Who can get General Assistance?

Santa Cruz County residents 18 years or older may qualify depending on income and resources and other eligibility factors.

Is General Assistance a loan program?

Yes, General Assistance is a loan program. You will be required to apply for other types of income as a condition of eligibility.

How do I apply for general assistance?

You may apply in person at the following locations:

In Santa Cruz:

• 1020 Emeline Avenue, Building B, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

In Watsonville:

• 119 W. Beach Street,Watsonville, CA 95076

If you are unable to apply in person call (831) 454-4165 and we will mail you an application packet. If you are disabled and unable to come to our office you may designate a person familiar with your circumstances to apply as your representative.

You will be given an appointment to meet with an eligibility worker. The appointment will take 2-3 hours. Benefits can only be approved if you are eligible after we receive all documents needed (for example, pay stubs or bank statements).

Eligibility Basics

Eligibility is determined by:

• US Citizenship or lawful non-citizenship
• County residency
• Household/living arrangement
• Income & Resources/Property
• Student status

What is a household?

For General Assistance eligibility, a “household” is a family unit living together and sharing income, resources, and expenses. All members of your household will be required to apply for and be eligible in order for the household to receive General Assistance.

Income

All income received is deducted dollar for dollar from the maximum General Assistance benefit. The income limit depends on your living arrangement.

Income includes all earnings, self-employment, alimony, child support, social security, SSI/SSP, unemployment benefits, state disability, worker’s compensation, gifts, contributions, loans, student financial aid, retirement and credit card purchases.

Resources

To qualify for General Assistance you must not exceed the resource limits:

• Cash or other liquid assets – no more than $200 per single person or $300 per household.
• Vehicle value cannot exceed $4650 after deducting any amount owed; cannot own more than one vehicle.
• Property – may own a home in which you are living; the value cannot exceed $25,000 after deducting any amount owed. The value of any other property will be considered a resource.
• Other property (not including personal household property, heirlooms and tools required to work) – value cannot exceed $100 per single person or $200 per household.

College Students

College students who are able to work (not disabled) are not eligible for General Assistance.

Work Requirements

If you are not disabled and are able to work you will be required to attend a job search workshop and look for work. You must accept any reasonable offer of employment. You must provide proof of your job search.

Disabled Persons

If you are disabled you will need to get a doctor’s statement. Most disabled persons will be required to apply for SSI and must work in cooperation with County staff during the application and approval process for SSI.

How much general assistance will I get?

Depending on your living arrangement and income:

• Single person with no rent= $145.00; with rent can be a maximum of $382.00
• Two person household with no rent= $299.00, with rent can be a maximum of $627.00.
• For those living in a licensed board and care home, residential facility or a recovery house a separate benefit schedule is used.

How do I use my General Assistance benefits?

You will receive your cash benefits on a plastic “EBT” card (the same card will also be used for Food Stamp benefits). You may use this card at any participating retail store, bank or ATM.

You may receive some General Assistance rent benefits as a check payable to you and your landlord. These benefits are designated only to pay rent. Written landlord verification is required.

Your Rights

Whether you are eligible or not, you have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and courtesy when you apply for General Assistance. The Human Services Department does not discriminate against anyone because of race, color, national origin, political affiliation, religion, age, sex, marital status, or condition of physical or mental disability. If you believe you have not been treated equally contact the Civil Rights Officer (831) 454-4117.

Interview Language

Applicants may be interviewed in the following languages: English, Spanish, hearing impaired, and others if necessary.

Fair Hearing

You have the right to file an appeal of any action we take on your General Assistance application or case. You must submit a request in writing within 7-days of the proposed action to:

• Santa Cruz County Human Services Department
• Fair Hearings Officer
• P.O. Box 1320
• Santa Cruz, CA  95061