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1. How do I apply for general relief?

The application for general relief includes completion of eligibility questions that will include forms and an interview with a specialist. Aid cannot begin until all conditions of eligibility have been verified. These conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Applying for potentially available income such as Unemployment Benefits
• Applying for a Social Security number
• Verifying citizenship, or showing proof of legal immigration status
• Verifying income and property

2. If I am eligible, how much will my benefits be?

Your eligibility specialist will calculate the amount of benefits that you can receive. The maximum benefits are as follows:

• 1 Person: $260
• 2 People: $419

3. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible?

No, General Relief recipients must be either a US citizen or have legal resident status and not be sponsored. Undocumented residents are not eligible to General Relief.

4. Am I eligible if I am able to work?

A person who can work:

• Must attend a GREAT orientation with our Employment Services department.
• Must apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) if potentially eligible

Recipients are limited to a time limit of 3 months of benefits in a twelve month period, whether or not the months are consecutive. This includes time on aid in other California counties as an employable person.

5. What if I am disabled or unable to work?

A person who states that they are disabled must:

• Apply for SSI/SSP and/or other disability benefits as determined appropriate by the department.
• Cooperate in obtaining verification of his/her disability.
• Individuals who are determined to be disabled/unemployable may be excluded from the 3 month a year time limit.

6. I am homeless. Am I still eligible to receive General Relief benefits?

Yes, however your total maximum grant will be reduced due to no rental or utility expenses. The maximum amount a single, homeless person can receive per month on General Relief is $92.

7. What does temporary cash benefits mean?

Employable recipients are limited to a time limit of three months of benefits in a twelve month period, whether or not the months are consecutive. This includes time on aid in other California counties as an employable person.

8. Can I get immediate service if needed?

General Relief benefits can be granted the same day as the application is received if all needed forms and documents are provided.

9. How will I get my General Relief payments?

General Relief benefits are issued on a plastic card called an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Money can be accessed by making purchases from stores that have point of sale machines, or at ATMs displaying the “QUEST” logo.

10. When do I report changes?

After aid is granted, you must report any changes to your income, household composition, and property to an Eligibility Specialist by calling our call center at 888-385-5160.

11. If I receive Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment am I eligible to benefits?

No. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP), you already receive a cash form of public assistance and are not eligible for General Relief.

12. What happens if my electronic benefit transfer card is not working?

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards do not work for various reasons, such as the card may not be active, or there are no remaining benefits. If your card is not working, please call the Human Services Call Center at 888-385-5160 or call California Department of Social Services at 877-328-9677 or TTY at 800-735-2929.

13. What if I have lost my electronic benefit transfer card?

Call 877-328-9677 to report your card lost or stolen immediately. At this time you may also request a new card be mailed to you. If you need a new card right away contact Placer County at 888-385-5160.