Many people are struggling to pay bills. This is due in part to the inflation that has made everything more expensive, and the fact that the salaries people earn have not increased enough to cover those additional costs. Those who live in the state of Alabama may struggle financially even more than other states. The state has a higher poverty rate is ranked as one of the poorest states. The good news for those who live there who are struggling is that there is money assistance for paying bills in Alabama.
Everyone has to pay some kind of bill to live. Whether it be a bill to purchase food, pay the electric bill, or for housing, there expenses that have be covered simply to meet one’s basic living needs. Not being able to pay for these expenses may mean that someone ends up homeless, or going without something like food and electricity. Those who need help meeting their basic needs do have options to turn to.
Programs Providing Money Assistance
Contact the programs below to apply and see if you can get help paying the bills. You can apply for as many as you feel qualified for. There is no limit to how many programs you can get help from at one time. Some programs offer time limits on how long you can get help from them, while others are open ended, allowing you to get the assistance for as long as you meet the qualifications.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Those who have a low income in the state of Alabama may be able to get money assistance through the TANF program. This program does require that you have at least one minor child you are providing for in order to qualify. If you are approved for the program this federally funded program will send you money assistance each month that can be used to pay your bills. The money they provide can be used to pay for bills, housing, food, transportation, etc. You can basically use it for any type of living expenses as needed. There is a five year limit on how long you can receive help through TANF in Alabama. The amount of cash you will receive each month if you qualify for the program is determined by how many dependents are in the home. This program also provides free job training. To get more information and apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program is federally funded and used to be called food stamps. Most people still know it as food stamps today. If you are approved for this program you will receive a debit card that can be used to pay for your groceries each month. Then the governmental electronically adds more funds to it each month. This program will help you with paying food bills and will free up money that can be used to pay other bills. To qualify for SNAP in Alabama, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit regarding how long you can receive SNAP benefits. As long as you continue to meet the requirements you can keep getting help through the program. The amount you receive each month is determined by how many dependents you have. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Medicaid – This program will help pay for your medical bills in Alabama. Those who are approved for the program will get help paying for the bills for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, eye doctors, dental visits, and more. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply for the program, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will help pay for your energy bills. Those who are approved will have their energy bill paid, with the funds being given directly to the energy provider. The program is open to those who have a low income and are responsible for paying the energy bill. You will have to re-apply for this program each year that you need the bill payment assistance. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This federal agency provides housing assistance. Those who need help paying their rent, avoiding foreclosure, or who need help paying for home repairs may be able to get assistance through HUD. The program provides the most housing assistance in the nation. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information about the programs offered or apply for help, click here.
211 – No matter what type of money assistance you need in order to pay bills, this organization may be able to refer you a program that offers it. They have a free referral service, where they provide people with referrals to the places that can help them with the specific type of bill payment assistance they need. This organization has access to local programs that may not be online. To get more information, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization provides assistance programs to those in the community who need it. They provide free food, shelter, clothing, and will help with some paying of small bills. They may also be able to provide you with a referral to other helpful local programs. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – Similar to Catholic Charities, this organization has numerous locations and will provide help with obtaining food, shelter, clothing, transportation, etc. They may also help with paying small bills. Although they are a faith-based organization you do not have to be religious to get help from them. They will help anyone in the community who needs assistance. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
