DRAFT — concept only, not for families yet · Not a government site
CarePayGuide A FREE ROAD MAP FOR CALIFORNIA FAMILIES

We walk you through it, by text.

For California parents of children with disabilities. Free. We walk your road map with you, step by step, in plain words, right in your texts: Regional Center, Medi-Cal, help with behavior, school, getting paid for the care you give, and monthly disability money.

Start by text — it’s free
Tapping opens your texting app with the word ROAD ready to send.
(In this draft, the number is a placeholder.)

No texting app? Text the word ROAD to (555) 010-0199 from any phone.

How it works

  1. Text us. One tap above, or text the word ROAD yourself.
  2. We walk your road map with you, step by step, by text — about 10 minutes, at your pace.
  3. You get your plan: the steps that fit your child and your county, as a page you can print or share. Free.

The whole road

  1. Regional Center & Early Start HELPStart today

    Call the Regional Center — for a baby under 3, ask for Early Start. Start today: getting in could take a year.

  2. Medi-Cal HELPStart today

    Medi-Cal is California’s no-cost or low-cost health coverage. Make too much money? There is a second way in.

  3. Get help with behavior HELPStart today

    Start by getting a referral from your child’s doctor. Your health plan, Regional Center, and school can also be asked.

  4. Help at school HELPSoon

    Start any day. For age 3 or older: ask the school to evaluate your child.

  5. Get paid for the care you give MONEYSoon

    This is IHSS — In-Home Supportive Services. A parent can be the paid caregiver, if approved.

  6. Monthly disability money MONEYLater

    Monthly money from Social Security for a child with a disability. Last on purpose: it comes with rules you must keep.

HELP steps (1 to 4) are help for your child. MONEY steps (5 and 6) are money for their care. You do not have to do them in a perfect order — the walk takes them one at a time.

The honest part