Benefits · Income Support
How to apply for General Assistance (Santa Cruz County)
Santa Cruz County Human Services Department
Who it's for
Santa Cruz County General Assistance (GA) is a county-funded program for low- or no-income adults who are residents of Santa Cruz County and have no other means of support. It is designed to help eligible adults meet basic needs for housing, utilities, personal needs, and transportation. 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 a lawful resident of California and Santa Cruz County, and you must apply for other available income as a condition of eligibility. Aid is paid as a monthly cash payment by warrant, direct deposit, EBT, vendor payment, or two-party check. Apply online at www.benefitscal.com/ApplyForBenefits, by calling the Benefits Call Center at 1-888-421-8080, or in person at the Customer Services Centers — 1020 Emeline Avenue in Santa Cruz or 500 Westridge Drive in Watsonville.
Santa Cruz County GA has conditions the scan cannot check for you: you must be a Santa Cruz County resident, a lawful CA resident, low- or no-income with no other means of support, and you must apply for any other available income as a condition of eligibility. The santacruzhumanservices.org GA page does not publish a maximum monthly grant amount. Apply at BenefitsCal, by Benefits Call Center 1-888-421-8080, or in person at 1020 Emeline Avenue Santa Cruz or 500 Westridge Drive Watsonville.
What you'll need
- Proof of Santa Cruz County residency
- Photo identification
- Proof of California lawful residency
- Proof of income, resources, and ineligibility for other categorical aid
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-888-421-8080
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.