The cost of living is just slightly above the national average. Even so, there are many people who struggle each year, as they try to get their bills paid. The rising costs of most things, combined with salaries that are not keeping pace, creates a recipe for struggling to get things paid. Many people will need money assistance for paying bills in Delaware, and the good news is that there are programs that provide it.
Those who need money assistance for paying bills in Delaware have several options they can explore. There are programs that will help you meet most of your basic needs, including helping to pay for food, rent, healthcare, and energy bills. The programs do require that people have a low income in order to be approved. Most also require that you be a citizen or legal non-citizen. Some programs allow you to get help long term, while others only allow you to get the assistance for a short period.
Money Assistance Programs in Delaware
211 – This organization helps people find programs in their local area that will help with the specific needs they have. You can call them and they will use their database to find local programs to help you. Their referral service is free to use and open to everyone. To get more information and contact them for help, click here.
Medicaid – This program will help pay your medical bills. It is a program that is funded by the federal government and is available to anyone who has a low income and is a citizen or legal non-citizen. Those who are approved for the program will get help paying for all types of medical bills and procedures, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and more. If you need help covering the costs of healthcare you should apply for the program. There is no limit to how long you can receive help paying medical bills with the Medicaid program. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Those who need help paying for housing and related expenses will want to contact HUD. They are the largest provider of housing assistance in the country. HUD is part of the federal government and have a mission of helping to reduce homelessness in the country. They provide money assistance for paying bills related to housing, including rent and housing repairs. They will also help people who are facing foreclosure and who need to find affordable housing options. They also offer a weatherization program, which will make your home more energy efficient, which will reduce your monthly energy bills. To get more information and apply for help through HUD, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program offers cash assistance for paying bills and meeting basic living needs. Those who are approved for the program will receive money each month that can be used to pay for such things as food, housing, clothing, transportation, etc. The funds never have to be paid back, as they are not considered a loan. To qualify for TANF, you have to have a low income, be a citizen or legal non-citizen, and have at least one minor child you are caring for. They do also offer General Assistance for those who meet the other qualifications and do not have any minor dependents. Their program will also help pay for child care. Those approved for the program have to be in good standing with child support services and must be seeking employment. There is a limit to how long you can receive money through the TANF program. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program provides money assistance to help pay for energy bills. To qualify for the program you have to show you meet the low income requirements and are the person responsible for paying the energy bill. You will have to re-apply for the program each season, since it is funded through a federal block grant. This means that the federal government provides them with money to help pay bills and when it runs out they can’t help anyone else until they receive another block grant from the government. To get more information and apply for assistance through LIHEAP, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization helps people in numerous ways, including paying bills, providing food and shelter, and giving people clothing. They have locations around the country and will help people who live in that community. You do not have to be religious to seek help from this organization. They will help anyone in the community who needs it. To get more informant you need to contact a location near you to inquire about whether or not they offer money assistance for paying bills at that location. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization is similar to Catholic Charities. They provide assistance to people in the communities where they are located around the country and in Delaware. They provide people with free food, clothing, shelter, and other helpful resources. Contact a location near you to inquire about small bill payment assistance. If they cannot help you then they may be able to refer you to a local program that can help you with your specific needs. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
In addition to these programs listed above, contact local churches in your area. Many times, they offer assistance to those who live in the community. Inquire about whether or not they can help with paying bills or if they can provide a referral to a local place that can. Churches are found all around the state and one of their missions is to help people in need, so they expect people in the community to reach out to them. They may also be able to give you referrals to other local places that can be of assistance.
