San Mateo
Ask about San Mateo
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for San Mateo and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in San Mateo
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Local office · City office
San Mateo City Hall
330 W 20th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403
Help here
- City information and service requestsCall the city with general questions or use its online portal to report a local issue.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofsanmateo.org
Housing authority · City office
Housing Division
Help here
- Affordable housing and home repair programsAsk about affordable housing, minor home repairs, and home ownership programs.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofsanmateo.org
Library · City office
San Mateo Public Library
55 W 3rd Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402
Help here
- Library servicesVisit the city library for books, reference help, and library programs.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofsanmateo.org
Parks and recreation · City office
Parks and Recreation Department
Help here
- Recreation programs and facilitiesFind city recreation classes, activities, and facility information.Apply onlineRead more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofsanmateo.org
Older adults · City office
San Mateo Senior Center
2645 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94403
Help here
- Senior programs and classesAdults age 50 and older can visit for activities, classes, and social programs.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofsanmateo.org
State office · State office
California DMV San Mateo Field Office
425 N Amphlett Boulevard, San Mateo, CA 94401
Help here
- Driver and vehicle servicesVisit for driver licensing, testing, vehicle registration, and title services.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on dmv.ca.gov
Jobs and training · Regional office
NOVAworks San Mateo
1777 Borel Place, Suite 500, San Mateo, CA 94402
Help here
- Career and job seeker servicesJob seekers can get career advising, job search workshops, and training referrals.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on novaworks.org
Checked on October 8, 2026
Offices for all of San Mateo County
San Mateo is in San Mateo County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Human Services Agency
1500 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404
Help here
- Public assistanceApply for CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and General Assistance.Apply onlineRead more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on smcgov.org
Public health · County office
San Mateo County Health
2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94403
Help here
- Health services and public health programsFind county health programs, medical services, and public health information.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on smchealth.org
Public health · County office
San Mateo County WIC Program
306 Spruce Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Help here
- Women, Infants, and Children nutrition supportEligible families with young children can get healthy food, nutrition information, and breastfeeding support.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on smchealth.org
Housing authority · County office
Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo
264 Harbor Boulevard, Belmont, CA 94002
Help here
- Rental assistanceApply for open housing voucher waitlists and get help with rental assistance applications.Apply onlineRead more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on smcgov.org
Mental health and recovery · County office
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Suite 235, San Mateo, CA 94403
Help here
- Mental health and substance use supportCall for an assessment and referral to mental health or substance use care.
- 24-hour crisis supportCall the county crisis line any time for help with a mental health or substance use crisis.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on smchealth.org
Veterans · County office
San Mateo County Veterans Services Office
550 Quarry Road, San Carlos, CA 94002
Help here
- Veterans benefits assistanceGet help applying for veterans benefits and referrals to related services.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on smcgov.org
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 Bay Area
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