How to apply for General Assistance (Monterey County)

Who it's for

Monterey County General Assistance (GA) is a county-funded temporary cash-assistance program for unemployed single adults and childless couples who are not receiving other public-assistance benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Unemployment Insurance. For a low-income senior it is mainly a bridge while an SSI or Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) claim is pending. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old (or a married minor with a spouse 18+), a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and a resident of Monterey County. Employable recipients are required to actively look for work with a monthly job search. Apply in person on a first-come first-served basis Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at any MCDSS office: 1000 S. Main Street Suite 216, Salinas; 1281 Broadway Avenue, Seaside; or 116 Broadway Street, King City. An orientation is held the day you apply, you return the next day for the face-to-face interview, and benefits may be issued the same day. For more information, call 1-831-755-4400.

What you'll need

• Proof of Monterey County residency
• Photo identification
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal-resident status
• Proof of income, resources, and unemployment status
• Monthly job-search documentation (for employable recipients)

Where to apply

Renewals

ongoing with periodic redetermination; employable recipients must complete monthly job searches