The state of Missouri is one of the more affordable ones to live in. It consistently ranks as one of the cheaper states in the country for those who call it home. That doesn’t mean, however, that there are people who don’t struggle financially. In fact, there are plenty of people who struggle and need help. The good news is that there are programs that offer money assistance for paying bills in Missouri.
A portion of the residents in the state struggle and without being able to get assistance they may not make ends meet. This could lead to them becoming homeless or going hungry. The programs that are in place have been designed to help ensure that people’s basic needs are being met. They will help ensure the person has a place to live, food to eat, and that they are warm during the winter.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
While the programs do exist that will help keep people from falling harder due to financially difficulty times, not everyone knows how to find them. They may not even know they exist. Being able to have access to a list below can do a lot to help those who are struggling and need assistance. Plus, the funds are not considered a loan, so it never has to be paid back.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – With housing being what tends to cost people the most, it is a good idea to seek money assistance for paying bills related to rent and home repairs. The federal agency HUD is in charge of housing issues in the country and they help many people each year. They will provide help paying for rent, as well as necessary home repairs. This agency can also help you find more affordable housing options and they have housing units that they own and allow people to live in. 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 assistance, click here.
Temporary Assistance (TA) – This program offers temporary cash assistance to those who qualify. The funds that you receive, if approved, can be used on a variety of living expenses, including food, clothing, shelter, paying bills, etc. Those who are getting money assistance from this program will also need to participate in the Missouri Work Assistance program, which will provide you with job training services. This is a short term program to help during times of need. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program, known by many people as food stamps, will help ensure that people have food each month. Those who are approved will get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that they can use to pay for groceries. The amount that you receive each month is determined by your income and household size. There is no limit to how long you can receive SNAP, but you will be evaluated yearly to see if you still meet the requirements. Those who are able to work will need to participate in the state’s work program. To get more information and apply for SNAP, click here.
Missouri Medicaid – This program, which is federally funded, will help people by providing money assistance for paying bills that are related to health care. Those who are approved can get help with doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, specialist appointments, and more. To qualify, you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen, and you have to meet the low income requirements. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program helps those who are qualified to pay for their home heating and cooling bills. They provide energy assistance through a one-time payment of your bill, and they offer crisis intervention, which will help you pay the bill if it gets shut off. The winter assistance is available from November through May and provides a maximum amount of $800. The summer assistance program runs from June through September and has a maximum amount given of $600. You can apply for both terms. To qualify, you have to be the person responsible for paying the bill, be a legal Missouri resident, have less than $3,000 in banking accounts, and meet the low income guidelines. To get more information and apply, click here.
Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) – This program is similar to LIHEAP, only it focuses on helping people pay their wastewater (sewer) bills. To get assistance paying for your wastewater bill, you have to be the person responsible for the bill, be a citizen or legal non-citizen, have less than $3,000 in the bank, and meet their income guidelines. They will help with a one-time payment of up to $750 if you meet the qualifications. They can also help with emergency situations, including disconnections and reconnection fees. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
211 – This is a number you can call to get help through the United Way. They have a database of local programs that can help with things you may need, including money assistance for paying bills. Their referral program is free and open to anyone who needs help. They have access to information about some programs that are not online. To get more information about the program, click here.
Salvation Army – Those who need help often turn to this organization. They have locations around the country, and they help in various ways. They provide people with free food, clothing, shelter, and more. Depending on the location near you, they may help with paying small bills. Contact the locations near you to see if they will help with paying small bills or if they can refer you to local programs that will. To find a location near you, click here.
