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General Assistance (GA)

What Is the General Assistance (GA) Program?

The General Assistance Program provides cash assistance and employment services to adults with no dependent children who are not supported by their own means, other public funds, or assistance programs.

How Much Cash Does General Assistance Pay?

Payment amounts range from $150 - $343 a month.

Who is Eligible for the GA Program?

  • 18 to 64 years of age
  • No dependent children
  • Resident of California
  • Have less than $500 in resources.
    • Note: certain resources are not counted, therefore an individual may own them and still get GA, such as a home you live in
  • US citizen

Is General Assistance Considered a Loan?

No. You don't have to pay back your GA cash assistance.

Note: if cash assistance is issued to you while your application for Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) is being processed, the county may recover money from your initial retroactive SSI/SSP payment once approved.

Do GA Recipients have to Work while Receiving Cash Assistance?

Employment of GA participants is a major objective of the GA program. Able-bodied individuals are expected to find employment or participate in approved activities; employment-related education, training and/or job-search preparation through the Vocational Services (VS) program.

What If I Am Disabled and Unable to Work?

You will not be expected to participate in the Vocational Services (VS) program if you provide your County Eligibility Worker with a medical verification of your disability. You will be expected to apply for other available income such as Social Security Disability, Social Security Income (SSI) and/or State Disability (SDI or DIB).

Note: if cash assistance is issued to you while your application for Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) is being processed, the county may recovery money from your initial retroactive SSI/SSP payment once approved.

How to Apply for General Assistance?