Berkeley
Ask about Berkeley
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Berkeley and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Berkeley
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Local office · City office
Berkeley City Hall and 311 Customer Service
2180 Milvia St, Berkeley, CA 94704
Help here
- City information and service requestsCall or visit to ask about city services or report a problem.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on berkeleyca.gov
Human services · City office
Health, Housing, and Community Services Department
2180 Milvia St, Berkeley, CA 94704
Help here
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on berkeleyca.gov
Older adults · City office
Aging Services
1901 Hearst Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
Help here
- Senior information and assistanceOlder adults and caregivers can get help finding local services and benefits.
- Senior case managementOlder adults can ask for time-limited help with needs such as food, transportation, and health care referrals.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on berkeleyca.gov
Housing authority · City office
Berkeley Housing Authority
1947 Center St, 5th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704
Help here
- Housing Choice Voucher assistanceLearn about housing vouchers and other rental assistance programs for eligible households.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on bha.berkeleyca.gov
Housing authority · Regional office
North County Housing Resource Center
2809 Telegraph Ave, Suite 202, Berkeley, CA 94705
Help here
- Housing intake and referralsPeople experiencing homelessness can get screened for housing help and referrals to services.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on berkeleyca.gov
Library · City office
Berkeley Public Library
2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley, CA 94704
Help here
- Library servicesGet a library card, borrow books and media, use computers, or ask for reading help.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on berkeleypubliclibrary.org
Parks and recreation · City office
Recreation Customer Service Hub
1720 Eighth St, Berkeley, CA 94710
Help here
- Recreation programs and campsRegister for city recreation classes, camps, and activities for people of all ages.Apply onlineRead more
- Recreation scholarshipsLow-income Berkeley residents can apply for help paying fees for many recreation programs.Apply onlineRead more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on berkeleyca.gov
Utilities · City office
Very Low Income Refunds
Help here
- Utility bill refundEligible very low-income residents may apply for a refund of certain utility charges they have paid.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on berkeleyca.gov
Checked on October 8, 2026
Offices for all of Alameda County
Berkeley is in Alameda County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Alameda County Social Services Agency
2000 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612
Help here
- Public benefitsApply for CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and other county benefits.Apply online
- Immigrant and refugee servicesGet help finding financial assistance, health care, employment support, and other services.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on socialservices.alamedacountyca.gov
Public health · County office
Alameda County Public Health Department
1100 San Leandro Boulevard, San Leandro, CA 94577
Help here
- Public health servicesGet information and referrals for county public health services.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on health.alamedacountyca.gov
Public health · County office
Alameda County WIC
39155 Liberty Street, Suite D-470, Fremont, CA 94538
Help here
- WIC nutrition supportGet nutrition support and food benefits if you are pregnant, recently gave birth, or caring for a young child.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on health.alamedacountyca.gov
Mental health and recovery · County office
Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services
2000 Embarcadero Cove, Suite 400, Oakland, CA 94606
Help here
- Mental health and substance use referralsCall for help finding mental health care or substance use treatment.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on health.alamedacountyca.gov
Housing authority · County office
Housing Authority of the County of Alameda
22941 Atherton Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Help here
- Housing assistanceGet information about housing assistance programs and applications.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on haca.net
Veterans · County office
Alameda County Veterans Service Office
Help here
- Veterans benefits assistanceGet help finding and applying for veterans benefits.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on socialservices.alamedacountyca.gov
California programs by kind of help
These are run by California and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- GoodsClothing, diapers, furniture, a phone and other things for home.
- TransitBus fares, rides and getting to appointments.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- LegalFree legal help, and help staying safe.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- 211 Alameda County
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988