Benefits · Income Support
How to apply for General Relief (Fresno County)
County of Fresno Department of Social Services (DSS)
Who it's for
Fresno County General Relief (GR) is a county-funded cash or in-kind program for needy individuals and childless couples in Fresno County who are not eligible for any other categorical aid program. For a low-income senior it is mainly a bridge while a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) claim is pending. Grants are intended to assist with the costs of food, shelter, personal needs, and other living expenses. To qualify you must be at least 18 (or an emancipated, legally married, or formerly married minor), be unemployed or incapacitated, and — if employable — be available for and actively seeking full-time work. Apply through Fresno County DSS by calling 1-559-600-5315 or starting an application online via BenefitsCal.com.
Fresno County GR has conditions the scan cannot check for you: you must be a needy adult Fresno County resident, not eligible for any other categorical aid program (such as SSI/SSDI or CalWORKs), and either unemployed/incapacitated or — if employable — actively seeking full-time work. The published Fresno County GR page does not list a maximum monthly grant amount; the County determines your specific amount during application. Apply via BenefitsCal.com or by calling Fresno County DSS at 1-559-600-5315.
What you'll need
- Proof of Fresno County residency
- Photo identification
- Proof of income, resources, and housing situation
- Documentation showing ineligibility for federal/state categorical aid (e.g., SSI/SSDI/CalWORKs)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-559-600-5315
Renewals
ongoing with periodic redetermination
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.