General Assistance Cash Aid

What is the process?

Apply for General Assistance

You may apply for General Assistance in person at any County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services office.  Applications are accepted Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (except on County-observed holidays). 

Interview for General Assistance

All General Assistance applicants are required to have a face-to-face interview. At this interview, an applicant’s case manager will assess what exact verifications they will need to approve the case and will inform the applicant of these necessary verifications in written documentation with a due date.  All General Assistance interviews are held in the San Luis Obispo Office.  If the applicant lives outside the city of San Luis Obispo, a bus pass will be offered to allow the applicant to travel to San Luis Obispo for the interview. 

Notification of General Assistance Eligibility

If an applicant provides all needed verifications and meets the eligibility qualifications, they will be approved for a cash aid amount.  If the applicant does not submit required verifications or meet the eligibility qualifications, their case will be denied.  Applicants who have been denied can re-apply at any time.

General Assistance Benefit Advocate

Individuals who have been determined eligible for the General Assistance Program and who are expected to be disabled for 1 year (12 months or more) will be referred to meet with a Benefits Arch Advocate.  The Benefits Arch Advocate will provide personalized assistance to the GA participant in applying for both SSI/SSP and Social Security Disability benefits. 

The Advocate schedules a meeting with the individual.  During the meeting, the Advocate will gather information necessary to complete an application for Supplemental Security/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP).  The participant will be asked questions about the nature of their disability or disabilities, medical history and work history. 

General Assistance Benefit Advocate

Who can use this service?

This service is available to low-income individuals and families who are residents of the County of San Luis Obispo and who are not eligible to any other cash aid program. 

Is there a charge for this service?

This service is provided free of charge.

When and where is this service offered?

You may apply for General Assistance in person at any office of the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services.  Applications are accepted Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (except on County-observed holidays). 

The General Assistance Program is administered in the San Luis Obispo Office. 

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Social Services

Child Hotline Information:

  • If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
  • To report suspected child abuse or neglect call the 24 hour Child Abuse Hotline at (805) 781-KIDS (5437) or toll free 1-800-834-KIDS (5437)

Adult Hotline Information:

  • If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
  • To report suspected elder abuse or neglect call the Adult Services Hotline at (805) 781-1790 during regular business hours, or after business hours call (844) 729-8011
  • Mandated Reporter