General Relief

General Relief is a County funded program that provides cash or in-kind services to needy individuals and childless couples who are not eligible for assistance under any other categorical aid program. Grants are intended to assist with the costs of food, shelter, personal needs and other living expenses. To qualify, applicants must be employable or incapacitated.

Who Is Eligible?

General Relief recipients must be:

• A Fresno County resident
• A United States citizen or have legal immigration status
• At least 18 years of age unless they are:
  • A court approved emancipated minor
  • A legally married, childless minor couple
  • A childless, one time legally married but separated or divorced minor 

Work Requirements

• Employable

General Relief applicants and recipients must be available for, and actively seeking, full time employment. Strikers are not eligible for General Relief. Employable recipients are prohibited from receiving aid for more than three months in any twelve-month period.

• Incapacity

Incapacity is a physical or mental condition which renders the applicant or recipient unable to work for at least 30 days duration. Medical evidence of incapacity must be verified by a health care professional approved by the County.

General Relief Maximum Aid Payment

• General Relief grant amount for an applicant or recipient is based on household composition, shelter costs and income received. Applicants and recipients may be eligible up to but not to exceed the Maximum Aid Payment for the number of members in the Assistance Unit.

General Relief Resource Limits

Personal Property including bank accounts, may not exceed $1,000.
Real Property, other than the primary residence, may not exceed $3,500.
Motor Vehicles: The net market value of a motor vehicle shall not exceed $1,500.
Any amount in excess of the $1,500 limit will be included in the personal property limit.

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