Short-term housing assistance for people with severe disabilities
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 is inspired by the Housing First model and is run by ODHS Aging and People with Disabilities.
Who is eligible
To be eligible for this program, people must meet all of these criteria:
- Be homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Be an adult, age 18 to 64
- Have 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) that allows ODHS to be repaid for program benefits after the person is approved for Social Security Disability benefits and gets their back payments
Program benefits
- Up to $615 per month in housing assistance
- $103 in utility assistance per month
- $69 in cash assistance per month
- Free help with the Social Security application and appeals process
How to apply
To apply for General Assistance, or if you are a community partner who would like to refer someone to this program:
Email:
dbl.referral@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Call: 866-535-8431
For more information about this program, call 866-535-8431.