Benefits · Income Support

How to apply for General Assistance (Tulare County)

Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (TCHHSA) — TulareWORKs

Who it's for

Tulare County General Assistance (GA) provides temporary cash aid to adults who are unable to support themselves, do not receive other public funds, and are ineligible for any other 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. Two eligibility paths: (1) you are physically and mentally able to work but unable to find a job and willing to accept any work within your ability, or your earnings are below the GA income limit; or (2) a medical or mental-health professional has determined you are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. To apply, you may submit a GA application through any of the following methods: in person at a TulareWORKs office; by phone at 1-800-540-6880; by fax at (559) 749-9837; by mail to Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency, PO Box 671, Visalia, CA 93277; or online at benefitscal.com. Contact: 1-800-540-6880 (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.).

Tulare County GA has conditions this check cannot confirm for you: you must be a Tulare County adult unable to support yourself, not receiving other public funds, and ineligible for other categorical aid programs. Employable applicants must be willing to accept any work within their ability; the disability path requires medical or mental-health-professional verification. The tchhsa.org GA page does not publish a maximum monthly grant amount. Apply in person at a TulareWORKs office; for information call 1-559-624-8110.

What you'll need

Proof of Tulare County residency
Photo identification
Proof of income and resources
Documentation showing ineligibility for other categorical aid (SSI/SSDI/CalWORKs)
Medical or mental-health professional verification (for the disability-based eligibility path)

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 1-800-540-6880

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about General Assistance (Tulare County). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of Tulare County residency, photo identification, proof of income and resources — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Renewals

ongoing with periodic redetermination; employable recipients must remain available for and willing to accept any work within their ability

Official source →Last verified · September 5, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.