🏡 California Programs That Help With Down Payments (Not Just for First-Time Buyers)

1. GSFA Platinum Program (Golden State Finance Authority)

  • Who qualifies: First-time AND repeat homebuyers

  • Assistance offered: Up to 5.5% of the loan amount for down payment and/or closing costs

  • Highlights:

    • Can be combined with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans

    • No requirement to be a first-time homebuyer

    • Forgivable option available after 3 years of occupancy (on certain plans)

  • Eligibility:

    • Minimum FICO score: 640–680

    • Income limits vary by county

  • More info

2. GSFA OpenDoors Program

  • Who qualifies: First-time AND repeat buyers

  • Assistance offered: Up to 7% of the total loan amount

  • Highlights:

    • Flexible income limits

    • Can be used for FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional loans

    • Borrowers do not have to be low-income or first-time buyers

  • More info

3. National Homebuyers Fund (NHF)

  • Who qualifies: First-time AND repeat buyers nationwide, including California

  • Assistance offered: Up to 5% of the loan amount

  • Highlights:

    • No repayment required (some grants are forgivable immediately or over time)

    • Works with various loan types

  • Eligibility: Lender participation is key – find a participating lender in your area.

  • More info

💼 Occupation-Based Programs

4. CalHERO / CalPATH Programs

  • Who qualifies: Public employees (teachers, firefighters, police, nurses, etc.)

  • Assistance offered: Reduced fees, competitive rates, and grant funds for closing costs/down payments

  • Highlights:

    • Not limited to first-time homebuyers

    • Sometimes used with GSFA or CalHFA programs

🛠️ Other Creative Options

5. Employer Assistance Programs

  • Some large employers in California (especially healthcare, education, and tech) offer:

    • Down payment grants or loans

    • Moving expense reimbursements

    • Homebuyer education programs

  • Ask HR if your employer has a relocation or housing assistance benefit.

6. Community Second Loans

  • Some cities and counties in California offer “silent second” loans (no payments due until refinance/sale) even to non-first-time buyers.

    • Examples: San Diego County, Riverside, Sacramento, and parts of the Bay Area

    • Often income-based but not always restricted to first-time buyers

7. Credit Union and Union-Based Programs

  • SEIU, CalSTRS, and many credit unions offer housing benefits:

    • Lower-cost loans

    • Down payment grants

    • Pre-negotiated rates with lenders

✅ Next Steps

  1. Check with GSFA-approved or CalHFA-approved lenders — they can layer multiple programs together.

  2. Contact your city or county housing authority — some local DPA programs fly under the radar.

  3. Ask your employer if they offer homebuyer assistance or relocation grants.

Here are trusted resources in California that provide financial help, advocacy, and support for families of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

1. California Children’s Services (CCS)

Support Offered:
Provides medical case management, diagnostic and treatment services, and financial help for children under 21 with eligible medical conditions, including cerebral palsy.

  • 🌐 Website: dhcs.ca.gov/services/ccs

  • 📞 Phone: Contact your local county CCS office

  • ✉️ Email: Contact through your county portal

Tip: Ask your child’s doctor to help submit a referral to your county CCS office.

2. CalABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience)

Support Offered:
Tax-free savings program that lets individuals with disabilities save for qualified expenses without affecting Medi-Cal or SSI benefits.

Open with as little as $25. Great for therapy, assistive tech, and housing expenses.

3. Wayfinder Family Services

Support Offered:
Provides early intervention, education, therapy, and support services to children with multiple disabilities and their families.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, but supports families throughout California.

4. Bridge School

Support Offered:
Education and communication solutions for children with severe speech and physical impairments, including CP.

A global leader in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

5. Bet Tzedek Legal Services

Support Offered:
Free legal services for low-income families—includes assistance with disability benefits, housing, and caregiver rights.

Especially helpful for navigating government systems and appealing denials.

6. California Assistive Technology Services (CATS) – Ability Tools

Support Offered:
Lends and helps fund assistive technology (AT) devices like mobility aids, communication tools, and home modifications.

Try out devices before you buy—great for finding the right equipment.

7. CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP)

Support Offered:
Helps eligible families—including those with a child with disabilities—find and retain stable housing.

  • 🌐 Website: cdss.ca.gov

  • 📞 Phone: Contact your county’s social services office

  • ✉️ Email: Varies by county

If housing is unstable or at risk, this program can help cover deposits, rent, or move-in costs.

8. Support for Families of Children with Disabilities (San Francisco)

Support Offered:
Workshops, family navigation services, and support groups for families of children with disabilities.

Great local resource for Bay Area families.

9. Parents Helping Parents (PHP)

Support Offered:
Offers resources, training, and mentoring for families of children with special needs. Also provides help accessing IEP services and regional center support.

Based in San Jose, but helps families throughout California.

10. Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK)

Support Offered:
Training, advocacy, and assistive tech support for families navigating special education and disability resources.

Ideal for help with IEPs and special education law in Orange County and beyond.

California Financial Assistance Programs for Families with Cerebral Palsy

California Children’s Services (CCS)

CalABLE Program

Wayfinder Family Services

Bridge School

California Assistive Technology Services (CATS)

CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP)

Support for Families of Children with Disabilities

Parents Helping Parents (PHP)

Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK)

Family Resource Centers Network of California

Exceptional Parents Unlimited

Family Voices of California

Disability Rights California

Golden Gate Regional Center

North Los Angeles County Regional Center

San Diego Regional Center

Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center

on:

National Organizations Offering Financial Assistance

1. UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF)

2. Easterseals

3. United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)

4. Help Hope Live

5. Cerebral Palsy Family Network

Idaho State-Specific Programs

6. Children’s Special Health Program (CSHP)

7. Idaho Medicaid Developmental Disabilities Program

Additional Resources

8. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) & Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  • Website: ssa.gov

  • Phone: (800) 772-1213

  • Details: Provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities. Eligibility depends on income and medical criteria. Cerebral Palsy Guidance

9. LawFirm.com

California-Based Financial Assistance Programs for Families of Children with Cerebral Palsy

1. California Children’s Services (CCS)

2. CalABLE (California Achieving a Better Life Experience) Program

3. Wayfinder Family Services

4. Bridge School

  • Website: bridgeschool.org

  • Phone: (650) 696-7295

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Details: Specializes in education for children with severe speech and physical impairments, utilizing augmentative and alternative communication methods. Wikipedia

5. Bet Tzedek Legal Services

  • Website: bettzedek.org

  • Phone: (323) 939-0506

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Details: Provides free legal assistance to low-income families, including help with accessing public benefits and navigating disability-related legal issues. Wikipedia

6. California Assistive Technology Services (CATS)

7. CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP)

  • Website: cdss.ca.gov

  • Phone: Contact your local county social services office

  • Details: Provides housing assistance to eligible families, including those with children with disabilities, to secure and maintain stable housing. Disability Resources

8. Support for Families of Children with Disabilities

  • Website: supportforfamilies.org

  • Phone: (415) 282-7494

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Details: Provides information, education, and support to families of children with disabilities in San Francisco and surrounding areas.

9. Parents Helping Parents (PHP)

  • Website: php.com

  • Phone: (408) 727-5775

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Details: Offers support, training, and resources to families of children with special needs in Santa Clara County and beyond.

10. Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK)

  • Website: taskca.org

  • Phone: (714) 533-8275

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Details: Provides training and support to families of children with disabilities, focusing on education and assistive technology.

🏠 Housing & Relocation Support

1. Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP)

2. Special Needs Housing Program (SNHP)

  • Purpose: Provides permanent supportive housing for individuals with special needs.

  • Services: Affordable housing options in collaboration with local governments.

  • Eligibility: Varies by jurisdiction; typically for individuals with disabilities.

  • More Info: CalHFA

🧑‍⚕️ In-Home & Caregiving Support

3. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

  • Purpose: Allows children with disabilities to remain safely in their own homes.

  • Services: Provides services like personal care, domestic assistance, and accompaniment to medical appointments.

  • Eligibility: Children with disabilities requiring assistance to remain safely at home.

  • More Info: California Dept. of Social ServicesCalifornia Dept. of Social Services

4. Self-Determination Program (SDP)

💵 Financial Assistance & Grants

5. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

6. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

  • Purpose: Provides temporary financial assistance to families in need.

  • Services: Cash assistance and support services.

  • Eligibility: Families with children under 18 and limited income.

  • More Info: cerebralpalsy.orgcerebralpalsy.org

7. Private Grants and Foundations

  • Examples:

    • United Cerebral Palsy: Offers various programs and services for individuals with CP.

    • The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project: Provides support and resources to families of children with special needs.

    • Autism Speaks: Offers grants for families affected by autism, which may also benefit those with CP.

  • More Info: Cerebral Palsy GuideReddit+3BraunAbility+3InCharge Debt Solutions+3

🏫 Education & Therapy Access

8. Regional Centers

9. School-Based Services

🧭 Next Steps

  1. Contact California Regional Centers: Reach out to the regional center in the area you’re considering moving to for guidance on available services and supports.Reddit

  2. Apply for IHSS and SDP: Once you establish residency in California, apply for IHSS and explore enrollment in the Self-Determination Program through your regional center.Apex Social Group

  3. Consult with a Special Needs Planner: Consider speaking with a special needs planner or advocate to navigate the transition and maximize available resources.

  4. Explore Housing Options: Investigate housing programs like HDAP and SNHP to find suitable accommodations that meet your family’s needs.

  5. Research Educational Services: Connect with local school districts to understand the special education services and supports available for your daughter.