40-107 Abbreviated General Relief Application Process
( ) To release a new policy
( ) To release a new form
( ) To convert existing policy to new writing style only – No concept changes
(X) Revision of existing policy and/or form(s)
1. Updated P.O. Box address information for General Relief (GR) mail-in/fax applications designated site.
2. Included reference to BenefitsCal, which is the new statewide self-service portal that replaced Your Benefits Now (YBN).
3. Interactive Interview can be conducted in person or via telephone. A face-to-face interview is not required.
4. GR applicants who disclose that they are not able to work due to a mental health condition and prefer to provide verification from their own mental health care provider will be granted a Temporary Needs Special Assistance (NSA) designation for up to 60 calendar days from the GR application date pending receipt of the medical verification. The GR application will be approved if all other GR requirements are met.
5. GR applicants who disclose that they are not able to work due to a physical health condition and do not have the medical verification available will be granted a Temporary Unemployable designation for up to 60 calendar days pending receipt of the medical verification. The GR application will be approved if all other GR requirements are met.
6. References to the General Relief Opportunities for Work (GROW) Program have been replaced with the Skills and Training to Achieve Readiness for Tomorrow (START) Program.
Note: The GROW term will only be used when referencing California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS) pages until the system is fully programmed. All notices and forms that are currently available in CalSAWS will also display the GROW term pending the system change.
7. References to GR Quarterly Reporting (QR-7) have been removed.
8. References to the Leader Replacement System have been replaced with CalSAWS.
9. References to the Electronic Document Management System have been replaced with CalSAWS Imaging Solution (CIS).
Note: Changes are shown highlighted in gray throughout the document.
An applicant can apply for GR benefits in person, online, via U.S. mail, or eFax. The applicant may submit a GR application via:
§ BenefitsCal website at: BenefitsCal.com
§ By Telephone – Intake Call Center (ICC)
§ In person at any GR district office.
§ U.S. mail by completing the GR 20, General Relief Application, and mailing it to:
Department of Public Social Services
Rosemead, CA 91770-9998
Attn: GR APPLICATION
§ eFax by completing the GR 20, General Relief Application, and eFaxing to:
Department of Public Social Services
eFax: (310) 215-8220
ATTN: GR APPLICATION
GR applicants in need of same-day services are encouraged to apply in person at any of the 14 GR district offices.
GR Program Requirements
GR applicants who completed certain GR requirements within the previous 12 months, will be processed through the abbreviated application process described below. These applicants will not be required to complete the standard Intake application process; including completing all Intake forms or START (formerly GROW) Orientation.
All GR applicants who provide all required verification within 30 days after the application date, regardless of how they are submitted, must be processed within 30 days. Applications should not be denied prior to the 30 th day, unless the applicant does not meet eligibility criteria (e.g., duplicate aid, minor child/children, excess income/resource, etc.). However, if the application has been denied prior to the 30 th day for not making contact and the applicant subsequently makes contact before the 30 th day and meets the eligibility requirements, the denial is to be rescinded and the application processed.
If an applicant fails to meet the eligibility requirements, the application will be denied.
Supporting Documents/Verifications
The Eligibility Worker (EW) is to use information provided on the GR application, including documentation/verification provided with the application or during the Intake process to establish eligibility for GR benefits. Additionally, verifications currently on file as part of a prior case record (GR or GR/CalFresh or GR/CalFresh/Medi-Cal combo case) may be used to supplement the current application if completed and/or signed within the last 12 months. This includes any current or expired photo ID saved in the CIS whether it was provided within the last 12 months or prior.
Interactive Interview
Applicants are required to provide verification or documentation to support statements on the applications. Based on the information provided on the application and supporting documentation/verification, an interactive interview will be conducted to determine initial eligibility for aid. This interview may be conducted via telephone; a face-to-face interview is not required . The applicant may be required to provide any missing documentation/verification via BenefitsCal , mail, or at a district office (drop box or document submission window) or to complete an eligibility requirement, such as applying for other potential income (i.e., Unemployment Insurance Benefits) to establish eligibility for GR benefits.
When a GR application is submitted in conjunction with other aid programs (CalFresh and/or Medi-Cal), process the other aid program(s) per existing policy and procedures.
The changes in this policy release are consistent with the Department’s efforts to enhance the customer’s experience.