General Assistance Unemployable

General Assistance Unemployable (GAU) is a social welfare program in Washington state that provides cash and medical benefits for persons who are physically and/or mentally incapacitated and unemployable for 90 days from the date of application. It is state funded and administrated by the Department of Social and Health Services.

Who is eligible:
Persons who:

• Are "incapacitated" (unable to work)
• Are at least 18 years old, unless married
• Meet income and resource requirements
• Meet citizenship/alien status requirements
• Reside in Washington State
• Agree to have their needs for medical treatment and referral assessed

You cannot get GAU benefits if:

• You are eligible for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits or State Family
• Assistance (SFA) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
• You are eligible for SSI
• You are an ineligible spouse of an SSI recipient
• You were denied benefits or your benefits were terminated by the Social Security Administration for failing to follow a program rule or application requirement.

As with other cash programs, there is a $1,000 resource limit requirement for the GAU program. Certain items, such as a home you live in, or vehicle equity up to $5,000, are not counted. Income is also considered.

External links

• Washington State Administrative Code on incapacity determination]