General Assistance (GA) is a cash assistance program that provides a minimal income support for desperately poor individuals with serious disabilities, people fleeing domestic violence, and individuals in active drug treatment for limited periods of time.
The GA program was eliminated by lawmakers back in 2012, but it has recently been re-instated. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has already started taking applications for GA again.
Our friends at Community Legal Services have created resources to explain who is eligible for GA and what documents they will need to provide when they apply.
Check this page for complete information. This page also contains information about good changes to the TANF cash assistance program as a result of Act 80 (the law that eliminated GA) being struck down, as well as background information on the lawsuit that led to these changes.
CLS will be updating the page with additional outreach materials and information from DHS as it is released. All information below if from CLS.
Who is Qualified for GA?
People can qualify for General Assistance if they:
- have a temporary or permanent disability;
- are a minor child who is not living with a relative;
- are caring for an unrelated child under the age of 13 or are caring for someone who is ill or disabled;
- are victims of domestic violence (limited to 9 months in a lifetime); or
- are in a drug or alcohol treatment program that prevents them from working (limited to 9 months in a lifetime).
The maximum Cash Assistance for people with no other income is $205/month for 1 person, or $316/month for two people.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply in person at the welfare office, or online at www.compass.state.pa.us. You can also get help applying by calling BenePhilly, at (844) 848-4376.
What Do I Need?
- To prove disability you will need to get a welfare department medical form (Employability Assessment Form PA 1663) completed.
- To prove domestic violence you will need to get a welfare department Domestic Violence Verification Form (PA Form 1747) completed.
- If you are in a drug and alcohol treatment program, the program will need to fill out a welfare department form showing that you are actively participating.
- If you are caring for someone who is disabled, you will need to get a medical form completed by their doctor, or a letter from their doctor.
- If you are caring for a child who is not related to you, you will need to explain the situation to the welfare department and provide some proof that the child is living with you—for example, a letter from a neighbor or relative, or school or medical records.
If You are Denied General Assistance, You Can Appeal
If you apply for General Assistance and are turned down, you can appeal the decision. Community Legal Services can help with appeals. CLS takes new cases about cash assistance, SNAP (food stamps) and Medical Assistance on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9:00 and noon.
The CLS office is at 1410 W. Erie Ave. (Broad & Erie).
Please share this information with anyone who may benefit from applying for General Assistance.
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