One of the most beautiful states to call home in the U.S. is Hawaii, without a doubt. However, it is also one of the most expensive states to live in. Those who live in the state pay a lot each month for their rent and other bills. This can pose a challenge for people who may not have a high income or who experience financial setbacks, for whatever reason. The good news is that there are programs offering money assistance for paying bills in Hawaii.
The programs that are available to help people pay bills in Hawaii can make a difference and ensure that basic needs are being met. Whether you need help paying for rent, the heating bill, or another monthly bill, there are programs that you can turn to. The programs are made possible by sources such as the federal government, state government, and some organizations.
Money Assistance Programs for Paying Bills
The programs below are options to consider for getting help paying the bills. The programs can help with making sure your basic needs are being met. Some of the programs offer long term assistance, while others only offer short term assistance. Apply for the programs you feel qualified for. There is no limit to how man you can get help from at one time, and the funds are not considered a loan, so you will not ever have to pay it back.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – If you need help with paying rent or for home repairs, you may be able to get help through HUD. This federal agency helps people with all types of housing concerns and helps to reduce homelessness. HUD has an office in every state. They can help you pay the rent, find affordable housing options in your area, and pay for such things as repairing or replacing the furnace or water heater. To qualify for assistance, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The agency also offers free weatherization services, which can make the home more energy efficient, which will reduce monthly utility bills. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Those who have a low income and at least one minor child may qualify for getting assistance through TANF. The program is federally funded and provides those who qualify with monthly money assistance. The funds they provide can be used to pay for a wide variety of living expenses, including such things as paying bills, food, housing, transportation, etc. The amount you will receive, if approved for the program, depends on how many dependents you have. There is a limit on how long you can get help through TANF in Hawaii. To get more information or apply for help through the program, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program will provide monthly money assistance to help pay for food. Those who are approved for the program will receive a debit card that can be used to pay for groceries each month. The card is funded each month, electronically, by the federal government. To qualify for the program, 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 SNAP in Hawaii. You will continue to qualify for it as long as you continue to have a low income. The amount you receive each month to purchase groceries is determined by how many dependents you have. The card can be used to purchase most grocery items, as well as at some farmers markets. This program used to be called food stamps and many people still know it by that name. To get more information and apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Those who need money assistance to pay for bills related to energy will want to apply with LIHEAP. The program will help people pay for their monthly energy bills. To qualify, you have to be the person who is responsible for the bill and have a low income. They also provide energy crises support for those who may be facing a shut off notice. Applications are accepted at certain times of the year. This is a federally funded program and open to anyone who qualifies. To get more information and apply, click here.
Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) – This program is similar to LIHEAP, only it is for getting help to pay the water bill. They also provide crisis water payment assistance if you are facing a shut off notice or you don’t have running water. To get more information or apply for help paying for the water bill, click here.
211 – The United Way, a national organization, offers a referral service known as 211. You can call the program ask them for referrals to programs that are in your area that can provide money assistance for paying bills. You can let them know what type of bills you need help paying and they can use their database to find programs that may be able to help. Their service is free to use and open to everyone. To get more information about the program, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization can help people with paying small bills, providing free food, shelter, and more. They have locations around the country. They aim to help people who need assistance in the community where they are located. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization is similar to Salvation Army. They are a faith-based organization that provides help to people who need assistance. You can get such things from them as help with clothing, food, and more. Some locations may provide help with paying small bills. You can contact a location to near you to see if they help with bill payment assistance or if they can refer you to a place that can. To find a location near you, click here.
