No matter what state you live in, there are people all around the U.S. who are struggling financially. This is especially true as the inflation pushes the costs of goods and services up. Increasingly, people are feeling the pinch and struggling to pay their bills. The good news is that there are programs on a national and state level that will provide money assistance for paying bills in Georgia and beyond.
Those who know where to turn to get financial assistance can help ensure that their basic needs are being met. Without knowing about the resources available to them, they end up not being able to get their bills paid and may not have their basic needs met. The programs that are in place are designed to help ensure that people don’t end up homeless, hungry, and without medical care.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
In Georgia, as in other states around the country, there are a variety of programs that will help ensure your basic needs are being met. These programs are open to those who have a low income and need assistance. Some programs offer long term assistance, while others will only help short term. Apply for as many as you feel qualified for, because there is no limit.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This federal agency offers help in every state and U.S. territory. They have offices in every state, so you can contact the one in Georgia to inquire about getting help paying for housing related bills. Their programs are open to those who have a low income and are citizens or legal non-citizens. The type of assistance they provide to people include paying rent, avoiding foreclosure, paying for some types of housing repairs, and offering weatherization services. The weatherization services will help to reduce your monthly energy bills, by making the home more energy efficient. HUD can also help you find affordable housing options in Georgia. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
Medicaid – This program is federally funded and will help pay for medical bills. Those who are qualified will be able to get help paying for such things as visiting the doctor’s office, being in the hospital, having surgery, getting eyeglasses, and more. They also help cover prescription medication costs. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. To get more information or apply for the assistance, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will provide money assistance to pay energy bills for those who meet the qualifications. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. Those who are at least 65 can apply for heating assistance on the first workday in December each year, while the those under 65 can apply on the first workday in January each year. To apply for cooling assistance, the dates are the first workday in April and May. They also offer energy crisis assistance and weatherization services. To get more information about the program and apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program is largely still known by its former name, which is food stamps. The program will provide those who qualify with money assistance to pay for bills related to groceries. If you are approved for the program you will receive a debit-style card in the mail and you will be able to use it to pay for your groceries each month. It is funded by the federal government, and they will electronically fund the card each month. There is no limit to how long you can receive this assistance. As long as you continue to meet the qualifications you can keep getting the help. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides monthly money assistance for paying bills and other living expenses. The cash you receive can be used for such things as bill, housing, transportation, clothing, etc. The amount you receive is determined by how many dependents you have. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and at least one minor child that you are caring for. There is a limit to how long you can receive TANF funds. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Childcare and Parent Services – This program provides money assistance to help cover the costs of childcare expenses. If you need help covering the cost of having your child in daycare, you may qualify for assistance through this program. To qualify, you must meet low income guidelines. To get more information about this childcare assistance program in Georgia, click here.
211 – This is a program that is offered through a national organization called United Way. They provide a free referral service to help people find programs that will assist in meeting their needs. You can call 211 to let them know what type of money assistance you need for paying bills and they can use their database to help you find programs that can help. To get more information about the organization and service, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization has numerous locations and will help provide services to those in need in the community where they are located. They will help with free food, clothing, shelter, etc. You can contact them to see if they can help with your specific needs. They may provide assistance with paying small bills, or give you a local referral to a place that can help. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This is another national organization that helps people in need. They provide food, clothing, shelter, and some will provide small bill payment assistance. To find a location near you to inquire about assistance, click here.
