Title
Recommend one or more cost saving reduction options to the General Assistance program:
a) Implementation of a six-month annual time limit for temporarily disabled recipients;
b) Implementation of a three-month annual time limit for non-disabled, employable recipients;
c) Implementation of a $100 grant reduction;
d) Implementation of a $50 grant reduction;
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee:
Recommend one or more cost saving reduction options to the General Assistance program:
a) Implementation of a six-month annual time limit for temporarily disabled recipients;
b) Implementation of a three-month annual time limit for non-disabled, employable recipients;
c) Implementation of a $100 grant reduction;
d) Implementation of a $50 grant reduction;
SUMMARY
Over the last two years the General Assistance program has increased 56% from FY 23-24 and the current year is reflecting an additional 12% increase. The Department has had to return to this board to increase appropriations over the last several years. The Department is requesting guidance on the various cost-saving options so the General Assistance resolution can be amended and brought to the full board.
DISCUSSION:
The Department is recommending cost saving measures to the General Assistance program via time limits and/or grant reductions. The program in Monterey County currently provides a grant amount of $340 per month and a 6-month time limit for non-disabled, employable recipients and no limit for temporarily disabled recipients. Changes to the program time limit can only be applied to recipients who are not permanently disabled and who have been offered an opportunity to attend job skills or job training sessions. Changes to the program would commence on July 1, 2026.
The Department of Social Services is recommending one or more of the following options as a cost-saving measure;
a) Implementation of a six-month annual time limit for temporarily disabled recipients;
b) Implementation of a three-month annual time limit for non-disabled, employable recipients;
c) Implementation of a $100 grant reduction;
d) Implementation of a $50 grant reduction;
Time limits are authorized under WIC 17001.5 (a) (4). Grant amounts are authorized under WIC 17000.5 (b) and 17001. Under these sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code counties may:
17000.5 (b) The adoption of a standard of aid pursuant to this section shall constitute a sufficient standard of aid.
17001 The board of supervisors of each county, or the agency authorized by county charter, shall adopt standards of aid and care for the indigent and dependent poor of the county or city and county.
17001.5. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including, but not limited to, Section 17000.5, the board of supervisors of each county, or the agency authorized by the county charter, may do any of the following:
(4) Prohibit an employable individual from receiving aid under this part for more than three months in any 12-month period, whether or not the months are consecutive. This paragraph shall apply to aid received on or after the effective date of this paragraph. This paragraph shall apply only to those individuals who have been offered an opportunity to attend job skills or job training sessions.
Monterey County’s General Assistance program provides medical exams for applicants and recipients to confirm disability, or for applicants and recipients who inform the Department of Social Services that they are unable to work, as required under the program. Individuals who are experiencing disability and are unable to work receive help in applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI/SSP). Individuals who are not disabled are enrolled in the General Assistance Work Experience Program (GA-WEP).
The GA-WEP had 288 active cases last fiscal year and the Department is always seeking more agencies to partner. These individuals are assigned to complete work hours at local sites (The Food Bank for Monterey County, and Dorothy’s Place for example) which assist these community partners with serving our mutual customers while building job skills for our General Assistance recipients to gain future employment.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The County Administrator’s Office - Budget Office concurs with these actions.
FINANCING:
With an approximate $300,000 budget shortfall in the current fiscal year for the General Assistance program, the Department of Social Services must recommend options to reduce program costs.
Depending on the Committee’s recommendation, the program could result in cost savings of approximately:
a) Implement a six-month annual time limit for temporarily disabled recipients for a savings of $229,340 annually;
b) Implement of a three-month annual time limit for non-disabled, employable recipients for a savings of $64,355 annually;
c) Implement a $100 grant reduction, reducing the monthly grant amount to $240 saving approximately $501,237 annually;
d) Implement a $50 grant reduction, reducing the monthly grant amount to $290 saving approximately $245,537 annually;
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Recommended actions would support the Department of Social Services in keeping program expenses within budget as part of the Administrative Strategic Plan Goal. However, it has been the County’s mission to assist their indigent residents, and to ensure that all have a safety net of support as they work towards self-sufficiency - adopting a reduction in services would lessen services under the Well-Being and Quality of Life Strategic Plan Goal.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals
__X__Well-Being and Quality of Life
_____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_____ Safe and Resilient Communities
_____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
_____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
__X__Administrative
Prepared by: Aaron McDougal, Management Analyst II, x8558
Approved by: Roderick W. Franks, Director, x4430