Most people have heard of federal programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) that provide cash to people with very low incomes.

However, not everyone qualifies for these national programs. For those who fall through the cracks, General Assistance (GA) serves as a "safety net of last resort."
 

What is General Assistance?

General Assistance is a program run by individual states or local counties. It is designed to help people with very little money who do not qualify for other types of government cash aid.

Because these programs are run locally rather than by the federal government, they go by many names, including:
 

• State Aid
• General Public Assistance
• Cash Aid
• SAGA (in Connecticut)

 

Which States Offer General Assistance?

Currently, 26 states and Washington, D.C. offer some form of General Assistance. These include: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
 

What Kind of Help Do You Get?

The benefits from General Assistance are usually modest. They are meant to help you cover the most basic survival needs, such as:
 

• Rent
• Food
• Utilities (electricity, gas, and water)

The help usually comes in the form of a monthly cash payment or vouchers. The amount varies depending on your situation and where you live.

For example, in many states, a person with a disability might receive a higher monthly payment than a person who is considered "employable" (able to work). In almost every state, the maximum benefit is less than half of the federal poverty level.
 

Who Qualifies for General Assistance?

Eligibility rules change depending on your state, but there are some general requirements:
 

• Residency: You usually must be a legal resident of the U.S. and have lived in your specific state or town for a certain amount of time.
• Financial Need: You must have very low income and very few assets (like savings).
• No Other Options: Many programs require you to show that you do not qualify for federal programs like SSI.

Common groups of people who qualify include:
 

• People with disabilities: Those who are waiting for federal disability approval or who have a short-term disability.
• People unable to work: This could be due to age, health issues, or because they are caring for someone else.
• Low-income adults without children: In some states, people who are able to work but cannot find a job and don't qualify for other aid can receive temporary help.

 

How Long Does the Help Last?

General Assistance is often temporary. The duration depends on your local rules:
 

1. For those able to work: Some areas limit benefits to a few months out of the year (for example, 90 days).
2. For those with disabilities: Benefits may continue as long as the person can prove they have a medical condition that prevents them from working.

 

How to Apply

To apply, you typically need to visit your local Social Services agency or Department of Human Services. You may be able to apply in person, online, or over the phone.

When you apply, be prepared to provide:
 

1. ID cards for everyone in your home.
2. Social Security cards.
3. Proof of income and expenses (like pay stubs or bills).
4. Bank statements.
5. Housing information (like a lease or a note from your landlord).
6. Immigration paperwork (if applicable).

If you are struggling to make ends meet and don't qualify for federal programs, contact your local county or state human services office to ask if a General Assistance program is available in your area.

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