SAN DIEGO -- Thousands of Californians awaiting money through the Renters Tax Assistance Program received a letter that said the money will not be coming this month.

Once a year, anyone who has a low income, or is elderly, disabled or blind, can apply for the program for state assistance.

"And then without one word in here of apology for the inconvenience it may cause us, they just sent us this little poop letter and say no, we can't have it," said Georgina Blake.

Blake needed the money, as she is disabled with a laundry list of health issues.

She, like thousands of other Californians, applied to receive a once-a-year grant for about $350.

The check which she has received the past four years would have helped pay for her medications. Others use the money to pay for gas, school or utilities.

"And for some people this may have been their food for the rest of the month," said Blake.

When the new state budget was signed it cut out the Renters Tax Assistance Program, cutting off more than 500,000 people expecting to receive checks.

"I received this (letter). Not just me but a lot of people," said Blake.

Recipients are getting short letters that say the program was eliminated this year.

"Within the last few days were getting a lot of panicked phone calls because people we're really relying on those resources," said Randene Ostlund of the Arc of San Diego.

The Arc of San Diego assists hundreds of people with mental disabilities. About 400 were expecting checks from the state this month.

"I think it's really going to be a hardship for a lot of the folks that I work with," said Ostlund.

There is not a whole lot that could be done about the elimination of the program, at least not until next year if the state has enough money.

It is little solace for Blake, who was counting on that money this year.

"And I just want the Governor, who is supposed to be the voice of the people, to know that this is really sad. He could have at least apologized," said Blake.