How to Apply for Public Assistance in Sacramento
Public assistance programs in Sacramento, California, provide help with purchasing food, medical expenses and everyday expenses. Families in need of assistance with purchasing food can receive monthly benefits of food stamps that can be used at authorized grocery stores. California's Medi-Cal program can help to cover the costs of medical expenses such as prescription drugs and doctors visits. Monthly cash allowances can be issued to help cover the costs of rent, utilities and other expenses.
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Things You'll Need
- Social Security number
- Birth certificate
- Driver's license or identification card
- Proof of income such as a paystub
Instructions
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Obtain an application for public assistance. An application can be downloaded from the California Department of Social Services website. You can also obtain an application by contacting your local Department of Human Assistance by phone and requesting an application be mailed to you.
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Gather personal information needed to process your application for assistance. In Sacramento, you are required to submit proof of your identity such as a birth certificate, driver's license or a voter registration card. You also need to submit a copy of your Social Security number or proof of your non-citizen status.
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Gather proof of your income and resources. Proof of your income can include a paycheck stub, W-2 or tax return. Resources are any possession of yours that can be used to gain finances. Examples of resources include a checking or savings account.
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Gather proof of your allowable expenses. Allowable expenses include your rent, utilities and child care costs. These expenses will be deducted from your income to determine whether you qualify for public assistance.
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Complete the public assistance application using your personal, income and resources information. Fill in each blank field on the application. Failure to fill out the application in its entirety might result in a delay of benefits.
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Take the application and your proof of personal information and income to your local Department of Human Assistance office. Be prepared to be interviewed when you submit your application. Provide your caseworker with all of the information you gathered.
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Wait for a determination letter regarding your request for public assistance. In Sacramento, a decision must be made within 30 days regarding your request. The 30 days begins the day you turn in your application. If you are approved for food stamps or cash assistance, an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card will be mailed to your mailing address. If you qualify for Medi-Cal, a benefits card will be mailed to you.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are unable to turn in your application for assistance in person, an authorized representative may attend the interview on your behalf. You must fill in the representative information on the "Authorized Representative" section of the application. The representative needs to provide proof of their identity.
If your household's income is less than $150 a month, you may qualify for Expedited Services. If you qualify for the services, benefits must be available to you within three days following your interview.
An application for medical assistance can be mailed in to the California Department of Health Care Services. In most instances, an interview is not required. Include copies of your proof of income and personal information with your application.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit FOOD image by JurMax from Fotolia.com
