Policies

The following General Assistance Policies address sponsored noncitizens:

[GA 114, 130, 141, 161, 162].

Sponsor Requirements GA Policy [114]

The Agency shall request the following information from the sponsor of a non-citizen applying for, or receiving, General Assistance:

A copy of the "Affidavit of Support" which was completed for the USCIS at the time of sponsorship; and
Information regarding the sponsor’s financial situation on a form prescribed by the Agency.

Agreement to Reimburse GA Policy [130]

The legal sponsor of a non-citizen General Assistance applicant/recipient shall sign an Agreement to Reimburse (SCD 355 S/A) for any aid provided the non-citizen during the period of time for which the sponsor has agreed, in writing, to provide for the non-citizen.

Lack of a reimbursement agreement shall not affect the Agency’s right to procure reimbursement by legal action.

Residence of a Non-Citizen GA Policy [141]

A non-citizen who has been lawfully admitted into the United States as an immigrant with the right to remain permanently or indefinitely, and a non-citizen granted temporary legal residence under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (PL 99-603) or Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (PL 103-322) and its subsequent amendments, may establish residence as required by these policies. All other non-citizens, being unable to establish residence, are not entitled to aid.

Recovery from Sponsors GA Policy [161]

The Agency may request the district attorney or other civil legal officer to maintain an action against the legal sponsor to recover for the County the aid provided the non-citizen during the period of time for which the sponsor has agreed, in writing, to provide for the non-citizen. The Agency may also request that an order be secured requiring repayment of any sums which may become due in the future.

The deeming of sponsor's and sponsor's spouse's income and resource shall not apply to an applicant or recipient who is a victim of abused by the sponsor. The total obligation from the sponsor and sponsor's spouse shall be canceled to protect the confidentiality of the applicant or recipient. Evidence of abuse must be demonstrated by documentary evidence.

Sponsor Information from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) GA Policy [162]