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General Assistance (GA) provides cash aid to indigent adults and emancipated minors who are legal residents of Alameda County and who have no other means of support. It is a state-mandated program that is locally administered and funded by the County of Alameda.
The maximum cash grant for a single person on GA is $336 per month. GA recipients who are 18 to 21 years old, pregnant, disabled or 65 and older may also be eligible for Medi-Cal benefits. If you are not eligible for Medi-Cal, you can receive medical treatment at the county clinics and hospitals. Many GA recipients are also eligible for Food Stamp benefits of up to $200 per month for a single person.
Eligibility
All GA benefits are considered a loan to the individual receiving aid. GA recipients must sign a reimbursement agreement as a condition of eligibility. Employable recipients are required to participate in employment service activities.
Recipients who are unemployable and/or 65 years and older who appear eligible for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) are required to apply for these benefits through the Social Security Administration.
Legal Non-Citizens 65 years and older who meet certain residency requirements must apply for benefits through the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).
Applicants and recipients may have up to $1,000 in personal property. The following are not counted as part of the personal property limit for an individual:
- A motor vehicle which is valued at $4,650 or less; and
- The cash surrender value on a life insurance policy
New General Assistance (GA) Program Rules
1. Shared Housing
If you live with someone other than your eligible spouse or registered domestic partner, your GA grant will be reduced by:
15% --- if you share housing with one person
20% --- if you share housing with two persons
25% --- if you share housing with three or more persons
2. Medical Care Deduction
To cover the cost of medical care, the GA grant will be reduced by $40 each month for persons who do not receive Medi-Cal benefits or have other health coverage, including Veteran’s Health benefits.
3. Time Limits
Individuals determined to be employable will only be eligible for cash aid for 3 full months in any 12-month period. This rule will apply whether aid was paid for 3 continuous months, or if there was a break in aid between months in any 12-month period.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE NEW PROGRAM RULES:
There are exceptions to, and exemptions from, some or all of the new rules. Some of these include:
- Individuals who are permanently disabled and unable to work for 12 months or more. Note: Individuals who are temporarily disabled are exempt during the temporary period only;
- Former Foster Care Youth and Independent Living Skills program participants 18 through 24 years of age;
- Individuals 64 years of age and older;
- Individuals living in Community Housing And Shelter Services (CHASS), Alternative General Assistance Program (AGAP) facilities or other approved living arrangements;
- Individuals participating in certain Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs approved by the Agency.
How to Apply
To apply for general assistance, please visit the Economic Benefits Department public contact office nearest you.
