Health & Benefits

General Assistance (GA) is a public benefits program that is available only if a person can’t get any other benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) help. GA programs must help people meet their basic living requirements. A person must have very little or no income or assets Anything a person owns that has financial value to qualify for GA. GA recipients may also be asked to look for a job or participate in job activities.  GA recipients are provided with short-term financial help in the form of cash or a cash equivalent. This could be a voucher or check sent directly to the institution or payee, The person who will receive payment such as your landlord An owner of property who rents it out to a tenant or utility company. 

The duration of the GA program varies by township and county government. 

Illinois requires all townships and county governments to provide General Assistance programs. However, each township and county has its own GA program and its own rules for its GA program. Therefore, anyone seeking GA must contact their township or county to learn what the requirements are.

Some counties may provide GA for veterans and their families. This is done through a county Veteran’s Assistance Commission. Check with your county government for more information.

Learn more about General Assistance.