Benefits · Income Support
How to apply for General Relief (Santa Barbara County)
Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services (DSS)
Who it's for
Santa Barbara County General Relief (GR) is a county-funded program that provides temporary cash aid to indigent adults without children who do not qualify for federal or state assistance programs. 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. The program offers short-term assistance to help meet basic shelter and personal needs. To apply, contact the Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services — main Santa Barbara office at 1-805-681-4401, or the Santa Maria office (which serves North County) at 1-805-346-7135. Making an appointment in advance is recommended to avoid long wait times; ask about the specific documentation you'll need to bring.
Santa Barbara County GR has conditions the scan cannot check for you: you must be an indigent (very low income) adult Santa Barbara County resident, with no dependent children, who does not qualify for federal or state cash assistance programs. The countyofsb.org GR page does not publish a maximum monthly grant amount. Apply by phone — main SB office 1-805-681-4401, Santa Maria office 1-805-346-7135 — or online via BenefitsCal.com.
What you'll need
- Proof of Santa Barbara County residency
- Photo identification
- Proof of income and resources
- Documentation showing ineligibility for federal/state categorical aid (e.g., SSI/SSDI/CalWORKs)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-805-681-4401
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.