General Assistance

How the Program Works

The General Assistance (GA) Program provides time limited cash assistance and case management services to single adults and married couples that have no dependent children residing with them 50% or more of the time.  General Assistance customers must verify a physical or mental health impairment that prevents basic work activities in any occupation.  The impairment must last 60 days or longer from the date of application.  An impairment that prevents basic work activities means that the customer cannot work any hours at all in any occupation.

The program works closely with other agencies and community partners, including the Office of Rehabilitation, the Social Security Administration, and others.

How to Qualify

To apply, you must:

  • be at least 18 years old, or no longer be supported by your parents
  • provide our department's "General Assistance - Evidence of Impairment" - Form1GA to verify an impairment that prevents basic work activities in any occupation
  • pass a gross and net income “test”
  • pass the asset limit test

Income Test

You must meet a certain level of poverty to qualify to get help from General Assistance. The household's total income per month cannot be more than 185% of the Standard Needs Budget (SNB) based on the household's size. 

Gross income is your household’s total income each month before taxes or any deductions have been made. Net income means gross income after deductions have been subtracted. Benefits for the General Assistance financial program are effective the first day of the month following the month of application. Benefits will not be paid based on the date of application. Click here to see if your income is low enough to qualify. 

Deductions:

First $100 of earned income is not counted for the employed spouse of a person who is unable to work.  Then 50% of remaining earned income is not counted if a member of the household has received a financial assistance payment from the Utah program they are applying for in one of the past four months.  Additional deductions for child support payments may also apply.

Resource Limit:

If you own any valuable items, these are counted as resources. The resource limit is $2,000 per household.

Participation

You must:

  • Provide our department's "Evidence of Impairment" - Form 1GA to verify an impairment that prevents basic work activities in any occupation.  The form must be completed by a health care professional that meets the credentials listed in our policy.
  • You may be required to apply for and actively pursue long term disability benefits (SSI/SDI).

Employment Plan Activities

  • If you are approved for General Assistance, you will be contacted by an employment counselor to review program requirements.  Program requirements will depend on the expected length of your impairment.
  • You may be required to apply for and actively pursue long term disability benefits (SSI/SSDI).