Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Cole, Human Services Agency Director
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 monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Non-Medical Out of Home Care (NMOHC) grant amount for GA recipients from $1,217.37 per month to $1,365.77 per month, effective January 1, 2022.
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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.
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.
Pursuant to Section 2.30.050 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code, the Director of the Human Services Agency is responsible for proposing changes to the rules and regulations concerning policies and procedures for GA program administration. The Agency is now bringing these proposed changes to the Board of Supervisors for its approval.
DISCUSSION:
Occasionally, a GA recipient, whose application for SSI is pending, will require a more supportive and structured setting in a NMOHC facility. For those recipients who meet these criteria the maximum grant level of the current SSI NMOHC 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, 2022, the SSI NMOHC rate will increase from $1,217.37 per month to $1,365.77 per month. HSA recommends modifying the rules and regulations for the GA program to increase the maximum monthly SSI NMOCH grant amount from $1,217.37 to $1,365.77, effective January 1, 2022.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The FY 2021-22 fiscal impact of implementation of the January 1, 2022 GA Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is an estimated increase of $5,342. Funding for the GA COLA increase is included in the FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget, and no additional Net County Cost is being requested at this time.