Qualifications for General Assistance

To receive General Assistance (GA) your income must fall below the State’s overall maximum level of assistance for our area and your household size.

The first time you apply for GA, if you have never applied previously anywhere in the State, your income will be the only information the caseworker will need to figure out your benefit. Every time you apply, after the first time, you will have to show that you are doing everything you have been asked to do to reduce your need for assistance.

The amount of assistance you receive depends upon your situation. Assistance may be granted for a period of time that is no longer than one month, although it may be granted for shorter periods, such as a week at a time.  If you need GA, your request is to help with current bills; GA does not pay for back bills.