Month: January 2025

Free Tax Resources to File Securely

Posted on | by Michelle | Leave a Comment on Free Tax Resources to File Securely

Tax season is here, and there are several resources to help families file their taxes for free. Taxpayers can use one of the programs listed below to file their taxes this year at no cost.

File your taxes securely using one of these free resources:

Avoid tax scams by using secure, trusted resources

When filing your taxes, use trusted and secure resources like the links above to avoid tax fraud and scams. Never share your personal information with anyone who calls you unexpectedly. Scammers might pretend to be from the IRS, but they will never call asking for your personal information.

Claim your cash-back tax credits

Families may qualify for cash-back tax credits worth hundreds or thousands of dollars from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), and Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) when they file their taxes. Even if you don’t normally file taxes or have low to no income, you may still qualify. Tax credits do not affect your WIC benefits.

See the basic eligibility requirements for each tax credit below. For federal taxes, no additional form is needed to claim these credits. When filing for state taxes, families will need to fill out the California Earned Income Tax Credit Form 3514.

2024 Tax Credits

  • You’re between the ages of 25 and 65, or 18+ with children
  • You have worked and earned income within limits
  • You must have a valid Social Security Number
  • You’re a U.S. citizen or resident all year
  • Child must be under the age of 17 and have a Social Security Number
  • Qualifying child can be a son, daughter, foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or their descendent
  • You must claim the child as a dependent when filing taxes
  • You can claim this tax credit even if you earned zero income or don't owe any income taxes
  • You must file your taxes to claim the Child Tax Credit, a tax professional can help
  • You’re at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child
  • You make $31,950 or less
  • You have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number
  • You live in California for more than half the year
  • You’re at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child under the age of six
  • You make $31,950 or less
  • You have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number

    • LA Fires – WIC Update

    Posted on | by Geneva | Leave a Comment on LA Fires – WIC Update

    WIC is here to support families affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires. PHFE WIC offices are open, and WIC services continue to be available by phone and in-person during our business hours.

    Monday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    To speak to a WIC representative, please call (888) 942-2229 or text 91997.

    Local Resources to Stay Safe and Informed:

    Los Angeles Fire Updates and Alerts
    Disaster Assistance
    Emergency Housing and Shelters
    Food Resources and Safety

    Diaper Resource in LA and Orange County

    Posted on | by Norma | Leave a Comment on Diaper Resource in LA and Orange County

    Free diapers are provided to families across Los Angeles and Orange County while supplies last. Brands and sizes available vary by location. Due to the recent wildfires, hours and availability may change. Call the agency before picking up diapers to confirm availability.

    Los Angeles County

    Agency Name
    Address
    Phone Number
    Pick Up Day & Time
    Details & Requirements
    All Peoples Christian Center822 E 20th St, Los Angeles, CA 90058(213) 747-6357Fri,
    9:30AM - 1:00PM


    • While supplies last
    Foothill Unity Center790 W Chestnut Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016
    		(626) 358-3486Mon, Wed, Fri,
    9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

    • Diapers offered once a month
    • Must live in service area
    • Bring photo ID, Medi-Cal card or birth certificate for infant/child, 3 pay stubs, 2 rent receipts, 2 proofs of address
    Foothill Unity Center191 N Oak Ave, Pasadena, CA 91107(626) 584-7420Tues, Wed, Fri,
    9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

    • Diapers offered once a month
    • Must live in service area
    • Bring photo ID, Medi-Cal card or birth certificate for infant/child, 3 pay stubs, 2 rent receipts, 2 proofs of address
    Inland Valley Hope Partners209 W Pearl St, Pomona, CA 91768(909) 622-3806Mon - Thurs,
    9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    • Bring birth certificate for infant/child
    Inland Valley Hope Partners660 N Mountain Ave, Claremont, CA 91711(909) 622-3806Tues & Thurs,
    12:30 PM - 4:30 PM

    • Bring birth certificate for infant/child
    Inland Valley Hope Partners110 E 3rd St, San Dimas, CA 91773(909) 622-3806Mon & Wed,
    2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

    • Bring birth certificate for infant/child
    Inland Valley Hope Partners904 E California St, Ontario, CA 91761(909) 622-3806Mon - Tues,
    9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    • Bring birth certificate for infant/child
    Meet Each Need with Dignity10641 San Fernando Rd, Pacoima, CA 91331(818) 897-2443First Sat of the month
    9:00 AM - 12: 00 PM

    • Must be: pregnant in 3rd trimester or child from birth to age 5
    • Documents Needed: Doctor's note for pregnancy stating how many weeks or birth certificate for child
    • 2nd distribution available by appointment only, must call to schedule
    Salvation Army - Bellflower Temple Corps9644 Cedar St, Bellflower, CA 90706(562) 804-0808Mon - Thurs,
    2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

    • Appointment only
    • Must call prior to distribution
    Salvation Army - Stillman Sawyer Family Services820 Lomita Blvd, Harbor City, CA 90710(310) 835-1986Mon, Wed, Fri,
    9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    • Bring birth certificate for infant/child, photo ID
    St. Francis Center1835 S.Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90015(213) 747-5347Tues,
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    • Pre-registration needed
    St. Margaret's Center10217 S Inglewood Ave, Inglewood, CA 90304(310) 672-2208Wed,
    9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    • Appointment only, call to register
    • Offered once a month
    • Bring photo ID and birth certificate for infant/child
    Silver Lake Community Church2930 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027(323) 663-3151Wed,
    5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

    • Bring birth certificate for infant/child, proof of address
    My Friends House3533 W 58th P, Los Angeles, CA 90053(323) 292-4939Wed,
    9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    • Will serve first 100 persons each Wednesday
    Bread of Life5175 1/2 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016(323) 939-4716Wed,
    11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

    • Drive thru
    Houses of Light19359 Londelius St, Northridge, CA 91324(818) 998-2931Sat,
    6:00 AM - 7:30 AM

    • While supplies last

    JFS/SOVA16439 Vanowen St, Van Nuys, CA 91406(818) 988-7682Tues, Wed,
    10:00 AM - 2:30 PM

    • Pre-registration needed
    • Visit jfsla.org/food for schedule changes
    Immanuel Presbyterian3300 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010(213) 389-3191Tues,
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    • First time participants must bring child to sign up
    • Bring birth certificate for infant/child, photo ID
    Sowing Seeds for Life305 E Arrow Hwy, Pomona, CA 91767(909) 293-77351st & 3rd Wed, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    • Drive thru location, all clients must stay in car
    • While supplies last
    Hope Chapel Foursquare2420 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254(310) 374-4673Wed, Friday,
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

    • Must call prior to distribution
    • Diapers need to be requested

    Orange County

    Agency Name
    Address
    Phone Number
    Pick Up Day & Time
    Details & Requirements
    Foster Love560 W Lambert Rd, Brea, CA 92821(714) 784-6760By appointment only

    • Foster Families
    • Call to schedule pick-up
    Helping Others Prepare for Eternity H.O.P.E.11022 Acacia Pkwy # C, Garden Grove, CA 92840(714) 539-4357By appointment only

    • Must call prior to distribution
    Families Forward8 Thomas Irvine, CA 92618(949) 552-2727Mon - Thurs,
    10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    • Only Orange County residents
    • Pre-registration needed
    • Offered once a month
    • Photo ID required
    El Modena Family Resource Center18672 E Center Ave, Orange, CA 92869(714) 532-3595By appointment only

    • Currently a 2 month wait list
    • Photo ID and health insurance needed to be added to waitlist
    •If it is only a one time need, help will be immediately provided
    Friendly Center147 W Rose Ave, Orange, CA 92867(714) 771-5300By appointment only

    • Must call prior to distribution
    Family Assistance Ministries1000 Calle Cordillera, San Clemente, CA 92673(949) 492-8477Mon - Fri,
    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    • Must call prior to distribution. Serving select areas
    Whitten Community Center900 S Melrose St, Placentia, CA 92870(714) 399-4571 ext. 24th Thursday of each month,
    11: 00 AM

    • Pre-registration needed
    • Click here to sign up

    WIC is More Convenient Than Ever

    Posted on | by Michelle | 1 Comment on WIC is More Convenient Than Ever

    WIC offers appointments by phone, video, in-person, and online. Choose the appointment method that works best for you to connect with your WIC counselor.

    Sign up for WIC today

    If you are pregnant or have a child under age 5, please apply for WIC online. We will contact you to confirm your eligibility and complete your enrollment. In-person enrollments can be scheduled at a WIC office near you, and you will receive your food benefits the same day if you qualify. Enrollments can also be completed entirely by phone or video. You will receive your WIC benefits by mail within a few days if you qualify.

    Connect with other parents through our group classes on Zoom

    Two 30-minute group classes are available each weekday. Check out the group class schedule to find the class time that works best for you and join from home or on the go. Whether you have a class appointment or not, we would love to see you in class!

    Attend appointments at home or at a WIC office near you

    Many WIC appointments can be completed by phone, in-person, or online. Throughout your pregnancy and your baby’s first year, you will have appointments with a WIC counselor every 1-3 months. After your baby turns 1, we will reassess their eligibility every year. If your family continues to qualify for WIC, you will have a minimum of four WIC appointments per year. Some appointments will be with a WIC counselor, and some will be classes.

    A WIC counselor is reviewing the infant formula preparation instructions on the back of the can with a mom holding her baby.

    Appointments with WIC counselors are by video, phone, or in-person. Class appointments are online or on Zoom. Let your WIC counselor know at your next contact if you have a preferred appointment method!

    If you missed your appointment or need to reschedule, text 91997.

    Read more about WIC appointment types

    If you have a phone appointment, you will receive a text or call the day before your appointment with the information you will need. Please expect a call in the morning before 12 PM or afternoon before 5 PM on your appointment day.

    In-person services are by appointment time only. Please arrive a few minutes before your appointment. If the door is locked, call the phone number on the door to let your WIC counselor know that you have arrived.

    We will text you the link to join the video call on the day of your appointment. Simply click the link at the time of your appointment.

    For online class appointments, go to wichealth.org on or near your appointment date to take one or more lessons. If it is your first time visiting wichealth.org, please sign up. If you are a returning user, log in to complete a lesson. We will text you when your benefits have been added to your card and your next appointment is scheduled.

    Two group classes are available each weekday. Check out the group class schedule to find the class time that works best for you and join from home or on the go. Whether you have a class appointment or not, we would love to see you in class!

    Check your WIC Benefits on the WIC App

    A WIC participant is viewing the California WIC App on their phone.

    Your WIC benefits may have already been added to your card this month. Check your WIC food balance on the WIC app. Remember to shop for ALL of your foods before your benefit end date!

    If you do not see benefits on your WIC food balance, or if you need to make a change, text 91997.

    Other Resources

    Renewing Your WIC Account

    Posted on | by Michelle | Leave a Comment on Renewing Your WIC Account

    Once per year, you will have a recertification appointment to renew your child’s WIC eligibility. If your appointment is in person at a WIC office, please bring your child(ren) with you and their most recent vaccination history. If you cannot bring your child, please bring their recent medical records with height, weight, and anemia test results.

    During your appointment, we will:

    • Confirm your family income or child’s Medi-Cal status
    • Talk about your child’s growth and nutrition
    • Connect you with other community resources
    • Load more food benefits onto your WIC card

    WIC counselors are here to educate and empower you to build a healthy future for your family. We encourage you to ask questions and bring up any challenges you face. We will do our best to help or connect you with someone who can.

    If you need to replace your WIC card, let your WIC counselor know. We are happy to replace it.

    Please prepare these documents for your appointment

    To reassess your eligibility, please provide the following items listed below. If your appointment is by phone, we will text you a link to upload photos of your documents.

    Individuals may be income-eligible for WIC if they receive: 

    • Medi-Cal
    • CalFresh
    • CalWORKs

    Applicants not participating in one of the programs above must provide proof of income for all individuals in the household who share living expenses. Examples include:

    • Paystub or statement from the last 30 days
    • Disability pay
    • Unemployment benefits
    • Social Security benefits
    • Other

    If you do not have an income or Medi-Cal, tell your WIC counselor at your appointment.

    If you have moved, please provide one of the following items that show your current address and full name:

    • Active Medi-Cal numbers
    • Any mail
    • Any bill
    • Driver's license or ID
    • Bank statement
    • Car registration/insurance
    • Other

    If you do not have proof of residency or Medi-Cal, tell your WIC counselor at your appointment.

    Weight, height, and anemia test results

    Please provide any height, weight, and anemia test results within the last 60 days. If you are unable to provide this information, request one from your healthcare provider at your next visit. The document can be an official form or aftercare summary visit and must include:

    • First and last name
    • Date of birth
    • Weight, height, and/or anemia test results
    • Date the results were taken
    • Healthcare provider's name and/or signature

    If you do not have recent height, weight, or anemia test result documents from your child(ren)'s healthcare provider, tell your WIC counselor at your appointment.

    Immunization Record

    Please provide your child's immunization record (yellow card) or an electronic vaccine record. Your child's electronic vaccine record may be obtained here . The digital vaccine record will include your child's vaccination dates and future vaccine recommendations.


    What if I don’t have a document?

    After we complete your enrollment, you will have 30 days to provide any missing proof of income or address. Tell your WIC counselor during your appointment if you cannot provide a document. WIC will generally accept a sworn statement as a last resort.