Money & Debt
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General assistance eligibility with a criminal record
You cannot get GA if you have two criminal convictions for violating Public Aid rules.
A criminal conviction for a drug-related felony can hurt your chance to get General Assistance (GA) until January 1, 2024.
After January 1, 2024, a drug-related felony will not disqualify you from receiving GA.
Until January 1, 2024, you may not be able to get GA if:
- You were convicted of a Class X or Class 1 drug felony, or
- You were convicted of a drug felony (not Class X or Class 1) in the last 2 years.
- You may be eligible for assistance if you are in a drug treatment program or aftercare program. Other similar programs may also make you eligible.
Last full review by a subject matter expert
November 27, 2023
Last revised by staff
November 27, 2023
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