General Assistance (GA)

Program info
Eligibility
Benefits
Apply

Program info

The General Assistance (GA) program (PDF) helps people without children pay for basic needs. It provides money to people who can't work enough to support themselves, and whose income and resources are very low. People who get GA are also eligible for help with medical and food costs through Medical Assistance (MA) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Eligibility

To qualify for GA, you must meet income and asset limits listed below. Also, you must be unable to work enough to support yourself because you:
- Are ill or have a disability (permanent or temporary)
- Are taking care of someone with a disability or illness
- Are in a mental, physical, or drug rehabilitation facility
- Are determined unemployable by a vocational specialist and the county
- Are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or waiting on an SSDI or SSI appeal
- Are over 55 and can't get a job because of your age
- Have a learning disability
- Have a drug or alcohol dependency
- Are a displaced homemaker who is a full-time student
- Are doing court-ordered services that prevent you from working at least four hours a day
- Are over age 18, attending high school, and English isn't your first language, or
- Are under age 18 and not living with your family.
Income and asset limits

The monthly income limits, after subtracting allowed expenses, are:
- $203 for one person
- $250 for a child under 18 not living with your family
- $260 for a couple.
The asset limit is $10,000 per person.
Other benefits for which you may have to apply

If you qualify, you also must apply for other benefits that you may be able to get, such as:
- Worker's Compensation
- Social Security Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI)
- SSI.
Benefits

The maximum monthly benefit is:
- $203 for a person living in the community
- $121 for a person living in a licensed residential facility
- $250 for a child under 18 not living with your family
- $260 for a couple.
Emergency funds may be available if you cannot pay for basic needs, such as shelter or food, and your health or safety is at risk because of this.
Apply

You can apply:
- Online at MNbenefits.mn.gov.
- On paper using the Combined Application Form (PDF). Mail or bring the completed form to your local county or tribal office.
The Combined Application Form is also available in: