General Assistance

What is General Assistance?

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.

 

 

 

What are the types of General Assistance available?

There are two (2) types of General Assistance available:

Employable- If you are able to work but are not working right now, or are working but earning less than the General Assistance income limit. You must be willing to accept any work within your capabilities. You can earn up to $30.00 per month, before your earnings will be counted. You must tell us about any earnings, even if under $30.00

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.

What are the rules you must meet to receive General Assistance as an employable person?

If you are able to work, you must be registered for work through EDD, CalJOBs, Employment Connection, etc. You will be required to complete twelve (12) job searches each week by applying for employment with different employers and you must work off the General Assistance Cash Aid you get.

Your Self Sufficiency Counselor will tell you how many hours you must work and where to report to work for the Work Project. The County will not ask you to pay back the General Assistance you got that you worked off.

Note: The General Assistance Work Project is not considered employment with the County and the County should not be listed as a current or a previous employer on job applications that you complete.

What are the rules you must meet to receive General Assistance as a Non-Employable person?

You must provide a statement to show proof you cannot work, it must be signed by a licensed clinician. The statement must show how long you cannot work. If your disability is expected to last twelve (12) months or longer, you will be required to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at the Social Security Office. You must agree to let Social Security Office make payment to the County to pay back the General Assistance money you got, if and when you get SSI.

Are there any property rules you must meet to receive General Assistance?

Yes, there are property guidelines that must be met before being eligible for General Assistance. Your vehicle cannot be valued at more than $1500.00 after the amount you still owe is deducted. Your home, if you live in it is exempt. Your property such as bank accounts, credit union accounts, burial policies, etc must be less than your General Assistance cash aid. No person who possesses personal property (liquid or non-liquid resources) in a sufficient amount to meet his or her current basic needs will receive General Assistance benefits.

Are there any income rules you must meet to receive General Assistance?

Yes, there are income guidelines that must be met before being eligible for General Assistance. You must apply for and accept any other types of income you may potentially be eligible for, 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. If you have any income it must be less than the amount of your General Assistance cash aid limit. You must tell us if you are paying or receiving free any type of housing or utilities.

Do I have to pay back the General Assistance I receive?

Not if you are receiving Employable General Assistance, but if you are receiving Non-Employable General Assistance you must pay the County back. You must sign a real property lien with a County Notary (at no charge to you) as security for General Assistance 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 General Assistance Cash Aid you received must be paid back. General Assistance received under the Employable General Assistance Work Project is not placed against the lien. If you are Non-Employable and are granted SSI, the County must be paid back General Assistance you received, while you were waiting for your SSI benefits.

Is there a time limit I can receive General Assistance?

Yes. If you are Employable, you can only receive General Assistance benefits for a period of twelve (12) weeks in a twelve (12) month period. If you are Non-Employable, you can receive General Assistance benefits for as long as you provide proof from a licensed professional that you are unable to work, as long as you continue to meet the income and property guidelines.

How much General Assistance cash aid can I receive?

Depending on your household size, if you are responsible to pay any housing or utility costs, etc, the maximum monthly grant available is $222.00.

Where can I apply for General Assistance?

You can apply at any of the TulareWORKs offices.