Frequently Asked Questions About General Relief

General Relief (GR) is a cash assistance program funded by the County of Orange. It provides temporary cash aid to eligible indigent adult lawful residents who do not have custody of any minor children and do not qualify for Federal or State funded cash aid programs.

Yes, GR benefits are considered to be a loan and must be repaid to the County.

Generally speaking, persons who live in Orange County and are U.S. Citizens or legal immigrants and who meet certain income and property requirements can be eligible.  However, to determine exactly what criteria must be met, you need to file an application.

If you are eligible for General Relief Benefits, you will be automatically certified eligible for the County Medical Services Initiative (MSI) Program.

Persons who are able to work must:

• Apply for other income that may be available such as Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) 
• Register and cooperate with the General Relief Work Program (GRWP)

Persons who are not able to work must:

• Provide medical verification or cooperate with the County Medical Review Team 
• Apply for other available income such as Social Security Disability, Social Security Income (SSI) or State Disability (SDI or DIB)

Unless otherwise exempt, all GR applicants and recipients must be fingerprinted as a condition of eligibility.