General Assistance Cash Aid

General Assistance (GA) is a County-funded 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 who are 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 12-week, time limited program and applicants must perform job search activities at the local Job Center. The GA Disabled program is for individual who have a short-term (under 12 months) or long-term disability (12 months or longer) as determined by a physician or mental health professional. If an individual has a 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 for both SSI/SSP and Social Security Disability.

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 is eligible?

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.

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.