General Public Assistance

The General Public Assistance (GPA) Program is available for adults age 19-64 years of age who have very limited income and resources and have an illness or medical condition that keeps them from working.  Sometimes, adults who apply for Supplmental Security Income (SSI) but are not yet determined eligible, can receive GPA benefits while their disability determination review occurs.

Eligibility

Rhode Island residents who are between 19 and 64 years old can apply for GPA. To be eligible a person must-

• have an illness, injury or medical condition that is expected to last 30 days or more and prevents a person from working
• have a monthly income of $327 or less
• have resources of less than $400
• have only one automobile with an value of less than $4,650
• cannot be eligible for other Federal assistance programs, although it is okay to receive SNAP benefits (food stamps)
• cannot have a child under 18 living with the applicant
• cannot be pregnant

Covered Benefits

The GPA program covers primary care doctors' office visits/ health centers visits and most generic prescription medications.

For More Information

To apply, please contact your local DHS Office.

For general questions, please call the DHS Info Line at (401) 462-5300.