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Cash assistance, also known as Temporary Assistance for Families, helps adults with their problems in getting a job, provides support services for work, training, work activities, and education and helps families learn new skills, build on their current abilities, and keep children in their homes.

To receive cash assistance, a family must have at least one child in the home under the age of 18 or a family expecting a child. The child may live with a parent or relative or live with a person named by a court to take care of the child, such as a guardian, conservator, or custodian. The family must also have low incomes and few resources.

The Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) provides cash assistance and work services to low-income families with children to help them with basic needs while they work toward becoming self-sufficient. This program is provided under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant.

ATAP changed the traditional focus of the state’s public assistance program for needy families to an employment-focused program from an entitlement under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. Temporary Assistance stresses family self-sufficiency through employment.

Download Temporary Assistance Application

Alaska Quest Card - Check Account

Temporary Assistance:

• Imposes a 60-month lifetime limit on assistance
• Limits additional assistance for second parents, and reduces benefits for two-parent families during July, August, and September when there are good opportunities for employment
• Requires families to complete a Family Self-Sufficiency Plan, identify self-sufficiency goals and work or participate in activities that will move them toward those goals
• Requires cooperation with the Child Support Services Division in establishing paternity for the children, locating the absent parent, and collecting any child support the absent parent is responsible for paying

Eligible Families:

To receive Temporary Assistance, the family must have less than $2,000 in countable resources, or $3,000 if the family includes an individual who is 60 or older. Resources that do not count include the family’s home, household goods and personal property, and most vehicles.

The family must also have countable income less than the ATAP income limit. When an adult goes to work, a portion of their earnings is disregarded as an incentive to work. The amount of the disregards decreases over a five-year period.

The amount of cash assistance a family receives depends on the family’s size, income and shelter expenses. Benefits are reduced for families with low shelter costs. Also only one parent is included in the household size for families with two parents who are both able to work.

Income Limits and Maximum Payments
1/1/2010 TO 12/31/2010

Temporary Assistance Income and Eligibility standards (pdf)

Work Requirement

The goal of the Temporary Assistance program is to move Alaskans into jobs so they can support their families. To attain this goal, the program uses the "Work First" approach. Work First holds that the best way to succeed in the labor marked is to get a job, then develop more skills and work habits on the job to advance and leave assistance.

Temporary Assistance participants are required to look for paid employment. Individuals who cannot find immediate paid employment participate in activities that focus on gaining skills and experience that lead directly to employment, and increase the family’s self-sufficiency. Such activities include community work experience, job skills and life skills training, adult basic education and GED preparation.

Support Services

Families who are moving to work need a variety of services to help them find and keep a job, and successfully transition off assistance. The services that are available include help with transportation costs, including vehicle repairs and driver’s license, interview clothing and personal grooming, and special tools, clothing, and equipment needed for employment. In addition, On-the-Job Training (OJT) and wage supplementation programs are available.

Child Care

Safe, affordable childcare is a must if families are to move into jobs. For many families, the cost of childcare can be a considerable financial burden. Temporary Assistance provides help with child care costs so that the adults in the family can work or participate in activities that will move them toward self-sufficiency.

Diversion

Families applying for Temporary Assistance that include a job-ready adult may be offered a diversion payment if they fit certain criteria. Diversion provides immediate focused assistance instead of ongoing benefits. Diversion payments are based on the actual immediate needs of the family, and can total up to three months worth of regular benefits. A family can receive diversion only once in a 12-month period, and only four times in a lifetime. Please contact your local Public Assistance office to see if you are eligible for diversion payments.

The Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) provides cash assistance and work services to low-income families with children to help them with basic needs while they work toward becoming self-sufficient. This program is provided under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant.

ATAP changed the traditional focus of the state’s public assistance program for needy families to an employment-focused program from an entitlement under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. Temporary Assistance stresses family self-sufficiency through employment.

Temporary Assistance:

• Imposes a 60-month lifetime limit on assistance
• Limits additional assistance for second parents, and reduces benefits for two-parent families during July, August, and September when there are good opportunities for employment
• Requires families to complete a Family Self-Sufficiency Plan, identify self-sufficiency goals and work or participate in activities that will move them toward those goals
• Requires cooperation with the Child Support Services Division in establishing paternity for the children, locating the absent parent, and collecting any child support the absent parent is responsible for paying

Eligible Families:

To receive Temporary Assistance, the family must have less than $2,000 in countable resources, or $3,000 if the family includes an individual who is 60 or older. Resources that do not count include the family’s home, household goods and personal property, and most vehicles.

The family must also have countable income less than the ATAP income limit. When an adult goes to work, a portion of their earnings is disregarded as an incentive to work. The amount of the disregards decreases over a five-year period.

The amount of cash assistance a family receives depends on the family’s size, income and shelter expenses. Benefits are reduced for families with low shelter costs. Also only one parent is included in the household size for families with two parents who are both able to work.

Income Limits and Maximum Payments
1/1/2010 TO 12/31/2010

Temporary Assistance Income and Eligibility standards (pdf)

Work Requirement

The goal of the Temporary Assistance program is to move Alaskans into jobs so they can support their families. To attain this goal, the program uses the "Work First" approach. Work First holds that the best way to succeed in the labor marked is to get a job, then develop more skills and work habits on the job to advance and leave assistance.

Temporary Assistance participants are required to look for paid employment. Individuals who cannot find immediate paid employment participate in activities that focus on gaining skills and experience that lead directly to employment, and increase the family’s self-sufficiency. Such activities include community work experience, job skills and life skills training, adult basic education and GED preparation.

Support Services

Families who are moving to work need a variety of services to help them find and keep a job, and successfully transition off assistance. The services that are available include help with transportation costs, including vehicle repairs and driver’s license, interview clothing and personal grooming, and special tools, clothing, and equipment needed for employment. In addition, On-the-Job Training (OJT) and wage supplementation programs are available.

Child Care

Safe, affordable childcare is a must if families are to move into jobs. For many families, the cost of childcare can be a considerable financial burden. Temporary Assistance provides help with child care costs so that the adults in the family can work or participate in activities that will move them toward self-sufficiency.

Diversion

Families applying for Temporary Assistance that include a job-ready adult may be offered a diversion payment if they fit certain criteria. Diversion provides immediate focused assistance instead of ongoing benefits. Diversion payments are based on the actual immediate needs of the family, and can total up to three months worth of regular benefits. A family can receive diversion only once in a 12-month period, and only four times in a lifetime. Please contact your local Public Assistance office to see if you are eligible for diversion payments.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides financial help for children and their parents or relatives who are living with them. Monthly cash payments help pay for food, clothing, housing, utilities, furniture, transportation, telephone, laundry, household equipment, medical supplies not paid for by Medicaid and other basic needs. The amount of the TANF payment depends on family size and income.

[Apply for TANF]

TANF for Families

To receive TANF for Families, a family must be below income and resource limits set for the program. HHSC looks at a family’s income and compares it with the amount the family pays for basic needs such as rent, utilities, child care and work-related expenses. Resources such as cash on hand, money in the bank and type of vehicles are also considered.

Families who are approved for TANF will receive payments for six months. HHSC will send a renewal application to the family before the end of the six months.

Families who receive TANF benefits can also get Medicaid benefits. Families can choose if they want to receive one or both types of benefits.

HHSC provides TANF payments through the Lone Star Card – an electronic debit card that is used like a credit card at the cash register.

The total amount of time the parent or relative can receive TANF ranges from 12 to 36 months and is based on his or her education, work experience, and personal or economic situation. There are no time limits for children.

In most cases, a child must be under 18 years old to receive TANF. If an 18-year-old is a full-time student and is expected to graduate before he or she turns 19, TANF payments may be made until he or she graduates.

If a child’s parent or relative is also approved for TANF, the parent or relative must sign and follow the Personal Responsibility Agreement. By signing the Personal Responsibility Agreement the parent or relative agrees to:

• Train for a job or look for employment if capable (assistance is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission).
• Cooperate with child support requirements.
• Not voluntarily quit a job.
• Not abuse alcohol or drugs.
• Take parenting skills classes if required.
• Get medical screenings and all required immunizations for all children in the household (adults and children who receive TANF can get health care services through Medicaid).
• Make sure that children are attending school.

One-Time TANF

One-time TANF provides $1,000 in cash for families in crisis. It can be given only once in a 12-month period to those who qualify.

To get a one-time TANF payment, families must meet the same income and resource limits required for “TANF for Families.” Those families who already get TANF payments cannot get a one-time TANF payment.

The purpose of one-time TANF is to help with a short-term crisis such as:

• Loss of a job.
• Loss of financial support for a child, such as child support or help paying living expenses (rent, utilities and food).
• Not being able to find a job after graduating from a university, college, junior college or technical training school.
• Not being able to get a job because vehicle is not working.
• Loss of a home.
• Medical emergency.

One-Time TANF Grandparent Payment

The One-Time TANF Grandparent Payment is $1,000 cash assistance given to a grandparent who cares for a child receiving TANF. To receive this assistance, a grandparent must be 45 years old or older and meet income and resource limits.

A grandparent can only receive this payment once, even though other grandchildren may move into his or her home at a later time. A grandparent cannot receive the payment if another grandparent already received the payment for the same grandchild.

TANF FOR FAMILIES
MAXIMUM PAYMENTS

MAXIMUM MONTHLY INCOME LIMITS FOR
ONE-TIME TANF GRANDPARENT PAYMENT

Financial Assistance Services provides support to low-income residents of Ramsey County. We determine eligibility for public assistance programs such as Medicaid, Food Support, General Assistance, Child Care and the Minnesota Family Investment Program.

Note: If you currently have Medicare or will qualify in the near future, you should learn about Medicare D, the new prescription drug coverage program. Go to Minnesota Department of Human Services for more information on Medicare-related programs.

New System, New Access in Community Human Services/Financial Assistance Services

CASH AND FOOD PROGRAMS

The following programs help low-income people with Cash or Food support. Click on the program links for further information about the programs. Click here for information on How to Apply for Cash or Food Support assistance in Ramsey County.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) - This program helps to pay childcare costs for low-income working families.

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) - This program is Minnesota's Cash and Food Assistance program for families who need assistance.

Diversionary Work Program (DWP) - When most families first apply for cash assistance, they will participate in the Diversionary Work Program, or DWP. This is a 4 month program that helps parents go immediately to work rather than receive welfare.

Food Support Program (FS) - This program helps low-income people with their food costs.

Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP) - Non-citizens not eligible for FS may qualify for the MFAP.

General Assistance (GA) - This program serves as Minnesota's primary safety net for single adults and childless couples. The GA Program provides monthly cash grants for vulnerable persons whose income and resources are less than program limits.

Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) - This program is a state funded program that provides a monthly cash supplement to people who are aged, blind or disabled and who receive federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Group Residential Housing (GRH) - This program is a state-funded income supplement program that pays for room-and-board costs for low-income adults who have been placed in a licensed or registered setting with which a county human service agency has negotiated a monthly rate.

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) - This program coordinates services to assist refugees in making the transition to life in the United States. These services include resettlement and placement, cash and medical assistance, and employment and social services.

HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS

The following programs help low-income people with coverage for medical bills. How to Apply.

Medical Assistance (MA) - This program assists child under the age of 21, parents or relative caretakers of dependent children, pregnant women, people who are 65 or older and people who have a disability.

General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) - This program serves low-income adults, ages 21-64, who have no dependent children under age 18 and who do not qualify for federal health care programs.

Other Health Care Programs - There are a variety of health care programs available to assist specific groups of people. These include persons in Nursing Homes, at-home care services, etc. the Department of Human Services web site is a good source of information on these programs.

EMERGENCY PROGRAMS

The emergency aid programs available in Ramsey County include:

Ramsey County Emergency Assistance (EA) - This program is for low-income families experiencing a financial crisis.

Emergency General Assistance (EGA) - This program primarily helps low-income individuals experiencing a financial crisis.

Emergency Minnesota Supplemental Aide (EMSA) - This program is only available to persons currently receiving MSA.

Emergency aide is usually provided in the form of specific payments for shelter or other emergency expenses, which cause a threat to the health or safety of the individual or family. People currently active on a program with Financial Assistance should call their caseworker to apply for emergency aide. People not currently on assistance with Ramsey County can call 266-4444 to get information on how to apply for emergency aide.

Emergency Shelter/Help for the Homeless - Ramsey County has a variety of services available to those who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. Intake services for homeless persons are coordinated through The Family Place. For information on what to do if you are homeless or in danger or becoming homeless call The Family Place at 651-225-9354 or 651-225-9355.

How to Apply - If you wish to apply for cash or food programs, please come to our offices at 160 East Kellogg Blvd., Government Center East, St. Paul, MN 55101.

To access application forms and get further information from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, please go to their website.

To have Ramsey County mail you an application, or for further information about applying for services or our programs, call 266-4444.

Temporary Assistance is a financial assistance program that offers temporary help to individuals and families on a short-termed basis until the household is able to achieve self-sufficiency. The programs are Family Assistance for families with minor children and Safety Net Assistance for individuals, childless couples, and households who have met their 60-month time limit.

• Family Assistance (FA) provides cash assistance to eligible families in need that have minor children living with a parent or caretaker. It operates under the TANF guidelines with time limits of five years.
• Safety Net Assistance (SN) provides cash assistance to individuals, couples, and families not eligible for FA due to time limits. Cash benefits are limited to two-year time limits. After two years, non-cash assistance vouchers are issued.
• Emergency Assistance to Families (EAF) and Emergency Safety Net Assistance (ESNA) provide assistance to families with crisis situations that are threatening the family such as: evictions, utility shut-offs, and diversion payments to sustain the household from applying for ongoing assistance.
• Emergency Adult Assistance (EAA) provides emergency assistance to individuals on SSI with emergencies beyond their control, such as emergency housing, catastrophes such as fires and floods, and replacement of SSI checks if verified loss due to theft.

Getting Help

• Application Process
• After the Interview
• Employment Unit
• Additional Web Sites

For more information please call us at 315-366-2211.

Application Process

How to Apply

• When applying for assistance, you will be assessed to determine the reason for your visit and the correct program for which you need to apply. You will then be given an application, LDSS–2921 Statewide Application, for completion and scheduled an appointment to apply. If you have an emergency, the interview may be the same day as the assessment.

What to Expect

• When you arrive for your appointment, you will be seen by an examiner. The examiner will review your application to ensure it is complete. The interview may take up to an hour.

Required Documentation

• You will be required to provide supporting documentation. This documentation may include the following:
  • Proof of Identification - birth certificate, driver’s license, Social Security card
  • Proof of residency – landlord statement, lease, rent receipt
  • Proof of household expenses – utility bills, rent or mortgage,
  • Proof of all household income and resources – wage verification, bank statements, vehicles

Additional requirements for eligibility:

• During the interview you will be asked to complete a voluntary "Domestic Violence Screening Form." This format provides the options to seek additional assistance if you are experiencing any form of domestic violence.
• During the initial interview, all individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 will need to meet the requirements regarding the automated finger imaging system, unless they meet the exemptions of the program they are applying for.

When the interview is complete, you will be expected to see the following:

• Support Collection Unit for completion of referral for child support and/or to establish paternity
  • Child Support Referrals are completed for all absent parents
• Drug and Alcohol Assessment for referrals to the CASAC for treatment. This is conducted by the Adult Services Unit. An assessment for drug or alcohol is conducted on every individual over the age of 18
• Employment Unit for assessment of employability or exemption based on individual needs
  • An assessment for employment is conducted on every individual between the ages of 18 and 60.
  • Individuals with a medically verified diagnosis may be exempt from employment activities.
  • Individuals able to seek employment will be required to meet all of the Employment unit rules and regulations.
• Once the interview process is complete, the examiner will complete a referral to the Fraud Unit for a validation. This validation will include a home visit for verification that all information provided in the application is accurate.
• The eligibility process may take up to 30 days for a determination to be made. Individuals that are single or a childless couple have a 45-day wait period.

Employment Unit

All applicants for and recipients of public assistance must participate in public assistance work activities assigned by the local social services unit. The applicant/recipient must be in compliance with the following:

• Job Search
• Job Club
• Work Experience

Applicants for or recipients of public assistance may be exempt from work activities if they meet the following exemptions:

• Ill or injured to the extent that they are unable to engage in work activities as verified with medical evidence
• Sixty years or older
• Under the age of 16 or under the age of 19 and attending fulltime a secondary, vocational, or technical school
• Disabled or incapacitated – medically verified
• Are needed in the home due to another member of the household requiring his/her presence due to a verified mental or physical impairment
• Is pregnant, beginning 30 days prior to the medically verified date of delivery
• The parent or other caretaker relative in a one-parent household of a child under three months of age

Additional Web Sites

Federal

• US Dept. of Agriculture
• US Social Security Office

State

• NYS Office of Children and Family Services
• Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

County

• Mid York Child Care Coordinating Council
• Liberty Resources
• Community Action Partnership

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides financial help for children and their parents or relatives who are living with them. Monthly cash payments help pay for food, clothing, housing, utilities, furniture, transportation, telephone, laundry, household equipment, medical supplies not paid for by Medicaid and other basic needs. The amount of the TANF payment depends on family size and income.

[Apply for TANF]

TANF for Families

To receive TANF for Families, a family must be below income and resource limits set for the program. HHSC looks at a family’s income and compares it with the amount the family pays for basic needs such as rent, utilities, child care and work-related expenses. Resources such as cash on hand, money in the bank and type of vehicles are also considered.

Families who are approved for TANF will receive payments for six months. HHSC will send a renewal application to the family before the end of the six months.

Families who receive TANF benefits can also get Medicaid benefits. Families can choose if they want to receive one or both types of benefits.

HHSC provides TANF payments through the Lone Star Card – an electronic debit card that is used like a credit card at the cash register.

The total amount of time the parent or relative can receive TANF ranges from 12 to 36 months and is based on his or her education, work experience, and personal or economic situation. There are no time limits for children.

In most cases, a child must be under 18 years old to receive TANF. If an 18-year-old is a full-time student and is expected to graduate before he or she turns 19, TANF payments may be made until he or she graduates.

If a child’s parent or relative is also approved for TANF, the parent or relative must sign and follow the Personal Responsibility Agreement. By signing the Personal Responsibility Agreement the parent or relative agrees to:

• Train for a job or look for employment if capable (assistance is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission).
• Cooperate with child support requirements.
• Not voluntarily quit a job.
• Not abuse alcohol or drugs.
• Take parenting skills classes if required.
• Get medical screenings and all required immunizations for all children in the household (adults and children who receive TANF can get health care services through Medicaid).
• Make sure that children are attending school.

One-Time TANF

One-time TANF provides $1,000 in cash for families in crisis. It can be given only once in a 12-month period to those who qualify.

To get a one-time TANF payment, families must meet the same income and resource limits required for “TANF for Families.” Those families who already get TANF payments cannot get a one-time TANF payment.

The purpose of one-time TANF is to help with a short-term crisis such as:

• Loss of a job.
• Loss of financial support for a child, such as child support or help paying living expenses (rent, utilities and food).
• Not being able to find a job after graduating from a university, college, junior college or technical training school.
• Not being able to get a job because vehicle is not working.
• Loss of a home.
• Medical emergency.

One-Time TANF Grandparent Payment

The One-Time TANF Grandparent Payment is $1,000 cash assistance given to a grandparent who cares for a child receiving TANF. To receive this assistance, a grandparent must be 45 years old or older and meet income and resource limits.

A grandparent can only receive this payment once, even though other grandchildren may move into his or her home at a later time. A grandparent cannot receive the payment if another grandparent already received the payment for the same grandchild.

TANF FOR FAMILIES
MAXIMUM PAYMENTS

MAXIMUM MONTHLY INCOME LIMITS FOR
ONE-TIME TANF GRANDPARENT PAYMENT

The financial assistance programs provide income support to individuals and families to meet their basic needs while encouraging their maximum degree of independence. The programs are:

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program was signed into law on August 22, 1996. This federal legislation provides block grants to states to fund programs that provide services and benefits to needy families. TANF was designed to give states flexibility to operate programs that serve one of the following purposes.

• Provides assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives
• Ends the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage
• Prevents and reduces the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and establishes annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies
• Encourages the formation and maintenance of two parent families

In Connecticut, TANF funds the Temporary Family Assistance program, Safety Net, Employment Services and many other programs and services for needy families. For a description of all of the programs and services funded by TANF, please go to our TANF State Plan  .

Jobs First Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) provides cash assistance to families. For families with an employable adult, there is a 21-month lifetime limit for the receipt of TFA. Families in which there is no employable adult have no limit to the duration of the benefits. Eligibility is based on income being lower than a set standard and assets being below limits. Earned income of recipients of TFA that are working are not counted until they are equal to the federal poverty level. They are thus allowed to keep all earnings up to the federal poverty level as well as the cash assistance benefit. Families are allowed to have up to $3,000 in a bank account, and life insurance policies and pension plans are excluded. The equity value of an automobile in excess of $9,500 counts towards the asset limit. The amount of assistance varies depending on which of three regions of the state they live in. The assistance for a family of three in the most populous region is $500 per month if in subsidized housing, $543 if not. Adults in the family are subject to digital imaging of their fingerprints to prevent receipt of duplicate assistance.

Families subject to the time limit may qualify for six-month extensions to the limit if they have good cause for being unemployed or underemployed (earning less than the TFA benefit) at the end of the 21-month period, or any extension.

There is a family cap provision in which the increase in benefit for additional children conceived while the mother is on assistance is reduced by approximately one-half of what it otherwise would be. Minor parents are required to live with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian. If there is good reason why the minor parent cannot live with one of these, then the minor must reside with an adult relative or in an adult-supervised living arrangement.

Jobs First Employment Services (ES) are designed to rapidly move recipients of TFA into employment and toward self-sufficiency. Priority is given to families subject to the 21-month time limit and all such families are required to participate in employment services. Jobs First uses a workforce attachment model, with employment being the immediate goal of the participant and job search is generally required before any other services are made available. Child care and transportation assistance is available for families participating in activities that will lead to employment.

Child care assistance is available to TFA recipients who need child care to accept or retain employment. Such assistance continues until the family's income reaches 75% of the state's median income level.

Families receiving TFA are eligible for medical assistance under Medicaid. Such assistance continues for at least two years following ineligibility for TFA if a member of the family was working at the time, or if a family member went to work within six months of ineligibility for TFA.

Because the Jobs First program is a research and demonstration program, there is an evaluation component that involves control groups in two areas of the state. The control groups continue to receive benefits under the rules of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TFA) program.

Numbers served: In January, 1998, 47,656 families were active.

State Supplement

[updated August 31, 2009]

The State Supplement program provides cash assistance to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled to supplement their income and maintain them at a standard of living established by the State Legislature. In order to receive benefits, individuals must have another source of income such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or Veterans’ benefits. To qualify as aged, and individual must be 65 years of age or older; to qualify as disabled, an individual must be between the ages of 18 and 65 and meet the disability criteria of the federal Social Security Disability Insurance program; and to qualify as blind, an individual must meet the criteria of the Social Security Disability program, or the State Board of Education and Services for the Blind.

The program is funded entirely by state funds, but operates under both state and federal law and regulation. Incentives are available to encourage recipients to become as self-supporting as their ages or abilities will allow. State Supplement program payments also promote a higher degree of self-sufficiency by enabling recipients to remain in non-institutional living arrangements. People eligible for State Supplement are automatically eligible for Medicaid.

Liquid assets cannot exceed $1,600 for a single person or $2,400 for a couple. If a recipient owns a home, a lien is placed upon it.

 State Supplement for the Aged, Blind and Disabled (Brochure - 120 KB)

State Administered General Assistance (SAGA)

[updated June 25, 2010]

Through the SAGA program, the Department provides cash assistance to individuals who are unable to work for medical or other prescribed reasons, and to families that do not meet the blood-relationship requirements of the Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) program.

Employable individuals are not eligible for SAGA cash assistance.  However, employable individuals who have substance abuse problems may be eligible to receive treatment and some financial support through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ (DMHAS) Basic Needs Program. You can get information about the Basic Needs Program by calling toll-free 1-800-658-4472.

General application for SAGA services is made at a local office of the Department of Social Services.  For referral to the closest DSS office to you, visit the Regional Offices section of this website, call Infoline at 2-1-1 or look in the blue government pages of your phone book.

General application for SAGA services is made at a local office of the Department of Social Services.  For referral to the closest DSS office to you, visit the Regional Offices section of this website, call Infoline at 2-1-1, or look in the blue government pages of your phone book.

* * *

Qualifying for SAGA cash assistance benefits:

In order to qualify for SAGA cash benefits, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Categorical Eligibility: With limited exceptions related to abuse or neglect, unemancipated minors (under age 18) are not eligible for cash assistance. In addition, individuals must qualify as Unemployable, Short-Term Transitional or Long-Term Transitional.
• Unemployable: Determined by the Department’s disability examiners to have a physical and/or mental impairment (or combination or impairments) that will prevent employment for six months or more. The medical impairment criteria are identical to those used in the SSI and Medicaid programs, adjusted for duration and severity. Individuals may also qualify as unemployable for the following documentable non-medical reasons: under age 16; over age 65; over age 55 and no work history in the previous 5 years; full-time high school student; needed in the home to care for an incapacitated spouse or child; needed in the home to care for a child under age 2; or, pending receipt of a state or federal means-tested program, e.g., State Supplement or TFA.
• Short-Term Transitional: Medical documentation of inability to work for 2 – 6 months. Must have a recent work history in order to qualify under this category (earned at least $500 in each of 3 of the last 5 calendar quarters, or was eligible to collect Unemployment Compensation during the previous six months).
• Long-Term Transitional: Medical documentation of inability to work for six months or more. No work history required; however, all cases are referred to the Department’s disability examiners for a review of unemployability.

* * *

Qualifying for medical assistance benefits (Medicaid for Low-Income Adults):

The Medicaid LIA program provides medical assistance to low-income persons between the ages of 19 and 65 who do not receiving federal Supplemental Security Income or Medicare and who are not pregnant.  There are no categorical program requirements; eligibility is based on income only. The income limit for an individual ranges from $506.22 monthly to $610.61, depending on what region of the state he or she lives in. 

For more information, please follow this link -

Connecticut First State to Expand Medicaid Coverage Under Federal Affordable Care Act

Funeral Allowance for SAGA 

The Department pays for funeral and burial expenses of SAGA recipients and indigent persons (other than TFA or State Supplement recipients) who die without sufficient estate or legally-liable relatives able to pay for the cost of a proper funeral and burial. The Department’s maximum payment is $1,800 This amount is reduced by any amount in the estate (including the face value of burial and insurance policies), the amount of actual or expected contributions from legally liable relatives, and the amount of all other contributions (regardless of source) that exceed $2,800.

Application must be made within one year of the date of death and may be filed by the funeral director, a family member, or any individual who made the funeral arrangements.

SSI Appeal Attorney Fee Payments

DSS pays attorney fees in successful appeals of Social Security Income (SSI) denials for SAGA recipients. Attorneys are paid $1,000 or an amount equal to 25% of the appellant’s retroactive SSI award, whichever is greater. These payments enable disabled people who otherwise would become long-term recipients of General Assistance at state cost to pursue federal benefits.

Out-of-State Transportation

The department will provide transportation for individuals receiving public or general assistance to any other state or country if such individual has a relative who agrees to support the individual, or the individual has a job in the other state.

Families and Caretakers with Children

• California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)  is a cash aid program for low income families to meet their basic needs. It also provides education, employment, and training programs to help families get jobs and move towards self-sufficiency. Child care, transportation, work expenses and counseling are available for families in work activities. There is a five year time limit for adults but the children can remain on aid if otherwise eligible under the Safety Net program. There are special services for pregnant and parenting teens through the CalLearn program. You can also find out more information from your local county welfare department .
• You may be eligible for child care help  when you enroll in a CalWORKs  program. More information is available about this program through your local county welfare office .
• Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)  is a debit card that is used to access food stamp benefits and, in most counties, cash public assistance benefits.
• The Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)  provides monthly cash benefits to aged, blind, and disabled non-citizens (immigrants) who are not eligible for SSI/SSP  solely due to their immigrant status.
• The Kin-GAP  program provides cash assistance to relative caregivers who become Legal Guardians of dependent foster youth placed in their home.
• Frequently Asked Questions about Child Support  from the Department of Child Support Services.
• The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit available to qualifying low-income individuals and families. Individuals who qualify for the EITC and file a federal tax return can receive a refund of some or all of their federal income tax. For more information, contact the Internal Revenue Services (IRS)  or the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in your county.

Adults

• Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)  is a debit card that is used to access food stamp benefits and, in most counties, cash public assistance benefits.
• The General Assistance and/or General Relief (GA/GR)  Program provides relief and support to adults without resources who are not supported by their own means, other public funds, or assistance programs. Benefits, payment levels, and eligibility requirements of these county programs will vary among each of California's 58 counties. For further information or to apply for the GA/GR Program, contact the Department of Social or Human Services in your county of residence.
• The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit available to qualifying low-income individuals and families. Individuals who qualify for the EITC and file a federal tax return can receive a refund of some or all of their federal income tax. For more information, contact the Internal Revenue Services (IRS)  or the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in your county.

Seniors

• Social Security retirement, disability or spouse benefits  Apply online for these Social Security programs, and complete other available online transactions.
• Supplemental Security Income / State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP)  The Social Security Administration's SSI  program provides income support to individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind or disabled who have little or no income and it provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. The State Supplemental Payment (SSP) program supplements SSI benefits. More information about SSI can be found at Social Security's online publications .
• The California Veterans Cash Benefit (CVCB)  program is closely linked to the Special Veterans Benefit  program. CVCB eligible individuals (members of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines military forces who were in the service of the United States during World War II and who reside in the Philippines) need to contact their local Social Security Administration office  to find out about current payment amounts or to apply for these benefits.
• The Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)  provides monthly cash benefits to aged, blind, and disabled non-citizens (immigrants) who are not eligible for SSI/SSP  solely due to their immigrant status.
• In-Home Supportive Services  If you are over 65 years of age, disabled, or blind, IHSS will help pay for services provided to you so that you can remain safely in your own home. For more information and to apply for these services, contact your local county welfare office .

Disabled Children and Adults

• Supplemental Security Income / State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP)  The Social Security Administration's SSI  program provides income support to individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind or disabled. The State Supplemental Payment (SSP) program supplements SSI benefits. More information about SSI can be found at Social Security's online publications. If you meet SSAs non-medical criteria, your application for SSDI benefits will be sent to the Disability Determination Service Division (DDSD) in the California Department of Social Services to be evaluated.
• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) , you must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Then you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. In general, monthly cash benefits are paid to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability. For more information and how to apply can be found at Social Security's website . If you meet SSA's non-medical criteria, your application for SSDI benefits will be sent to the Disability Determination Service Division (DDSD) in the California Department of Social Services to be evaluated.
• The Social Security Administration's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children under age 18  program provides income to disabled children under age 18 who meet SSA's legal definition of disability: a child who has a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and the condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or result in death. For more information about eligibility, see the Social Security Administration's online information . If you meet SSA's non-medical criteria, your application for SSI benefits will be sent to the Disability Determination Service Division (DDSD) in the California Department of Social Services to be evaluated.
• The Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program (ADSA)  provides $50 per month to eligible persons who use a guide, signal, or service dog to help them with needs related to their physical disabilities. The allowance is to help pay the costs of food, grooming, and health care for the dogs.
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)  If you are over 65 years of age, disabled, or blind, IHSS will help pay for services provided to you so that you can remain safely in your own home. For more information and to apply for these services, contact your local county welfare office .
• The Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)  provides monthly cash benefits to aged, blind, and disabled non-citizens (immigrants) who are not eligible for SSI/SSP  solely due to their immigrant status.

I need to arrange US$ 2000 within 24 hours to save my family’s life, I am a research scientist & have been into business for 20 years but accidentally got bankrupted and lost my life, during the last one year we’ve been in trouble but finally found a job overseas. Unfortunately it will take about two months to receive the first income, and I have no way to pass the gap. I need to have a short term loan of US$ 2000, for 3 months, whoever can help me with any amount through the PayPal, I promise to pay it back within 3 months to the same PayPal account. Unfortunately I have nothing to secure the amount other than my word. We are really in critical situation and your co-operation will save our life.

Please help me! I have been unemployed since Dec 2008, I was issued a small severance package which included money for Cobra. I was not entitled to unemployment until May of this year. I was served an eviction notice on 10.21.2009 my rent here in Harvey, La is 2100.00 for the home that my 3 children and myself have ben living. If you can please help NOW!! I would be forever grateful... Once I get employment again, I can repay the amount the we agreed upon in a legal promisary note.  

If you can email me @ recruiterspecialist81@yahoo.com I will be happy to give you my landlords name and address as well as my information in order to repay the loan.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers !

Please no negative or bashful remarks.... you never know what the Lord has in store for you. I never-ever thought I would be in this situation. 

Hi i am james a single father of a teen daughter. I have some disabilities that prevent me from gaining and keeping for very long any gainful employment [although i do not give up] Shelly is a typical teen girl but as we all remember peer presure and ridicule in school, she faces the same. I have not been able to work for a couple months now and local services will not even cover our 1bdrm apt, yes she has the bdrm and i the convertable couch. we have been living off my savings from prior employment but am now at the very end or matter of factly broke, i do not even have money to give her for lunchs. I am asking for donations of any amount to help out with our expenses, rent is past due, bank account over drawn, phone payment is over due and we are very close to being out of food. My auto insurance is coming due again and i just do not have it. Just to declare my disabilities are not drug or alcohol related. Please Please would someone who can afford to help us send donations to james farquharson 1056 west main st graham nc 27253  God Bless You     james &  Shelly                      I am not a lazy man looking for a free ride, we are in a despirate situation which leads to despirate actions. Please consider helping us!