General Assistance Cash Aid
What is this service?
General Assistance is a County cash aid program to help needy individuals and families with no child(ren) under the age of 18 living with them. The program provides money, vouchers and job-related services for needy persons not eligible to Federal and State cash aid programs. Applicants may apply for the General Assistance Employable Program or the General Assistance Disabled Program. The Employable program is a 4-week, time limited program and applicants must perform job search activities at the local Job Center for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. The GA Disabled program is for applicants with a short or long term disability determined by a physician or mental health doctor. If long termed disability, they must apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI/SSP) and Social Security Disability (RSDI). Benefit Advocates are available to assist General Assistance participants with the application process.
Who can use this service?
This service is available to low-income individuals and families not eligible to any other cash aid programs that are residents of the County of San Luis Obispo.
The General Assistance Disabled program (GA Disabled) is for applicants with a short or long term disability determined by a physician or mental health doctor. If long termed disability, they must apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI/SSP) and Social Security Disability (RSDI).
Is there a charge for this service?
This service is provided free of charge.
What is the process?
Step 1: General Assistance Benefit Advocate
Individuals who have been determined eligible for the General Assistance Program, will be referred to meet with a Benefits Arch Advocate whenever the individual is expected to be disabled for 1 year (12 months) or more. The Benefits Arch Advocate will provide personalized assistance in applying for SSI/SSP to the General Assistance participant.
The Advocate schedules a meeting with the individual. During the meeting, the Advocate will gather information necessary to complete an application for Supplemental Security/Sate 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
When and where is this service offered?
You must apply for General Assistance only at the San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services office, open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (except on County-observed holidays).
Location, directions and hours of operation
Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information
▾
SLO Social Services- Higuera
3433 South Higuera San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Frequently Asked Questions
▾
What are the income and property limits for the General Assistance program?
The Income limit for the General Assistance Program is $172.00. The Property limit is $250.00, but the property limit for liquid resources is $50.00.
▾
How do I access my General Assistance benefits?
The County of San Luis Obispo issues General Assistance benefits through a debit card called an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT card).
▾
Can I receive CalFresh & Medi-Cal at the same time as General Assistance?
People eligible to General Assistance may also be eligible to CalFresh & Medi-Cal.