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

General Assistance

The General Assistance (GA) program is designed to provide assistance to indigent adults who are not supported by their own mean, other public funds, or assistance programs. The GA program is mandated by state law. GA is county funded and is established by the Board of Supervisors.

The county pays rent and utilities for GA Clients directly to the landlord or the utility company. The client may receive vouchers to purchase incidentals from local stores.

Persons who are unable to work are required to provide a doctor’s statement of disability attesting to their physical or mental condition. Persons providing such a statement are referred to the Social Security Administration to apply for disability benefits. The individual signs an agreement that the county will recoup the amount of General Assistance paid on their behalf from their retroactive SSI/SSP benefit payments.

General assistance may be available for cremation and/or burial of cremated remains of indigents that are residents of Kings County based on General Assistance eligibility requirements. 

How to Apply

Applicants must apply in person at the following locations:

Hanford – Main Office Kings County Government Center 1400 W. Lacey Blvd. Bldg. #8 Hanford CA 93230 Office Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm Closed Holidays

Corcoran 951 Chittenden Avenue Corcoran CA 93212 Office Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm Closed Holidays

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 and intend to remain here.
• Applicants must have lived in Kings County for at least 15 days.
• 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.

Work Requirements

All employable General Assistance applicants and recipients must be available for and actively seeking employment within their capabilities. 

Information Needed

---