General Assistance

The Washoe County Department of Social Services General Assistance program provides temporary cash assistance and case management services to eligible Washoe County residents. Categories of assistance include:

Employable – Persons who are capable of employment may qualify for assistance after a valid job search is completed. Assistance is limited to 30-days in a 12-month period.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Families who are potentially eligible for TANF may qualify while pending TANF assistance with the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. Continued compliance with TANF requirements is necessary to receive assistance. Assistance is limited to 30-days in a 12-month period.

Family – Families who are not potentially eligible for TANF due to the expiration of their eligibility time limits may qualify. Each adult household member may be required to complete a valid job search. Assistance is limited to 30-days in a 12-month period.

Disabled – The Disabled category of General Assistance provides financial and non-financial assistance to individuals who are unable to perform any work activity by reason of any medically determinable physical and/or mental impairment that can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months from the date of application, or result in death. Additionally, applicants must meet the financial and non-financial requirements of the Social Security Disability programs.

Department Social Workers and contracted medical staff conduct an in depth assessment and review of medical records to determine the applicant’s eligibility. Persons who appear to be potentially eligible for Social Security disability programs are assisted with the application and case managed by Department Social Workers while awaiting the Social Security determination.