What it is:
General Assistance Unemployable (GAU) is a state-funded program 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.
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.
Income and resource requirements:
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.
How to Apply:
You can apply for GAU at your local Community Services Office or apply online using our Online Application for Services.
As with all our programs, the only way to know for sure if you're eligible is to apply.
The Application for Benefits is available in several languages. 
[English] 
[Cambodian] 
[Chinese] 
[Korean] 
[Laotian] 
[Russian] 
[Somali] 
[Spanish] 
[Tagalog] 
[Tigrigna] 
[Ukrainian] 
[Vietnamese] 
