Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Modification to the General Assistance Program Rules and Regulations
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing a modification to the Rules and Regulations of the General Assistance (GA) Program by increasing the maximum grant of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Non-Medical Out of Home Care (NMOHC) rate for those GA recipients who reside in NMOHC facilities pending SSI approval from $1,599.07 per month to $1,626.07 per month, effective January 1, 2026.
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BACKGROUND:
California law requires counties to provide support for indigent county residents who do not qualify for other financial assistance. Counties meet this requirement by providing financial assistance through the GA program. Pursuant to Section 2.30.050 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code, the Human Services Agency is responsible for proposing changes to the rules and regulations concerning policies and procedures for GA program administration to the Board of Supervisors for approval.
The GA program provides financial assistance in the form of cash and vendor payments, to pay for essential services such as food, utilities, and rent. In addition, vendor payments for NMOHC facilities are made on behalf of qualifying GA clients.
DISCUSSION:
Occasionally, a GA recipient, whose application for SSI is pending, will require a more supportive and structured setting in a NMOHC facility. Recipients who meet these criteria are provided with the maximum grant level at the current SSI Non-Medical Out-of-Home Care (NMOHC) rate. If SSI benefits are subsequently approved, the County is reimbursed for all interim assistance provided.
The California State Department of Social Services has advised counties that effective January 1, 2026, the SSI NMOHC rate will increase from $1,599.07 per month to $1,626.07 per month. HSA recommends modifying the rules and regulations for the GA program to increase the maximum monthly SSI NMOCH grant amount from $1,599.07 to $1,626.07 effective January 1, 2026.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Fiscal Year 2025-26 impact of implementation of the January 1, 2026 GA Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is estimated at $972 in additional Net County Cost. Funding for the GA COLA increase is included in the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget