General Assistance (GA) Program
What is General Assistance?
GA is a county funded temporary cash assistance program for unemployed single adults and couples who may not have dependent children and are not receiving other public assistance benefits including, Supplemental Security income (SSI) or unemployment benefits. Recipients who are not disabled must seek employment, and are required to repay county funds.
What type of assistance is provided?
- Rent is paid to the property owner or designated payee.
- Personal needs voucher is provided to help with personal needs to buy hygiene, household and food products.
- Travel Assistance if willing and need help to return to a former residence.
Who might be eligible?
- You must be a citizen of the US or legal resident.
- You need to be a resident of Monterey County and 18 years of age or older. If under 18, you must be married to someone 18 or older.
What are the program requirements?
- Employable recipients are required to actively look for work by completing a monthly job search.
- Employable recipients are required to work at a County assigned Work Project site which is credited towards their GA payment.
Where can I apply for GA?
In person at any Community Benefits’ District Office.
Monterey County Department of Social Services
1000 S. Main Street Suite 216
Salinas, CA 93901
Monterey County Department of Social Services
1281 Broadway Avenue
Seaside, CA 93955
Monterey County Department of Social Services
116 Broadway Street
King City, CA 93960
What is the General Assistance Application Process?
- Application appointments are available on a first come first serve basis Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
- GA clients are given an orientation, application and appointment to be seen the next business day.
- At the orientation, clients are asked what additional programs they want to apply for. Clients are given a packet to return the next day for the face to face interview.
- The face to face interview is conducted and benefits may be issued the same day.
What documents should I bring for my interview?
- Proof of your identity (Driver’s license, state identification card, birth certificate)
- Social security card or document with the number on it.
- Parole card
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of residency
- Proof of income (wage stubs, unemployment, social security)
- Proof of property (vehicle registration)
