Social services details Del Norte County general relief policy, sets $317.20 monthly maximum

Deputy Director Dorothy Wadlow of the Department of Social Services presented an update on Del Norte County’s general relief (GR) program and the county resolution that implements the program under the Welfare and Institutions Code.

Wadlow told the board the GR program is administered under Welfare and Institutions Code sections 17000 to 17030.1. The county adopted a new GR resolution in 2019 that sets the maximum monthly payment for an individual at $317.20, composed of a $117.20 personal needs allowance and a $200 housing allowance. The housing allowance is not paid if the person’s housing is provided at no cost by another household member.

Key program rules and administration Wadlow summarized eligibility and administration: asset rules treat certain resources as exempt and set the cash/stock threshold at $100; vehicle equity up to $2,000 is an exemption level the county now uses; personal effects and nominal jewelry allowances were clarified; and payments are now issued by EBT card rather than by vouchers or warrants except where the county pays a landlord directly.

Employable vs. unemployable status and sanction periods The county distinguishes ‘employable’ applicants, who must participate in job‑search activities and are eligible for GR for up to three months in a 12‑month period, from ‘unemployable’ applicants who are awaiting Social Security disability determinations and may remain eligible until a final award. The county revised sanction periods to 90 and 180 days in some circumstances.

Repayment and lien process Wadlow noted that GR is a loan: recipients sign a notarized lien filed with the county recorder; when a recipient later receives Social Security back pay, county staff coordinate recoupment. Recipients may arrange repayment plans directly with the department.

Comparisons and context Wadlow said Del Norte’s $317.20 maximum is lower than many other California counties; she cited Santa Cruz as paying the highest GR benefit in the state (about $807) and Los Angeles as one of the lowest ($221). She told the board 40 counties pay higher GR benefits than Del Norte.

Board questions and operational notes Supervisors asked about the $100 asset threshold and about how housing payments are made when recipients are in shelters or other county‑operated facilities; the deputy director confirmed the county can pay landlords directly when appropriate and would otherwise put cash remainder on the recipient’s EBT card. Several board members and a supervisor stressed ensuring that shelter and transitional‑housing providers receive payments on behalf of residents when needed.

Ending: The board had no substantive action on the item; staff answered questions and indicated they will continue to administer GR under the current resolution and will work with partners operating shelters and other facilities to ensure proper payment routing.