Monday, June 2, 2008

General Assistance Benefits in PA

6/2/2008 - Information on General Assistance benefits in Pennsylvania, who qualifies, generally combined with other benefit programs. Download Audio:

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General Assistance, or GA, is a state-funded welfare program that gives a cash benefit to help individuals who do not have children or a family to support, and who are unable to work.

Of all the welfare programs, GA is the most difficult to get because you must have documentation from your doctor or health care provider stating that you are disabled and cannot work. The disability can be temporary, or it can be a permanent disability with the recommendation that you apply for Social Security Disability benefits.

General Assistance is also the program that gives the lowest cash assistance to people who qualify. In 2008, the cash assistance was set at $205 a month, which is usually enough money to pay for some, but not all, of household expenses.

There is no limit on how long someone can collect GA, unless your health care provider has determined that you no longer have a physical or mental limitation, or that you are now able to work.

General Assistance benefits are often combined with medical assistance and food stamps. GA benefits are also available to persons who have applied for Social Security Disability benefits such as Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. If you collect GA while applying for SSI, you must sign a document saying that you will repay the Department of Public Welfare, dollar for dollar, for the GA that you have received. Food stamps do not need to be repaid if you get SSI.

GA is closely monitored, and if you are deemed permanently disabled and are applying for SSI, you will need to do all that is required by the Social Security Administration. If you miss an appointment such as testing scheduled by Social Security, you can lose you GA benefits.

To apply for GA, go to your local county assistance office, or use the link below to go to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare COMPASS website. The website has information in many languages other than English.

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