Can I get Medi-Cal if I have no income?

Editorial team Published on

Yes, you can qualify for Medi-Cal with zero income.

Eligibility with No Income

  • Zero income qualification: Having a current income of $0 easily falls below the maximum income limits for Medi-Cal, making you eligible regardless of past or future earnings.
  • Income limits: Most adults qualify if their household income is under 138% of the federal poverty level, but having no income means you meet the financial requirement completely.
  • Asset limits: California does not count property like your home or car, and general asset limits for most programs are up to $130,000 for individuals.

How to Apply

  • Application portals: You can apply anytime during the year through the Covered California portal or directly via BenefitsCal.
  • Automatic screening: When you submit an application with zero income, the system automatically checks and routes you to Medi-Cal coverage.

What's the minimum income to qualify for Medi-Cal?

There is no minimum income requirement to qualify for Medi-Cal; instead, there is only a maximum income limit.

Income Limits

Most adults aged 19 to 64 qualify if their household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Because there is no floor or minimum, having $0 in income still makes you eligible.

The maximum annual income limits depend on your household size:

  • 1 person: $21,597 per year (approx. $1,800/month)
  • 2 people: $29,187 per year (approx. $2,433/month)
  • 3 people: $36,777 per year
  • 4 people: $44,367 per year
  • Each additional person adds $7,590

Higher Limits for Specific Groups

  • Children (under 19): Qualify with household income up to 266% of the FPL.
  • Pregnant individuals: Qualify with higher income thresholds (typically up to 213% of the FPL).
  • Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD): Different rules and asset limits apply if you qualify through disability or Medicare savings programs. If your income is slightly above the free limit, you may still qualify with a "Share of Cost" (like a deductible).

You can review official guidelines and apply through the California Department of Health Care Services.

What will disqualify you from Medi-Cal?

Exceeding income limits, having excess assets (for seniors or people with disabilities), or failing to meet residency and renewal requirements will disqualify you from Medi-Cal.

Income Limits

  • Adults (Ages 19–64): Household income above 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can disqualify you from free coverage, though higher earners may qualify for a "share of cost" or Covered California.
  • Aged, Blind, and Disabled: Strict monthly income caps apply depending on your specific category.

Asset Limits (Seniors 65+ and Disabled Individuals)

  • Excess Property/Cash: For non-MAGI programs (seniors and disabled individuals), countable assets over $130,000 for a single person or $195,000 for a couple will disqualify you.
  • Asset Transfers: Transferring assets for less than fair market value within the 30-month look-back period can trigger penalties and loss of long-term care coverage.

Residency and Documentation

  • State Residency: You must be a resident of California. Moving out of state permanently disqualifies you.
  • Failure to Renew: Not responding to annual eligibility checks or failing to report household changes within 10 days can result in termination.
  • Immigration Status Rules: New enrollment restrictions apply to certain undocumented adults under current state guidelines.

You can check your status or ask questions through the Medi-Cal Helpline.

How can I prove I have no income for Medi-Cal benefits?

You can prove you have no income for Medi-Cal by submitting a signed self-attestation or a written statement of zero income under penalty of perjury.

How to Prove Zero Income

When you have no documents like pay stubs or tax returns, Medi-Cal and Covered California accept alternative declarations:

  • Self-Attestation / Written Statement: You can write, sign, and date a statement declaring that you have zero income from any source (employment, government benefits, or investments).
  • Official Attestation Forms: Your local county Medi-Cal office or Covered California may provide a specific zero-income or attestation form for you to fill out and sign.
  • Supporting Context: If asked, you can provide a reasonable explanation for your situation, such as a recent job loss or a gap in employment.
  • Bank Statements: In some cases, the county may request recent bank statements to help verify that no deposits or income streams are active.

You can submit your signed statement or form through your online benefits portal (such as BenefitsCal or Covered California), or by mail, fax, or in person at your local county social services office.

What is the 3 month rule for Medi-Cal?

The "3-month rule" in Medi-Cal most commonly refers to the three-month grace period to re-enroll after losing coverage, or historically, the 3-month retroactive coverage period for past medical bills.

1. Three-Month Re-enrollment Grace Period

  • What it is: If your full-scope Medi-Cal coverage ends (such as missing a renewal deadline), you have a 3-month window to sign up again and restore your full benefits.
  • Who it affects: Recently, under updated enrollment guidelines for certain adult groups (such as specific adult immigrants or those undergoing eligibility transitions), missing this 3-month re-application window means you may lose full-scope coverage and be downgraded to restricted-scope Medi-Cal (which only covers emergency, pregnancy, and nursing home care).
  • Managed Care Plan Protection: If you temporarily lose Medi-Cal and re-enroll within 3-month grace parameters, you can also retain your previous health plan.

2. Retroactive Coverage (Past Medical Bills)

  • What it is: Medi-Cal previously allowed up to 3 months of retroactive coverage, meaning the program could help pay for medical services you received in the three months before the month you officially applied, provided you were eligible during those months.
  • Current Limits: Due to recent federal policy adjustments, retroactive coverage has been shortened for many groups (reduced to 1 month for ACA expansion adults and 2 months for children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities). You must request retroactive help through your local county social services office within one year of receiving the service.

Medi-Cal Eligibility Rules Are Changing (Again) in 2026 - Here’s What You Need to Know

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What is the income limit for Medi-Cal in 2026?

For most adults aged 19 to 64, the 2026 Medi-Cal income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is $1,800 per month ($21,597 per year) for a single person.

Income Limits by Household Size (138% FPL)

For standard MAGI-based Medi-Cal (adults, expansion groups):

  • 1 person: $1,800 / month ($21,597 / year)
  • 2 people: $2,432 / month ($29,187 / year)
  • 3 people: $3,065 / month ($36,777 / year)
  • 4 people: $3,697 / month ($44,367 / year)
  • 5 people: $4,330 / month ($51,957 / year)

You can check complete, official household charts directly through the Department of Health Care Services Eligibility Chart.

Limits for Other Groups

  • Children and Pregnant Individuals: Qualify at higher thresholds, up to 266% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$3,774/month for a single-person household).
  • Aged, Blind & Disabled (ABD): The basic non-MAGI limit sits around $1,801/month for a single individual (factoring in California's standard income disregard).
  • Working Disabled Program: Allows higher earnings up to 250% of the FPL (~$3,260/month for individuals).

How much money can I have in the bank and still qualify for Medi-Cal?

You can have up to $130,000 in the bank for a single person and still qualify for Medi-Cal, provided you fall into specific non-MAGI categories.

Medi-Cal Asset Limits

  • One person: $130,000 limit
  • Two people / Couple: $195,000 limit ($130,000 plus $65,000 for the extra household member)
  • Additional members: Adds $65,000 per extra household member (up to a maximum of 10 people).

Who Do Asset Limits Apply To?

Asset limits do not apply to everyone. You only face this bank account check if you:

  • Are age 65 or older
  • Have a disability (physical, mental, or developmental)
  • Live in a nursing home
  • Are in a family that makes too much money to qualify under standard federal rules (non-MAGI programs).

(Note: Standard MAGI-based Medi-Cal for most children, pregnant women, and lower-income adults under 65 does not count bank accounts or assets at all.)

What Counts and What Doesn't?

  • Counted: Cash, bank accounts (checking and savings), investments, stocks, bonds, and second homes or secondary vehicles.
  • Excluded (Not Counted): Your primary home, one primary vehicle, and household goods.
  • You can check official updates and report asset details through the California Department of Health Care Services.

Will Medi-Cal check my bank account?

Whether Medi-Cal checks your bank account depends on your age and health situation, according to the DHCS Asset Limit FAQ.

When Medi-Cal Checks Your Bank Account

Medi-Cal will check your bank account if you fall into one of these groups:

  • You are 65 years old or older.
  • You have a disability.
  • You live in a nursing home.
  • Your family makes too much money to qualify under standard rules.

For these groups, asset limits apply (for example, $130,000 for a single person), and you may need to provide bank statements.

When Medi-Cal Does Not Check Your Bank Account for Assets

Medi-Cal generally does not count your bank account or assets if you are:

  • An adult under 65 or a child qualifying under standard income-based rules (MAGI Medi-Cal).

However, Medi-Cal may still ask for a bank statement or other documents if they need to verify your income (such as checking direct deposits from a job) rather than your total savings.

What is the new law for Medi-Cal in California?

California updated Medi-Cal with new asset limits and enrollment rules that began on January 1, 2026, with stricter work requirements and renewal checks scheduled for 2027. You can review official guidance on the Medi-Cal Changes page.

New Asset Limits (Started January 2026)

  • What changed: Medi-Cal now looks at what you own, such as bank accounts and extra property.
  • Who it affects: Adults age 65 or older, people with disabilities, and individuals in nursing homes.
  • The limit: Countable assets cannot go over $130,000 for a single person through June 2027. Your primary home and one car do not count.

Enrollment Freeze for Some Immigrants (Started January 2026)

  • What changed: California paused new sign-ups for full-scope Medi-Cal for undocumented adults aged 19 and older.
  • Who it affects: Undocumented adults who are not already enrolled.
  • Current members: People already enrolled keep their coverage as long as they finish their annual renewals on time. Children and pregnant individuals remain fully eligible. More details are outlined by the Health Consumer Alliance.

Upcoming Changes for 2027

  • Work requirements: Starting January 1, 2027, adults aged 19 to 64 without young children must work or volunteer at least 80 hours a month to keep benefits.
  • More frequent checks: Starting March 1, 2027, many adults must renew their Medi-Cal every six months instead of once a year.
  • Dental cuts: Starting July 1, 2027, full dental benefits will end for certain adult immigrant groups, leaving only emergency dental care.

Read a full breakdown of the policies on CalMatters.

Why would Medi-Cal be denied?

Medi-Cal can be denied because of income limits, missing documents, or failing to meet specific state eligibility rules.

Common Reasons for Denial

  • Income Over the Limit: Your household income is higher than the rules allow for your family size.
  • Asset or Resource Limits: For certain groups like seniors or people with disabilities, assets or property exceed the allowed limits.
  • Incomplete Application: Required paperwork, proof of income, or identification documents were left out or not submitted.
  • Missed Deadlines: You did not respond to requests for more information from the county welfare or Medi-Cal office in time.
  • Residency Issues: You cannot prove you live in California.
  • Lack of Cooperation: You failed to provide necessary details or cooperate with the verification process.

What You Can Do Next

If your coverage or application is denied, you receive a Notice of Action explaining why. You have the right to request a Medi-Cal Fair Hearing through the Department of Health Care Services within 90 days to challenge the decision.