Once I’m enrolled in GA/GR, what rules must I follow to stay in the program?
It depends on your county. Every county sets its own General Assistance/ General Relief rules. Here are some of the rules to know about:
- Generally, you must fall under the income and property limits to be eligible.
- All counties require you to immediately report any changes to your address, income, or property. Failure to report such changes can result in your losing the GA/GR benefits, even if the change would not otherwise disqualify you.
- Some counties may limit how long you can receive GA/GR if you able to work, or require that you apply for Social Security and/ or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you are not able to work.
- Some counties treat GA/GR as a “loan,” and will make you pay back the GA/GR money you received if you have enough income, get a job, or get approved for SSDI or SSI disability benefits.
- Some counties also provide you and/or require you to use employment services to help you find, get, and keep a job. But you can’t be required to join and use employment services if you are “unemployable.” You may be considered unemployable if you are: older than 70 years old; responsible for the substantial and continuous care of a family member; or you are disabled. If you have not been screened by the county welfare agency to determine if you are employable, or you believe the county has made a mistake in determining that you are “employable,” and you have been required to participate in an employment program or denied GA/GR assistance, you should consider appealing. It’s best to contact your local legal aid provider to help with filing your appeal (you can visit the website http://lawhelpca.org/find-legal-help to browse legal aid providers, and see list of legal aid providers at the back of this guide on PG. 1127).[1459]
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See Find a Lawyer or Court Program, LawHelpCA.org, http://lawhelpca.org/find-legal-help. ↑