Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Nicole Pollack, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Modifications to the General Assistance Standard of Aid
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing a modification to the rules and regulations of the General Assistance Program by authorizing the maximum grant of the Supplemental Security Income Board and Care rate for those General Assistance recipients who reside in San Mateo County Board and Care facilities pending Supplemental Security Income approval.
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BACKGROUND:
State law requires counties to provide support for low-income county residents who do not qualify for other financial assistance. Counties fulfill this requirement by providing financial assistance through the General Assistance (“GA Program”). The GA Program provides this financial assistance in the form of vouchers for essential services and a minimal cash grant to individuals who have no minor children and whose income and property do not exceed certain limits. It is incumbent on the County Board of Supervisors to set the County “standard of aid.”
Occasionally, a General Assistance recipient, whose application for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) is pending, will require the highly structured setting of a Board and Care facility. Since 1993, for those recipients who meet this criteria according to the General Assistance guidelines, the maximum grant level of the current California SSI Board and Care rate has been allowed in order to provide these recipients with a living situation which best suits their needs. If SSI is approved, the County is reimbursed for all interim assistance by the Social Security Administration.
DISCUSSION:
The Human Services Agency (HSA) is proposing changes to the County’s rules and regulations for General Assistance Program administration. These recommendations are being brought to the Board for approval as required by San Mateo County Ordinance Code Section 2.30.050.
The State Department of Social Services has advised counties that effective January 1, 2018, the SSI Board and Care rate will increase from $1,158 per month to $1,173 per month. Therefore, the Human Services Agency is recommending that the monthly General Assistance standard for aid be increased effective January 1, 2018 as follows:
§ From $1,158 to $1,173 for individuals residing in a Board & Care facility pending SSI approval.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
Approval of this resolution contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 of a prosperous community by providing funds to indigent individuals in the community until they gain employment or receive federal disability assistance, becoming self-sufficient.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of this request for SSI Board and Care rate increase is minimal at $500 for the Fiscal Year 2017-18. The increased cost is covered initially through Net County Cost, until the application for SSI is approved. If SSI is approved, the County is reimbursed for all interim assistance provided.