Being able to keep the bills paid can be the difference in being homeless or not, and having electricity or not, among other things. It is crucial that families be able to pay their bills each month and make ends meet. Despite that, there are many people who struggle financially, trying to keep up with the rising costs of goods and services. The good news is that here are programs offering money assistance for paying bills in Indiana.
The programs that will help with paying bills in Indiana are made possible by federal and state funding, as well as by some organizations. There are numerous options to consider so that you get the help you need for your specific situation. There is no limit to how many of these programs you can get help from, and you will not have to pay the funds back. Any help you get is considered a gift, rather than a loan.
Programs Offering Money Assistance
Paying bills is something nobody want to do each month, but something that has to be done in order to keep having things like housing, electricity, food, and more. Apply for the programs below if you are financially challenged, so you can get the help you need to ensure your basic needs are being met.
211 – This phone number is offered by the United Way as a referral service to help those in need. If you need help paying the bills, you can call them to get referrals to local programs that can help with your situation. The service is offered free of charge and they can help you with finding programs that are local and may not be otherwise found online. To get more information about the service, click here.
Medicaid – Considering medical bills and healthcare are some of the largest bills we may have, it is important to know about the Medicaid program. This federally funded program will help pay for the bills related to healthcare for those who qualify for the program. To qualify, you have to meet the low income guidelines and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can get bill payment assistance from Medicaid. This will help cover the costs of obtaining prescription drugs, going to the doctor’s office, a clinic, or even being in the hospital. To get more information about the program and apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program will help by providing money assistance for purchasing groceries. If you are approved they will provide you with a way to pay for your groceries each month. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The program is often referred to as food stamps, because that is what the name of it used to be. The amount you receive each month is determined by how many dependents you have. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. To get more information or apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program will provide you with money assistance for paying bills each month. Those who are approved for the program will receive a monthly cash benefit that is direct deposited into their bank account, and can be used to pay for a variety of bills and living expenses. To qualify, you have to meet the income guidelines, and you have to have at least one minor child you are providing for. This program provides funds to those who have children and are seeking self-sufficiency. For example, if you are approved for the program and have two people in your assistance group, the amount you will receive each month is $255. There is a limit on how long you can get help through this program. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program is federally funded and can help with money assistance for paying bills related to housing. They can help you find affordable housing in your area, help you pay your rent, avoid foreclosure, and help pay for some housing repair bills. They also provide weatherization services, which will help reduce your monthly energy bills, by making the home more energy efficient. To qualify for help, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can get help through HUD. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will help people by providing money assistance for paying energy bills. If you need help paying for your heating or cooling bill this is the program you will want to apply for. To be approved, you have to have a low income and be the person who is responsible for paying the energy bill. Those who are approved will have the funds sent directly to the energy provider and their account will be credited with the payment. They will also help with emergency energy assistance. They also offer access to applying for help with paying the water bill. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization offers programs around the country that help people. From providing free hot meals to opening shelters up for the homeless, they play an important role in the communities where they are located. They may also help with paying small bills. You can call the location near you to inquire about help with paying bills. If they cannot help you directly at that location they may be able to give you a referral to a place that can help. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization is similar to Salvation Army. They have locations around the state and offer helpful programs for those in need. To find a location near you, click here.
