File #: 13-0575    Name: General Assistance
Type: General Agenda Item Status: Passed
File created: 5/28/2013 In control: Board of Supervisors
On agenda: 6/11/2013 Final action: 6/11/2013
Title: a. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to increase appropriations for FY 2012-13 in the Department of Social Services General Assistance Budget Unit 8253 (SOC002) by $85,000, financed by a cancellation of $85,000 from the Social Services Assignment (4/5th vote required); and b. Direct the County Administrative Office to confirm with the Auditor-Controller the amount to cancel from the Social Services Assignment during the closing of the Fiscal Year 2011-12 actual results.
Attachments: 1. Completed Board Order
Title
a. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to increase appropriations for FY 2012-13 in the Department of Social Services General Assistance Budget Unit 8253 (SOC002) by $85,000, financed by a cancellation of $85,000 from the Social Services Assignment (4/5th vote required); and
b. Direct the County Administrative Office to confirm with the Auditor-Controller the amount to cancel from the Social Services Assignment during the closing of the Fiscal Year 2011-12 actual results.

Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to increase appropriations for FY 2012-13 in the Department of Social Services General Assistance Budget Unit 8253 (SOC002) by $85,000, financed by a cancellation of $85,000 from the Social Services Assignment (4/5th vote required); and
b. Direct the County Administrative Office to confirm with the Auditor-Controller the amount to cancel from the Social Services Assignment during the closing of the Fiscal Year 2011-12 actual results.

SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
General Assistance is a county funded program that provides cash and "in-kind" assistance to extremely low-income residents who are not eligible for other public assistance programs. There are two parts to this aid program: 1) Regular General Assistance payments for indigents who are able-bodied; and 2) Interim Assistance payments which are paid to persons who are applying for Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP) because of a disability. Adults who are able to work are required to participate in the Work Experience Program that requires work with government or non-profit agencies.

As has been reported throughout the fiscal year to the Board Budget Committee, the severe down-turn in the local economy continues to have a significant and increasing impact on the number of individuals needing cash assistance. The monthly average number of cases July 2011 to March 2012 was 599 and July 2012 t...

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