Millions of people around the country are struggling financially. Each month, they are scrambling to look for way to get all of their bills paid and their basic needs met. As people are continuously faced with such economic challenges they have no choice but to turn to assistance programs to help them get through each month. The good news is that there is government help for low income families.
Those who have a low income may qualify for a variety of government programs that provide help with paying rent, purchasing food, obtaining medical care, and much more. The programs are in place to ensure that people’s basic needs are being met. The programs are available in every state around the country, including in American territories.
Another good thing about the programs offering government help for low income families is that it never has to be paid back. The programs are in place to help people I need and to hopefully become self sufficient. You can apply for all of the programs you feel qualified for, because there is no limit to how many of them you can receive assistance from at one time.
Government Programs Offering Financial Help
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Those who need food assistance can utilize this government program for help. While SNAP is the official name for this federally funded program, most people refer to it by its prior name, which is food stamps. Those who have a low income and need help paying for groceries may qualify for assistance through this program. Those who are approved for the program will receive a debit-style card they can use to pay for their groceries. Each month, the federal government will electronically add money to the card. The amount that you will receive each month is determined by how many dependents you have. There is no limit to how long you can receive SNAP for, and it is available in every state. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This government assistance program will provide those who qualify with cash each month. The cash benefit can be used to pay for living expenses, including housing, food, energy bills, medications, transportation, etc. The amount that each person receives each month is determined by how many how many dependents they have. There is a five year limit in most states on how long you can receive assistance from this program. The cash does not ever have to be paid back, as it is considered a gift to help those in need in the community. To qualify you have to meet the low income requirements, be a citizen or legal non-citizen, and have at least one minor child you are caring for. Some states offer individuals without dependents cash assistance under a subset program called General Assistance. To get more information about the TANF program, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – As the leading provider of housing assistance in the country, this is a great agency for those who have a low income and need housing support. HUD is the agency in the country that is tasked with helping people with their housing needs. Their mission is to help reduce homelessness around the nation. HUD maintains several assistance programs that low income families can turn to, inkling a voucher program that helps pay for rent, public housing that will provide you with a government owned housing unit, and help paying for housing repairs. They will also provide weatherization services, which helps to reduce monthly energy bills, by making the home more energy efficient. To get help through this program you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen and meet the low income requirements. There is no limit to how long you can get help through HUD. To get more information, contact the HUD office in your state. To get more information and find your state office, click here.
USDA Rural Development Program – Low income families that would like to build or buy a home in a rural area of the country may qualify for help through this federally funded program. The program will provide those who qualify with a loan or grant that can be used to buy or build a home, but it has to be in a rural area of the country. Whether you get a loan, which has to be paid back, or a grant, which does not, is determined by your location and income level. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medicaid – This program is provided to low income families to help cover the cost of healthcare and medical expenses. Those who are approved for the program will be able to get help from the government to pay for such things as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, and other medically related expenses. There is no limit to how long you can get help from this program. As long as you continue to meet the qualifications for it you can continue to receive the assistance. To qualify, you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen and meet the low income requirements. There are no issues regarding pre-existing health conditions. To get more information about the program and apply, click here.
Head Start – Low income families may qualify for help with caring for their young children through the nation’s Head Start program. The program will pay for childcare for low income families. They provide the assistance to those who have a low income. Families can get the help paying for their child to attend a daycare program, preschool program, or other childcare program that meets the programs standards. The program will provide the services for children up to age three, and then they also offer additional programs to help with childcare until they are old enough to attend traditional school. To get more information, click here.
