What Is General Assistance?

General Assistance (GA) is a county program to help needy people with burial costs and their basic needs of food, shelter, utilities, medical care and other emergencies. Counties are required by law to provide GA to residents in need of support.

Where Do I Apply?

Apply at your county social service office. If you cannot go to the office, you can call or write for an application.

You should always apply in writing so there is a record that you applied. Everyone has the right to complete an application.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

Each county has its own eligibility standards. The county must give you a copy if you ask for one.

You cannot, at any time before or after applying for GA, transfer property to become eligible for assistance.

Even if you or your spouse owns real estate, personal property or a life insurance policy, you may still be eligible for GA.

However, you may be required to sign a repayment agreement or to transfer that property to the county to be held in trust for any benefits you receive.

The county cannot require you to transfer to the county any of the following property:

1. A homestead

2. A life insurance policy with a cash surrender value below $300

3. Personal property valued less than $300; not including household goods, clothes and personal effects , such as money.

4. Property selected by you having a value less than $300.

5. Real estate or personal property held in trust for you by the federal government.

6. Real estate or personal property which the law protects from seizure.

When you apply for GA, you may be asked to apply for other public benefits. Other public benefits may include Food Stamps, Medical Assistance, TANF, LIHEAP, and Housing Assistance.

If you are unemployed, but are able to go to work, the county may require you and the members of your immediate family to register and actively look for work.

You may be denied assistance or current benefits may be stopped if you refuse, without good cause, to follow any work requirements. If you are unable to work, you should explain why you cannot work.

If you or your legal dependents are given GA benefits, the county may file a preferred claim against your estate for the amount of assistance provided.

How Will I Know Whether I Have Been Approved or Denied?

If you have completed an application for GA benefits, the county must provide you with a written decision within a reasonable time period. The notice must tell you the reasons for the decision and, in the case that your application is denied, explain the appeals process.

A denial of general assistance by a county social service board may be reviewed by a district court judge.

Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. If you have a legal problem, you should talk to a lawyer and ask for advice about your options.

October 2007 - Cite: ND Cent Code Section 50-01-01
Published in conjunction with Department of Aging Services - Title III