Benefits · Income Support
How to apply for General Assistance (San Mateo County)
San Mateo County Human Services Agency (HSA)
Who it's for
San Mateo County General Assistance (GA) is a county-funded cash-aid program that helps adult San Mateo County residents pay for living expenses such as rent and utilities when no other source of assistance is available. 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. To qualify you must be at least 18 years old, have lived in San Mateo County for at least 15 consecutive days, and meet the County's income and resource limits. Apply by phone 1-800-223-8383, in person at any San Mateo County HSA regional office, or by mailing a completed application. Applications are usually processed within 30 days.
San Mateo County GA has conditions the scan cannot check for you: you must be a San Mateo County resident (15-day minimum) at least 18 years old who meets the County's income and resource limits, with no other source of assistance available. The smcgov.org page does not publish the current maximum monthly grant amount; the County determines your specific amount during application. Apply by phone at 1-800-223-8383, in person at a regional office, or by mail.
What you'll need
- Identification (driver's license, California ID card, passport, or birth certificate)
- Proof of San Mateo County residency (rent or mortgage receipt, or utility bill)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, child support/alimony, unemployment/disability stubs, or veterans benefits)
- Proof of resources (checking/savings account statements, savings bonds, stock certificates, retirement accounts)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-800-223-8383
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.