Which California county offers highest General Relief/GA amount compared to CalFresh?

Yes, you can receive both CalFresh and General Relief/General Assistance at the same time since they're separate programs. As for which county pays the most, you're right that LA and SF are among the highest. Last time I checked (2024), LA County was paying around $345/month for an individual, and San Francisco was around $620/month. Sacramento is significantly lower at approximately $245/month. But before you consider relocating, keep in mind: 1. Most counties have 30-90 day residency requirements 2. GR/GA is temporary (usually 3-9 months depending on the county) 3. Housing costs in LA and SF are MUCH higher than Sacramento 4. You need to be able to prove residency in the new county Have you applied for all benefits you might qualify for? CalWORKs if you have children, Medi-Cal, LIHEAP for utility assistance?

I move to SF from Fresno 4 yearsago. The GR IS higher here but everything else so expensive it dont matter. My friend get $588 in LA but his rent is $1400 for just a studio!!!! dont move just for benefits trust me

Alameda County (Oakland) gives pretty good benefits too. I think around $336/month for GR. And housing is cheaper than SF but more than Sacramento. But honestly the real question is where you can get housing assistance because waiting lists are SOOOOO different by county!!!

I work at a nonprofit that helps people access benefits. Like others said, SF and LA have higher GR amounts but higher costs of living. But what many people don't realize is that General Relief in California is a LOAN program in most counties! You actually have to repay it when you get SSI or other income later. The exception is if you're determined to be unemployable. Also, each county has different rules about work requirements and how long you can receive benefits. In Sacramento, able-bodied adults are limited to 3 months in a 12-month period unless participating in workfare. Have you tried calling 211 to find out what other assistance might be available in Sacramento?

The GR amounts change pretty regularly, but as others noted, SF has historically had the highest at $600+ for a single person. LA is next around $320-350. But here's the thing - the GR work requirements and time limits vary WILDLY by county. In some counties, you're required to do workfare (unpaid work) for 12+ hours per week to receive benefits. Other counties exempt more people from work requirements. There are also mental health exemptions that differ by county. I'd highly recommend calling your county's general assistance helpline to ask specific questions about your situation before making any moving decisions. The wait times can be brutal though.

In my experience moving around California (lived in 4 counties), the benefit amounts don't justify relocating unless you have other strong reasons to move. Housing costs and availability cancel out higher benefit amounts in places like SF and LA. Instead, look into: 1. Emergency housing assistance in Sacramento County 2. Food banks (you can get these ON TOP OF CalFresh) 3. CARE/FERA utility discount programs 4. Free phones through Lifeline 5. The new Restaurant Meals Program for CalFresh if you're homeless or disabled Also, each county has different rules about what disqualifies you from GR. Some are much stricter about asset limits or past fraud than others.

my cusin got denied 4 calfresh but got aproved for GA in san diego. he gets like $300 i think. not sure if thats good or bad compared to other places lol

Dont forget u have 2 report ANY income on GR even faster than calfresh!! My friend got $120 from helping someone move and didnt report it cuz he thought it was too small to matter and they cut him off for 3 months!!! The rules are super strict

I want to mention something important that others haven't covered yet. If you're eligible for GR, you're also required to apply for SSI if you have a disability that prevents you from working. The county requires this because if you're approved for SSI, the federal government will reimburse the county for the GR payments made to you. Also, have you looked into whether you qualify for the maximum CalFresh amount? Single individuals can receive up to $291 (2025 amount), and if you're receiving the $386 you mentioned, that suggests you might have more than one person on your case. Make sure your household size is correct on your CalFresh application.

To directly answer your original question with the most current information: as of January 2025, the highest GR/GA grant amounts in California counties are: 1. San Francisco: $619/month 2. Los Angeles: $347/month 3. Alameda: $336/month 4. Santa Clara: $326/month 5. San Mateo: $312/month Sacramento is around $245/month currently. But as everyone has pointed out, higher benefits often correlate with higher costs of living. The most important question is what's available in YOUR county that you might not be accessing yet.

Smart decision to stay in Sacramento! I've been through a similar situation and moving for benefits rarely works out financially. Since you're staying put, here are some Sacramento-specific resources you might not know about: 1. Sacramento County has a Rapid Rehousing program that can help with rent - call 211 and ask specifically about "coordinated entry" 2. The Food Bank of Sacramento County has mobile food pantries that come to different neighborhoods - you can get this ON TOP of your CalFresh 3. Sacramento has expanded the Restaurant Meals Program for CalFresh - you can use your EBT card at participating restaurants if you're homeless, elderly, or disabled 4. Look into the Sacramento Works program - they sometimes have emergency financial assistance for people between jobs Also, when you apply for GR in Sacramento, ask about the "unemployable" determination if your health issues are documented. If they classify you as unemployable, the GR becomes a grant instead of a loan, meaning you don't have to pay it back later. Good luck with everything!