What is Family Assistance?

Who can get Family Assistance?

Family Assistance is mostly for families with children. Your family can get Family Assistance if you have at least one child living in your home who is cared for by a parent or other adult relative.  Your family must have little or no income and no more than $2,000 in resources.  If a family member living in your home is 60 or over, you must have no more than $3,000 in resources.  Resources are valuable things that you own, like money in a bank account.

Single pregnant women can also get Family Assistance even if they do not have any other children, but they must be at least 6 months pregnant.

How does Family Assistance work?

The amount of your Family Assistance benefits depends on:

• How many people are in your family
• Your family's rent
• Your family's income

A family of three can get $577 a month.  Your family can get Medicaid and Foods Stamps.

Is there a time limit on how long I can get Family Assistance?

Yes.  Your Family Assistance can only get Family Assistance for a total of 5 years.  Welfare only counts the time when you get benefits.  If you do not get benefits for several months, this period of time is not counted towards the 5 years.  This rule started on December 2, 1996.

As the 5 years approach, recipients will receive a letter about the transition from Family Assistance to Safety Net Assistance.  You must respond to this letter or your case will be closed.

If I have already been on welfare for more than 5 years, when will the time limit apply to me?

The rule about time limits started on December 2, 1996.  If you were getting benefits before that date, your 5 years of Family Assistance started on December 2, 1996 and should have run out on December 2, 2001.  Don't panic if you don't receive your notice from your welfare center.  You will receive it soon.

Will I still get welfare benefits after 5 years?

After five years, your family can get benefits, but the money will come from the Safety Net Assistance program instead of from the Family Assistance program.

Can I get emergency money while I am waiting for benefits?

You must ask for emergency money.  You may be able to get it if:

• You have no money to buy food, medical prescriptions or other necessary things
• You face eviction or an electricity or gas shutoff

Click here to learn more about these issues.

Can I get Medicaid and Food Stamps when I get Family Assistance?

Click here to learn more about your Medicaid options.

Click here to obtain more information about Food Stamps.

What happens if my Family Assistance application is denied?

Ask for a fair hearing. You should also ask for a fair hearing if:

• Your application for Food Stamps or Medicaid is denied
• Your Family Assistance, Food Stamps, or Medicaid benefits are changed
• You think something is wrong with your case

Do I have to work for my Family Assistance?

Click here to learn more about working for your public benefits.

What can I do if I am going to be evicted?

If you and your family are facing eviction, click here to visit the Housing section.