Families all across the country need help at times when it comes to paying the bills. This is especially true in recent years, as inflation has made things more costly. As people try to get better paying jobs, many are still struggling financially due to the rising costs of just about everything. The good news is that there are programs that offer money assistance for paying bills in Alaska.
Those who live in Alaska may feel there are not enough good paying jobs to keep up with the cost of living. Even if they do have a good job they may at times fall behind on paying the bills, due to unexpected financial costs or other reasons. This is when it is helpful to know about programs that offer money assistance for paying bills. Being able to get help paying the bills can make a world of difference in keeping the lights on, keeping a roof over the family’s head, and ensuring that all basic needs are being met.
Programs Providing Money Assistance in Alaska
While people don’t set out expecting to need help paying the bills, it is something that happens to millions each year. Things come up and it can make it difficult to get needs met and bills paid. When this happens, families can turn to the programs below to get financial help so that the bills get paid all year long and basic needs are being met. These programs to not require you to pay back the assistance, so any help you receive will be considered a gift to help your family out.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Those who need help with paying housing related bills will want to contact this federal agency. HUD provides more housing assistance all year than any other single entity in the country. They will help pay for housing related bills, including rent, weatherization, and necessary repairs. They will also help you find affordable housing options in your area. To get help through HUD, you have to be considered low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for help through HUD in Alaska, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program, also known in Alaska as the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program, is provided by the federal government and is to help families who have a low income. Those who are approved for TANF will be able to get cash each month, which can be used to pay the bills. The money assistance provided by TANF can be used to pay for energy bills, housing, food, clothing, transportation, etc. To qualify for the program you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount of money assistance you would receive each month is determined by the number of dependents you have. There is a five year limit on how long you can receive money assistance through this program. You also have to have less than $2,000 in resources to qualify for help through this program. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This is a federally funded program that most people know of and refer to as food stamps. The program provides those who are approved with money assistance for purchasing food. Those who are approved will receive a debit-style card that is electronically loaded each month with money assistance that can be used to pay for groceries at the store. The amount of your monthly benefit is determined by how many dependents you have. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. To get more information and apply for SNAP in Alaska, click here.
Medicaid – This program is provided by the federal government and aims to help those with a low income by providing money assistance for paying medical bills. Those who live in Alaska and earn a low income may be able to get the assistance, which will provide help with paying for all types of medical bills, including doctor visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and more. There is no limit to how long you can get help through Medicaid. To get more information about the program and apply, click here.
211 – This organization will help you find money assistance programs in your area that will help with paying bills. You can call 211 and let them know what type of bill payment assistance you need. They will use their database to find you local programs that can help with your specific situation. Their referral program is free and open to everyone. To get more information about the program, click here.
Denali KidCare – This is a health care program for kids who are from families that have a low income. The program provides the kids with health coverage that will pay for the bills for them to get healthcare. To get more information or apply for the program, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program helps people pay for their energy bills. The state receives a block grant from the federal government to help with paying the bills, so when it is gone they cannot help others until they get another block grant. You should apply early and every season to ensure you get the bill payment assistance with paying for your energy usage. If you are approved for the assistance they will send the funds directly to the energy provider and your account will be credited. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. To get more information and apply, click here.
Salvation Army – There are numerous locations of the Salvation Army throughout Alaska. They provide helpful programs for those who have a low income and need assistance. They may help with paying small bills. To get more information and find a location near you to contact to inquire about money assistance for paying bills, click here.
