How to apply for General Assistance (GA) in Minnesota

Who it's for

General Assistance (GA) is a monthly cash payment for Minnesota adults with little or no income who cannot work. You may qualify if a doctor or other professional certifies an illness, injury or disability that keeps you from working for more than 45 days, if advanced age keeps you from working, if you must stay home to care for a household member who is ill, disabled or elderly, or if you are waiting on a Social Security disability or SSI decision. Your income and assets must be under the state's limits. GA is often used while you wait for other benefits, and you may need to apply for them too. Apply at MNbenefits or through your county human services office.

What you'll need

• Identification
• Proof of income and assets
• Professional certification of the illness, injury or incapacity (if that is your reason)
• Proof of a pending Social Security disability or SSI application (if that is your reason)

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Gather your identification and proof of income and assets.
2. Get professional certification of your illness, injury, or incapacity if that is why you cannot work.
3. Get proof of your pending Social Security disability or SSI application if that is your reason for applying.
4. Apply online through MNbenefits.
5. Complete any follow-up requests from your county human services office. The county checks your income, assets, and the reason you cannot work.
6. Ask the county if you should also apply for other benefits, since GA is often used while you wait for other help.

What to expect: After you apply, your county human services office reviews your case and makes the final decision. GA has strict income and asset limits and you must have a qualifying reason you cannot work, so approval is not guaranteed. Caregivers and people kept from work by advanced age can also qualify, and adults age 65 or older with low income are often directed to SSI and Minnesota Supplemental Aid instead. If approved, expect periodic county reviews to keep your benefits active.

Renewals

periodic county review