Many people earn too much to qualify for federal benefits—but not enough to comfortably afford housing, groceries, utilities, and health care. If that sounds familiar, your state may offer a program called General Assistance that provides short-term financial help for basic living expenses.

This financial gap is more common than many people realize. In fact, it affects millions of households across the country.

What is ALICE, or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed?

ALICE is short for "Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed." It describes nearly 55 million households across the country. Among them, households headed by adults age 65 and older make up a disproportionate share.¹ In fact, half of these older adult households struggle to afford necessities like food, housing, health care, and transportation.¹

“Far too many of us don’t have the financial security we need in order to age well,” said Jessica Johnston, NCOA Senior Strategist for Economic Well-Being. 

Growing older with dignity should be a right, not a privilege. Instead, we’re living in a time when every day can feel like an uphill battle against rising costs and falling incomes,” Johnston said.

Advocating for stronger policies is only part of the solution. Just as important is helping older adults connect with benefits programs that can ease financial strain today. If you or someone you know struggles to afford basic necessities but doesn't qualify for programs like SNAP, it's worth exploring General Assistance.

Keep reading to learn more about General Assistance and how it works.

What is the General Assistance program? And do older adults qualify?

There is no single, universal definition. Generally speaking, it's a state- or locally-funded program that provides short-term financial help in the form of cash or cash equivalent. This could be a voucher, an EBT card, or check sent on your behalf directly to a landlord or utility company, for example.

General Assistance (GA) programs are intended to help people who have limited means and who don't qualify for other types of cash aid.

GA spans a wide range of program names, benefits, and eligibility criteria that vary across states and within states.

Which states have the General Assistance program?

Many states offer some sort of General Assistance—but not all. And the list can change from year to year, depending on state and local budgets and priorities.

The most reliable way to find out whether your state offers General Assistance is to check with your local social service agency. Also, be aware that some states and localities may call General Assistance something different—like "state aid," "general public assistance," or "cash aid."

What are General Assistance benefits?

General Assistance program benefits are typically modest. They're meant to help you cover immediate basic needs like rent, food, and utilities like your electric, gas, and water bills. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, maximum General Assistance benefit levels are below half of the federal poverty line (FPL) for an individual in all but one state.²

Monthly General Assistance payments are most often in the form of cash or vouchers, and the amount may differ based on your individual situation. For example, New Jersey's General Assistance program offers:

• $185 a month for an employable single adult
• $277 a month for an adult with a disability
• $254 a month for a couple where one or both are employable
• $382 a month for a couple where both have a disability

When you inquire about General Assistance with your local social services agency, someone there should be able to tell you what the typical benefit amount is (if the program is availablel).

Who qualifies for General Assistance?

To qualify for General Assistance payments, you usually must be a legal or permanent resident of the United States and have lived in the state or locality for a minimum period of time.

Typically, people with disabilities who do not qualify for or don't yet receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are eligible for General Assistance programs in states that offer them. You also may qualify for benefits if you're unable to work due to age, caregiving responsibilities, or other circumstances. Some states offer benefits if you can and do work, but don't qualify for other types of public assistance programs (if you fall into the ALICE category, in other words).

General Assistance eligibility requirements differ from state to state, but most programs will require you to meet specific income and asset limits. Some states may require you to apply for SSI benefits first. Others may require you to have had a disability for a minimum period of time.

How long can I receive General Assistance for?

It depends. The duration of General Assistance benefits varies from program to program.

In Contra Costa County, California, for example, people who are working can receive benefit payments for a maximum of 90 days in any 12-month period. (People with disabilities can receive benefits continuously under specific guidelines.) In Biddeford, Maine, General Assistance benefits are limited to 30 days per application, but a person can apply an unlimited number of times to have their benefits renewed.

How do I apply for General Assistance in my area?

The application process for General Assistance programs varies. Usually, you must apply through the office that administers the program (often your local social services agency or Department of Human Services). You may be able to apply in person, online, and/or over the phone.

Documents required to apply may include (but are not limited to):

• I.D. cards for all adults in the household
• Social Security cards for every household member
• Immigration paperwork, if applicable
• A list of monthly income and expenses
• Current bank statements
• Landlord verification 

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to ask about General Assistance programs you may be eligible for.

Learn more about General Assistance and other benefits programs

Want to know more about this and other programs that may be available? NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp® connects millions of older adults with life-changing benefits programs. These programs include General Assistance, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and many others that can help pay for health care, medicine, groceries, utilities, and more.

Start browsing to learn about available benefits programs near you.

FAQ

Is SNAP considered General Assistance?

No. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federally-funded, state-administered initiative that helps food-insecure people of all ages afford their groceries. There is a specific application process to qualify for SNAP. And many people who do qualify also receive assistance through other federal programs. General Assistance helps people who make too much money to qualify for benefits like SNAP but too little to afford basic necessities.

Is Medicaid General Assistance?

No. Medicaid also is a federally-funded, state-administered program. This health insurance program covers people with low incomes and limited resources. Similarly to SNAP, there’s a specific application process to follow in order to qualify for and enroll in the program. Typically, if you’re eligible for Medicaid, you won’t also qualify for General Assistance. And while GA can help you pay for medical expenses and prescriptions, it’s intended only to cover emergency short-term needs.

What are some General Assistance examples?

General Assistance comes in a variety of forms. Depending on your state, it’s granted as cash or cash-equivalent, like a payment voucher or EBT card. Are you in danger of a utility shut-off? Your state may pay the electric company directly on your behalf. Do you need help covering the rent? You might get a one-time housing voucher. Some states provideemergency help to buy food, personal care items, and other basic necessities. Your state’s program administrator can offer specific guidance.

What is the maximum income to qualify for cash assistance?

It’s hard to say. Every state that offers General Assistance has its own guidelines. Often, these guidelines depend on your particular situation and current need rather than a one-size-fits-all rule. That said, an overall rule of thumb is this: your emergency financial need must be more than your income. The best way to understand the eligibility rules in your state is to contact the department that administers the GA program. Check with your local Area Agency on Aging for guidance.

Sources

1. United for ALICE. The State of ALICE in the United States: 2026 Update on Financial Hardship. Found on the internet at https://www.unitedforalice.org/national-overview

2. Liz Schott. State General Assistance Programs Very Limited in Half the States and Nonexistent in Others, Despite Need. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. July 2, 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.cbpp.org/research/family-income-support/state-general-assistance-programs-are-weakening-despite-increased