General Assistance (GA) provides cash assistance for single adults, ages 18 to 64, who cannot support themselves due to documented circumstances.

Examples of documented circumstances

Adults who are:

  • Advanced age (over 55 years old)
  • Temporarily or permanently ill
  • Unemployable
  • Addicted to drugs or alcohol
  • Learning disabled
  • Medically certified as having mental retardation or mental illness
  • Needed in the home to care for another person
  • Performing court-ordered services

Residents that live in

  • Battered women's shelter
  • Group residential housing

Students that are

  • Eligible for displaced homemaker services
  • Over 18, their primary language is not English, and they are attending high school

Youth that are 

  • Under 18 and not living with parent, step-parent, or legal guardian

Eligibility requirements

  • Be a Minnesota resident for at least 3 days
  • Be unable to work for a minimum of 30 days
  • Not have a minor, dependent child living in the household
  • Have little or no income or resources
  • Not be a current Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipient

Acceptable personal assets

GA applicants may have all of the following assets and still qualify for GA.

  • Up to $1000 worth of personal property
  • Up to $1500 value in a motor vehicle
  • A homestead ( the residence in which you live)

How to Apply

Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What other benefits should I consider?

A: You might also be eligible for