Main Content:
General Assistance Program
Types of Assistance
A. Medical/Dental
It is the policy that necessary medical and dental needs of eligible persons shall be provided for through Scott County's contract with Community Health Care, Inc. The Community Services Department shall work closely with Community Health Care, University Hospitals and with other health care providers, when appropriate, to assure that clients receive prompt attention.
1. If an applicant appears to be eligible for Medicare coverage, Veterans medical or health care benefits under public programs or private insurance, they shall be assisted in making necessary applications and inquiries.
2. Necessary medical and dental needs include:
a. Dental work/extractions to alleviate pain.
b. Denture repair or replacement.
c. Refraction and eyeglasses (not exceeding $87.00 for single vision lenses, $99.00 for bifocals, and $105.00 for trifocals without a Director's Exception).
d. Items not covered under Title XIX.
3. General assistance funds may be expended for provision of transportation to obtain medical and dental services.
B. Shelter
1. General assistance will not be provided in support of residence in any program operated housing except that:
a. Persons residing in transitional housing programs, which have registered with the Community Services Department, may be eligible for general assistance if all other eligibility factors are met.
C. Food
1. Able-bodied adults without children living in the household will be ineligible to receive general assistance food vouchers.
a. Such individuals may be referred to other community resources.
b. In instances in which no other community resources is available, the Director may grant exception to provide a food voucher on an emergency one-time basis.
D. Clothing
E. Utilities
1. Utilities include gas, electric and water/sewer. Basic telephone may be considered if the client is able to provide a physician's statement of necessity for a phone, or at the department's discretion if a special need is indicated.
2. Utility disconnect procedure
a. Case aide shall make an initial contact with the appropriate utility to ascertain what agreement can be made for continuation, and authorize payment of the required amount (subject to limitations specified in Section IV.D1a).
b. Director's exception must be obtained if amount needed exceeds standards.
F. Personal needs/incidentals, including non-food items.
G. Special needs
1. Transportation
a. Transportation to obtain medical/dental care and employment.
b. Transportation to return to legal residence. Aid will be granted at prevailing rates in an amount necessary to pay for meals, lodging and transportation.
2. Employment or training incidentals include actual and reasonable costs of special clothing, tools and equipment required by employment.
3. Other special needs such as furniture and appliances.
H. Burials
1. All of the deceased assets must be applied toward burial expenses, including cash on hand and funds in checking and savings accounts, or savings certificates.
2. Death benefits may be available from employment, railroad retirement, pension plans, VA benefits, life insurance policy, prepaid burial agreements or Social Security. The family of the deceased must apply for these benefits and apply them to costs of the burial.
3. Application
a. If a county burial is indicated, a general assistance application must be completed and signed by the surviving spouse or next of kin if no spouse.
b. Income of the available spouse must be within general assistance income standards unless exception is granted.
In applications for county burial the financial ability of responsible relatives to provide for the burial will be considered. Responsible relatives are parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren of the deceased.
Ineligibility for county burial will result if there is one responsible relative whose income is at or in excess of 300% of the federal poverty level or if there are two or more responsible relatives whose income is at or in excess of 200% of the federal poverty level.
4.Expenses allowed shall be amended as follows:
a. Up to $2088.00 for funeral services expenses will be allowed. Services include embalming, body preparation, transfer of deceased to funeral home, hearse, flower car and professional service fees.
b. Up to an additional $169 (verifiable by invoice) shall be available for an appropriate casket.
c. In all cases, the benefits identified above represent payment in full for funeral services and are payable to the vendor only.
d. Up to $470 for disposition will be allowed. This benefit may be utilized for cremation and receptacle, grave liners, and gravesite opening/closing. During the months of December, January and February, an additional $50.00 will be available to cover the cost of "thawing" a gravesite, if needed. Whenever possible, county owned plots at Fairmount Cemetery are to be utilized for burial. The cost to the county for the gravesite will be considered as part of the $470 and will serve to reduce the dollars available for other disposition expenses. Burial is limited to a 25 mile radius of Scott County.
e. In all cases, the appropriate disposition benefit identified above represents payment in full for services provided and may not be supplemented by funeral directors.