a community‑based organization for case management through pilots listed on CPUC arrears initiatives; continue LIHEAP follow‑ups weekly. (cpuc.ca.gov)

Diverse Communities: Specific Doors to Knock On

Resources by Region (examples you can call today)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing ultra‑short deadlines: Eviction Answers are due in 10 days—waiting for a legal aid callback can cost your defense. Use court steps and add details later with MC‑025. See defenses at Courts Self‑Help. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
  • Not requesting an interpreter/ADA early: Without a request, your hearing may go forward without language or accessibility help. File interpreter request and MC‑410 at least five court days ahead. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
  • Skipping utility programs: Many families qualify for AMP but never ask. Start with AMP and LIHEAP in the same week to stack relief. (pge.com)

Reality Check

Funding shifts and waitlists are real. LIHEAP has finite funds and agencies triage crisis cases; CalFresh amounts change each October with federal updates; right‑to‑counsel programs phase in by ZIP code. Always call to confirm current availability and ask when to call back if the line is full. Use CSD LIHEAP updates and USDA SNAP COLA for current figures; check LA RTC for program rollout. (csd.ca.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Application Checklist (screenshot‑friendly)

If Your Application Gets Denied

  • Step 1 — Read the Notice: Check the reason and the appeal deadline; save the envelope. Use State Hearings to appeal within 90 days for most CDSS programs; Medi‑Cal managed care requires a plan appeal first. (cdss.ca.gov)
  • Step 2 — Gather Proof: Upload missing pay stubs, rent receipts, medical letters; ask your Self‑Help Center to review your packet and fee waivers. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
  • Step 3 — Ask for Aid Paid Pending (if eligible): Request benefits continue while your appeal is pending through State Hearings; get legal aid help via LawHelpCA. (cdss.ca.gov)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

County‑Specific Variations That Matter

  • Los Angeles (RTC): City and unincorporated County RTC ordinances require Right‑to‑Counsel notices on eviction paperwork; failure can be a defense. See LA City RTC and LA County TRTC; program rollout continues in 2025. (housing.lacity.gov)
  • HCD Income Limits: Affordable housing programs use HCD’s April 2025 limits—check your area’s AMI for local rent caps or rehousing programs via HCD income limits. (hcd.ca.gov)
  • Court forms and fees: Some counties have slightly higher filing fees for eviction Answers; confirm on Courts Self‑Help and call your court clerk before filing. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)

FAQs (California‑specific)

  1. How fast can I get a domestic violence restraining order: Same day in many courts; file DV‑100 and ask the clerk for a same‑day hearing if you’re in immediate danger; consider Safe at Home to protect your address. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
  2. Do I really get 10 days to answer an eviction: Yes, most tenants now have 10 days after service to file an Answer; follow the court’s guide and ask your Self‑Help Center for a quick review. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
  3. Can I get a free lawyer for eviction in LA: If you live in the City or unincorporated County and meet income rules, yes—check LA City RTC and LA County TRTC to confirm coverage and contact points. (housing.lacity.gov)
  4. How much are CalFresh benefits right now: For FY 2025, a family of four can get up to $975 monthly (before deductions/offsets). See USDA FY 2025 SNAP COLA and confirm with your county chart like San Diego HHSA. (fns.usda.gov)
  5. Do immigration status limits block Medi‑Cal: No. As of Jan 1, 2024, full‑scope Medi‑Cal covers all income‑eligible adults regardless of immigration status. See DHCS Adult Expansion and Immigrant Eligibility FAQs. (dhcs.ca.gov)
  6. Can CalVCB help me relocate after abuse: Yes, within limits; they also cover counseling and home security. Read CalVCB benefits and ask a local Trauma Recovery Center for help completing claims. (victims.ca.gov)
  7. Where do I calculate child support: Use certified tools listed by the Judicial Council; the DCSS calculator is approved and current through 2026. See Guideline calculator list. (courts.ca.gov)
  8. What if my utility still plans to shut off power: Ask for AMP enrollment and Medical Baseline, then apply for LIHEAP immediately; escalate to the CPUC complaint process if needed. Use PG&E AMP and CPUC LIHEAP page. (pge.com)
  9. How do I request an interpreter or ADA help: File INT‑300 and MC‑410 at least five court days before your hearing and keep copies. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
  10. Who do I call if I’m totally lost: Dial 211 for live referrals 24/7 and then use LawHelpCA to pick a legal aid to call; keep Courts Self‑Help open for forms and deadlines. (211ca.org)

Spanish Summary (Resumen en Español)

Este resumen fue producido con herramientas de traducción de IA. Para ayuda legal gratuita, empiece con LawHelpCA y la Guía de Autoayuda de las Cortes de California. Si enfrenta desalojo, presente su Respuesta en 10 días usando instrucciones para desalojos; en Los Ángeles, verifique Derecho a Abogado. Para facturas de luz/gas, pida AMP y aplique a LIHEAP; para el agua, use las protecciones de SB 998. Para Medi‑Cal, todos los adultos elegibles califican sin importar estatus migratorio; vea DHCS. Para intérpretes o accesibilidad ADA, solicite INT‑300 y MC‑410 antes de su audiencia.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information and is not legal advice. Program rules change and local policies vary by county and city. Always confirm deadlines, eligibility, and benefit amounts with the official agency or court. Where money or housing is at stake, consider getting legal advice from a licensed attorney through a State Bar‑certified referral service and use your court’s Self‑Help Center for free procedural assistance. (calbar.ca.gov)

What to do if this entire page still feels overwhelming

  • Call 211 and ask the specialist to stay on the line while you connect to legal aid—ask for warm handoffs. Use 211 California and then LawHelpCA for the right intake number. (211ca.org)
  • Ask the court’s Self‑Help Center to review your forms before filing; many centers allow phone or remote reviews. Use Self‑Help directory and interpreter requests if English isn’t your primary language. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
  • Set a timeline: file the urgent thing (eviction Answer or DV order) first, then benefits, then bills. Keep this page open and work section by section.

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