How to apply for General Assistance (Santa Clara County)

Who it's for

Santa Clara County General Assistance (GA) is a county-funded cash-aid and employment-services program for indigent adults without dependent children who have no other means of support and are ineligible for federal or state cash aid. For a low-income senior, GA is mainly a bridge while a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or California Aid for the Indigent Disabled (CAPI) claim is pending. To qualify, you must be a Santa Clara County resident with at least 15 days of continuous physical presence and the intent to remain indefinitely, a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, and have no more than $500 in countable resources (the home you live in is not counted). Applicants with a verified medical disability are not expected to participate in the Vocational Services program. The County determines eligibility within 45 days of a complete application.

What you'll need

• Proof of Santa Clara County residency (at least 15 continuous days of physical presence)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or qualified non-citizen status
• Proof that countable resources do not exceed $500 (home you live in is excluded)
• Photo identification
• Medical verification of any disability that exempts you from Vocational Services

Where to apply

Renewals

ongoing with periodic redetermination; employable adults are time-limited