General Assistance

General Assitance Overview

The General Assistance Program is intended to assist people who are in need and have nowhere else to turn.  It provides assistance for basic necessities such as rent, food, personal and household supplies, medication, heating fuel, utilities and other essential services.  All assistance granted is in voucher form and no cash assistance is granted.

How to Apply

You should visit the Town Office or City Hall where you live, or call the GA administrator to find out when and where you may apply.

When Assistance is Granted

The administrator or caseworker must issue a written decision within 24 hours of receiving a completed application.  If you have not provided all the information needed to determine your eligibility you may be deemed ineligible until the information is provided.

Eligibility

With the exception of "first time" applicants, anyone applying for General Assistance must document their use of income.  Current receipts showing how income has been spent are required.  Only receipts for basic necessities are considered allowed expenses, which include but are not limited to food, rent, heating fuel, utilities, medication and work related expenses.

Fraud

If the administrator finds out that you have not told the truth, you will be disqualified from receiving GA for 120 days.  In addition, the administrator may refer your case over to the Police Department or District Attorney's Office for committing General Assistance fraud, which is a Class E crime.  The administrator does not want to disqualify you or get you in trouble with the law, so make sure to always tell the truth when you apply for General Assistance.

Confidentiality

The information concerning your request for assistance, including the application, budget sheet, decision and other information regarding your case is strictly confidential.  You, your attorney, the administrator and certain government personnel may review your records, but the general public may not review your records unless you have given your express permission.

Spend your money only on basic necessities and keep your receipts.

Hermon GA Contact Information

GA Administrator: Ruth A. Nickerson
Telephone Number: (207) 848-1011
Town of Hermon GA Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
(In Case of Emergency, please call (207) 949-9393)