While the state of Connecticut may be small, there is still over 3.6 million people who live there. With the rising costs of goods and services, many people are having a difficult time paying the bills. They may struggle financially to make ends meet and this can leave them without having all their basic needs being met. The good news is that there are programs offering money assistance for paying bills in Connecticut.
Programs that help people pay bills will ensure that their basic needs are being met. The programs play an important role in helping those in the community who may be struggling financially. If you do get approval for any of the programs you will not have to worry about ever paying the money back. The funds provided are considered a gift to help those in need. Apply for as many of the programs that you feel qualified for, since there is no limit on how many you can get help from at one time.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
The programs below are available to everyone in Connecticut who needs financial assistance. Some only allow you to receive the help short term, while others do not have a time limit on how long you can get the assistance. In addition to these programs, contact local churches to see if they can help or if they can refer you to any programs that can.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is a federal agency that provides housing assistance around the country. If you need help paying housing related bills you may be able to get assistance through HUD. They can help pay for such bill as rent, housing repairs, and weatherization services. They can help lower your monthly energy bills and help pay for things like replacing your water heater and repairing your heating unit. They will also help those buying a house by helping them to avoid foreclosure. HUD is also a good place to turn to if you are having difficulty finding affordable housing in your area. To get help through HUD, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for help paying housing bills, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – For families that have at least one child in the home that they are caring for, they may be able to qualify for TANF. This federally funded program provides cash assistance to those who have at least one child they are caring for, and who have a low income. The cash can be used to pay for bills and many types of living expenses. Those who are approved will be able to get the monthly money assistance for up to 36 months, with some people getting an extension. To qualify, you have to have a low income and not have assets of more than $6,000. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – The program that used to be called food stamps, and still largely known by that name, is now called SNAP. This is a federally funded program that will provide those who qualify with money assistance to pay for food each month. Those who are approved for the program will be able to use government funds to pay for their groceries each month. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. As long as you continue to qualify for it you can get it. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount of your monthly money assistance is determined by how many dependents you are providing for. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program aims to help pay for energy bills for those who are struggling financially. If you need help paying for your energy bill, you can apply for the program. If you are approved, the funds will be sent to the energy provider and your account will be credited with the payment. The government provides the state with a block grant to pay for the bills, so once the funds run out the state cannot help anyone else until there is another block grant received. You can apply for the program every season to get help. To be approved, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
211 – This is the number to a referral program that can help you find local programs that can help with money assistance for paying bills. In Connecticut, when someone needs financial assistance they can call the number and ask for local resources to help with their situation. The referral program is free to use and open to everyone. To get more information about the program and organization offering it, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization has locations around the country, including in Connecticut. The organization provides people in the community with assistance in a variety of ways. They help with providing free food, shelter, clothing, and other services. They will also help with some small bill payment assistance, depending on the location. Contact a location near you to see if they can provide money assistance for paying bills. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This is an organization similar to Salvation Army. They have many locations and provide helpful services to those who need financial help. They will provide people with food, clothing, shelters, and more. Contact locations near you to see if they can help with bill payment assistance. If they cannot do it at that specific location, then they may be able to provide you with referrals to local places that can help with your situation. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
