General Assistance Unemployable (GAU) is a social welfare program in Washington state 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. It is state funded and administrated by the Department of Social and Health Services.

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
  Supplemental Security Income
  Supplemental Security Income is a United States government program that provides stipends to low-income people who are either aged , blind, or disabled. Although administered by the Social Security Administration, SSI is funded from the U.S. Treasury general funds, not the Social Security trust fund...
  
  ) 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
  Social Security Administration
  The United States Social Security Administration is an independent agency of the United States federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits...
  
  for failing to follow a program rule or application requirement.

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.

External links

• Washington State Administrative Code on incapacity determination]