General assistance (GA)

The general assistance program provides cash benefits for single adults, ages 18 to 64, who cannot support themselves.

Participants must:
  • have lived in Minnesota for at least 30 days
  • be unable to work for at least 45 days
  • have little or no income or other resources
  • not be receiving Supplemental Security Income
  • not have a minor, dependent child living in the household

For Eligibility criteria: DHS General Assistance Brochure

If you need help applying


You may have someone else apply for you. To do this, you must write a letter identifying that person as an "authorized representative" who has permission to complete the process on your behalf. If you are in the hospital or home-bound, call our office for assistance.

How to apply

Complete one of the applications below to apply. If you complete the combined application form you will need to submit it to one of our locations or email it to mnprairie@mnprairie.org.  You may also call 507.431.5600 to have a form mailed to you.