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GENERAL ASSISTANCE (GA)

What is the General Assistance program?

General Assistance is a program that gives cash aid to people who need help, who lawfully live in Tulare County, and who are not supported by other means. The County Board of Supervisors sets the rules for the program.

Where can I apply?

Contact the Human Services District Office closest to where you live

What is the Tulare County General Assistance Program?

Every county in California is required to provide relief and support to all residents who are not supported by their own means, by friends or relatives, by other public funds, or by other assistance programs. Each County's program is established by its own Board of Supervisors. In Tulare County, General Assistance is the program that provides temporary assistance to adults 18 years and older who are not eligible of federal or state-funded cash assistance.

Do I have to live in Tulare County to apply for General Assistance?

Yes. Any resident of Tulare County may apply for General Assistance. You need not have a fixed address to be eligible, but proof of residence may be required. You must have lived in the County for at least 15 days.

Who may apply for General Assistance?

The following residents of Tulare County may apply:

Unemployed residents needing help finding employment.

Incapacitated residents who are applying for other forms of continuing support, or who are not eligible for other support.

Residents whose earnings are not more than the maximum allowable grant.

What if I'm homeless?

If you are homeless, a worker may be able to help you obtain a shelter bed.

How much property may I have?

In determining eligibility for General Assistance, some property is not counted. Here are examples of property that will not be counted:

The home you live in

One motor vehicle (not worth more than $1500)

Work supplies, tools, equipment

Clothing, household equipment, personal jewelry

Money in a bank account held to pay property taxes

How much is the monthly General Assistance cash grant?

Grant amounts vary according to the number of people in the household and the employability status of the recipient. Note that grant amounts may change from year to year.

How long can I receive General Assistance?

Individuals who are able-bodied and able to work may receive General Assistance for no more than three (3) months in a twelve (12)-month period.

Are there services to help me find a job?

Opportunities are available to help you develop work skills with on-the-job training in addition to Job Workshop and Job Development services. We will help you develop a professional resume and learn how and where to find jobs. A Case Manager will help you identify your goal to become self-supporting.

Can I still get GA under certain types of Cash Aid?

Yes, you can get GA under the following types of Cash Aid:

Employable - If you are able to work, but are not working right now, or are working but earning less than the GA income limit, you must be willing to accept any work within your capabilities

Non-employable - If you are unable to work due to a physical or mental incapacity as determined by a licensed physician or mental health professional.

Income must be less than the amount of your Cash Aid limit.

You must ask for and accept other cash aid that may be available, such as unemployment benefits, disability benefits, Social Security benefits, etc., or any cash aid from relatives, such as a parent or a spouse, even if they don't live with you.

You must register for work and ask for unemployment benefits at the Employment Office if you are able to work. You must ask for State Disability benefits if you are disabled.

You must tell us within five (5) days if you had any changes in income, property, where you live or who lives in the same home, or anything else that has changed from what you told us in the past.

You must sign a real property lien as security for GA Cash Aid received. The lien will be filed against any real property that is currently owned or real property that you may get in the future. Before you sell or buy property, the GA Cash Aid must be paid back.

What can I do if I disagree with an action taken on my case?

Talk to your worker. Explain your disagreement and ask for help.
The worker will amend your case if it is determined their actions were incorrect.
If the actions are correct, the worker will tell you the reason the actions were taken and tell you what rules the actions are based on. If you still disagree, you may ask for a fair hearing, which is a formal review of the actions you disagree with. You have ten (10) days from when you received the written notice on the action you disagree with to ask for a fair hearing.
If you ask for a fair hearing, a person who is not connected with the actions you disagree with will hold the fair hearing. You have the right to appear in person at the hearing, to be represented by counsel, and to give any proof that might help your case.