I have congestive heart failure, need help for deposit in Richmond CA

(Request from Michelle in Richmond, California) I need help for deposit I have a congestive heart failure.

Dear Michelle,

You are indeed suffering from a serious illness that can making working nearly impossible. I realize that even with support you could be facing high medical costs that leave you with very little to live off of.

I assume that since you are looking for deposit assistance that you will be able to afford the regular rental rates in Richmond. Those can be substantial, so I just want you to be sure that you will be able to afford those rates on a permanent basis. If you cannot afford them due to your illness, there may be a way to gain access to subsidized rent opportunities if you are permanently and totally disabled as a result of your medical condition.

Contra Costa County

Your local county government does administer a General Assistance program. General Assistance is an emergency aid program that helps local residents deal with financial emergencies. Such emergencies that may be catastrophic to an individual or family that is already struggling to get by could be approved for a one-time grant.

General Assistance grants are limited to only the poorest of families. Your case manager at the County department will need to evaluate your financial assets to determine whether you meet the qualifications. There really is a very low limit for the amount of property that you can own in order to receive a grant.

I recommend against ever assuming that you do not qualify. Sometimes there may be some flexibility that allows a case manager to make exceptions for certain situations. In other cases they may be able to refer you to another program that allows for greater flexibility for qualifying, so it can really be a beneficial meeting that you can have with a case manager. You can reach the West MacDonald Avenue office by calling 510-412-1920 during regular business hours. A 24-hour hotline is established at 877-505-4630.

Your case manager will ask you a series of questions to obtain information about your finances. This can include questions regarding your income, bank accounts, assets and access to any other assistance from family or friends. Bringing any income statements or bank statements can be helpful.