What is General Assistance Unemployable (GAU)?
- GAU is a state-funded program that provides a small cash grant (maximum of $339 a month) and medical coverage to low-income people who are disabled and unable to work due to a mental or physical disability.
How does someone qualify for GAU?
- To qualify, an individual must prove with medical or psychological evidence that he or she is unable to work for at least 90 days.
Who receives GAU?
- Approximately 50,000 Washington residents were helped with GA in FY 2007. In any given month, 33,000 people are on GA. Of these clients, approximately 14,000 are on GAU.
What types of people are on GAU?
- A blue collar worker with rheumatoid arthritis
- A clinically depressed displaced homemaker
- A person who is HIV positive
- A mentally handicapped person with an IQ slightly above federal SSI limits
- A disabled veteran waiting for his VA benefits to be approved
- Victims of domestic violence whose injuries prevent them from working
Are GAU clients homeless?
- Yes, approximately 25% of GAU recipients are homeless.
How are GAU benefits used?
- Food, rent, transportation, and health care.
