| Eligibility requirements |
| Program participants must fit at least one of the 15 categories of eligibility specified in state statutes. Eligibility categories are primarily defined in terms of disability and unemployability. Most applicants and recipients are required to apply for benefits from federally funded disability programs for which they may qualify, such as Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. In addition, the person or couple must have income and resources less than program limits. The resource limit for all units is $1000. After subtracting certain income disregards, a single person must have net income less than $203 per month, and a couple must have net income less than $260 per month. |
| Monthly benefits |
| The maximum benefit for a single adult is $203 per month and $260 per month for a married couple. Special funding is available for emergency situations when a person or family lacks basic need items, such as a lack of shelter or food, and that lack threatens the person’s or family’s health or safety. |
| Program funding |
| During state fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009), GA served an average of 19,092 people monthly. The total amount of GA benefits issued in fiscal year 2009 was approximately $45.2 million. Program costs are funded entirely with state funds. |
| Applying for GA |
| To apply for the GA program, you must contact your county human services agency. You may also access county information at the State’s NorthStar web site. |
| You may also download a Combined Application Form (CAF) (DHS-5223-ENG). The completed CAF can be mailed or taken to your local county human services agency. For security reasons, you can not apply for assistance online. |
