Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Cole, 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) Board and Care rate for those GA recipients who reside in Board and Care facilities pending SSI approval from $1,206.37 per month to $1,217.37 per month, effective January 1, 2021.
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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 Board and Care 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 Board and Care facility. For those recipients who meet these criteria, the maximum grant level of the current SSI Board and Care rate has been allowed. If SSI is approved, the County is reimbursed for all interim assistance provided.
The California State Department of Social Services has advised counties that effective January 1, 2021, the SSI Board and Care rate will increase from $1,206.37 per month to $1,217.37 per month as a cost of living adjustment (COLA). HSA recommends modifying the rules and regulations for the GA program to increase the maximum monthly SSI Board and Care grant amount from $1,206.37 to $1,217.37, effective January 1, 2021.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The FY 2020-21 fiscal impact of implementation of the January 1, 2021 GA COLA is estimated at $330.00 in additional Net County Cost. Funding for the GA COLA increase is included in the FY 2020-21 Adopted Budget.