Human Service Agency Call Center: 1-877-410-8813

General Assistance

The General Assistance (GA) program is a county funded LOAN program and is established by the Board of Supervisors. GA is designed to provide assistance to indigent adults who are unable to provide for their own means and unable to qualify for State or Federal public assistance programs.

Recipients of GA shall be considered employable unless exempt and must be available for and seek employment. GA may be granted to recipients who have applied for, and appear eligible to Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

In addition, Kings County offers GA Indigent Cremation Services for indigents who die without funds and whose families do not have the resources or funds to pay for cremation only. The indigent must meet certain eligibility requirements. Payment made on behalf of indigent cremation is considered a loan of public funds that must be repaid.

How to Apply

Who’s Eligible?

•  Applicants must be at least 18 years of age unless they are:
  • Court approved emancipated minor
  • Legally married, childless minor couple
  • Childless, one time legally married but separated or divorced minor

• Applicants must live in Kings County, for at least 10 days, and intend to remain here.

• Applicants must be a citizen of the United States, or an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent or indefinite residence.

• Applicants must be unemployed, incapacitated, or pending receipt of SSI.

Information Needed