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General Assistance - GA - Otter Tail County Department of Human Services

530 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Eligibility

Residents of Otter Tail County. Individuals must meet income and asset limits listed below. Also, individuals must be unable to work enough to support themselves because they: - Are a displaced homemaker who is a full-time student - Are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or waiting on an SSDI or SSI appeal - Are determined unemployable by a vocational specialist and the county - Are doing court-ordered services that prevent them from working at least four hours a day - Are ill or have a disability (permanent or temporary) - Are in a mental, physical, or drug rehabilitation facility - Are over age 18, attending high school, and English isn't their first language or are under age 18 and not living with their family - Are over age 55 and can't get a job because of their age - Are taking care of someone with a disability or illness - Have a drug or alcohol dependency - Have a learning disability The monthly income and asset limits, after subtracting allowed expenses, are: - $203 for one person - $250 for a child under age 18 not living with their family - $260 for a couple The asset limit is $10,000 per person.

Required documents

Application/registration form

Hours

8 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday
https://ottertailcounty.gov/assistance-and-support/financial-assistance/cash-assistance-programs/

Application process

- Apply online at https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/? - Apply on paper using the Combined Application Form (PDF). Paper forms can be picked up, mailed, or dropped off in person. Call (218)998-8150 or (888)350-0241 to request a mailed form.

Service area

Otter Tail County, MN

Other Information

Program Fees

No Fee

Description

Helps people without children who can't work enough to support themselves, and whose income and resources are very low pay for basic needs. The maximum monthly benefit is: - $128 for a person living in a licensed residential facility or receiving substance use disorder treatment services - $350 for a person living in the community - Emergency funds may be available if the individual cannot pay for basic needs, such as shelter or food, and their health or safety is at risk because of this People who get GA are also eligible for help with medical and food costs through Medical Assistance - MA and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP.

Last Assured

07/28/2025

Providing organization

Otter Tail County Department of Human Services

Provides a wide range of programs and services to assist residents in the areas of medical coverage, financial assistance, food programs, employment support, care coordination, and case management