About the program
The General Assistance (GA) program provides short-term financial help for individuals with severe disabilities who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
This program, inspired by the Housing First model, is run by ODHS Aging and People with Disabilities, Collaborative Disability Determination Unit (CDDU).
Eligibility
To be eligible for the GA program, individuals must meet
all of the following criteria:
- Be homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Be an adult, age 18 to 64, with no minor children living with them
- Have a severe disability that meets Social Security disability criteria
- Be receiving Presumptive Medicaid medical assistance
- Meet all eligibility criteria for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Apply for SSI and appeal any denials received
- Sign an Interim Assistance Agreement (IAR), allowing ODHS to recover GA funds paid to them once awarded SSA benefits
The
Oregon Programs Eligibility Notebook (OPEN) provides more information on eligibility.
Program benefits
GA benefits include:
- Up to $595 per month in housing assistance
- $99 in utility assistance per month
- $66 in cash assistance per month
- Free assistance with the Social Security application and appeals process