Benefits · Income Support
How to apply for General Assistance (Kern County)
Kern County Department of Human Services (KCDHS)
Who it's for
Kern County General Assistance (GA) provides minimal financial assistance to residents of Kern County who have no other means of support. The program can help with rent, utilities, transportation, and personal needs. 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 — Kern County DHS even runs a Disability Advocate program to help GA applicants pursue SSI. GA applicants may also qualify for CalFresh and/or Medi-Cal. Apply in person at any KCDHS office (open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) or by calling the public line at 1-661-631-6000.
Kern County GA has conditions the scan cannot check for you: you must be a Kern County resident with no other means of support, and you must not be eligible for other categorical aid (such as SSI/SSDI or CalWORKs). The KCDHS GA page does not publish a maximum monthly grant amount; the County determines your specific amount during application. Apply in person at a KCDHS office or by calling 1-661-631-6000.
What you'll need
- Proof of Kern County residency
- Photo identification
- Proof of income and resources
- Documentation showing no other means of support (or ineligibility for other categorical aid such as SSI/SSDI/CalWORKs)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-661-631-6000
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.