Get Cash Assistance for Myself (General Relief)

Need to know

Help meeting your basic needs

General Relief provides temporary cash assistance, in the form of a loan, for individuals who have little or no money. The maximum loan for an individual is $387 a month, for married couples $636.
If eligible, assistance can be approved for up to 6 months in a 12-month period, and possibly longer for individuals with disabilities.
General Relief recipients that can work are eligible for employment assistance, supportive services, and connecting with employers.

Before you start

Who may be eligible

Residents of Marin County intending to stay
U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or residing under PRUCOL
Adults aged 18 or older with no dependents (or less than 50% custody)
Married couples

We will interview you and review your information to see if you meet the income and resource limits of the program, including:

Cash and bank balances of $400 or less for an individual/$800 or less for a couple
Personal property of $600 or less for an individual/$1200 or less for a couple
Reviewing any money received

What to do

Prior to the approval of General Relief, please have the following available:

Proof of identity- either a driver's license, state issued identification card, or passport
A social security card or verification of an application to receive one
Bank statements

How to apply

Online: www.benefitscal.com(link is external)
In-Person or by mail at HHS locations:

120 North Redwood Drive, San Rafael- 8am-12pm, 1pm-4:30pm

3240 Kerner Boulevard, San Rafael- 8am-12pm, 1pm-4pm

1 6th Street, Point Reyes- 9am-12pm, 1pm-4:30pm
By Fax: 415-473-3333

Application is available to download (Documents 2-5 are required):

Application Cover Letter - Read about how to apply for General Relief (Informational Only).
- English
- Spanish
C-IV MEDS Clearance Form - Fill out top section.
- English
- Spanish
Rights and Responsibilities Form - Review and sign.
- English
- Spanish
General Relief Application - Fill out completely and sign.
- English
- Spanish
Authorization for Reimbursement Initial Claim - Review and sign.
- English
- Spanish
Statement of Living - Fill out if experiencing homelessness (Optional).
- English
- Spanish

What's next

What's next content

When application is received, you will be contacted by an Eligibility Worker at the General Relief office to schedule an intake interview. At the interview, the Eligibility Worker will review your application to determine if you may be eligible for General Relief assistance.

Get help

For any questions, please contact General Relief 415-473-3450

General Relief (Cash Assistance) General Relief (Cash Assistance)