Montana is known as a beautiful state, but one that also has a higher poverty rate than many others. As such, there are people who struggle financially each year. They may not be able to earn what they need to in order to make ends meet, or there could be other issues that arise that impact their earnings. No matter what the cause for experiencing a financial challenge, there is money assistance for paying bills in Montana for those who meet the qualifications.
To qualify for most programs that will provide money assistance to help pay bills, you have to meet certain low income requirements. Additionally, you usually have to have few assets, such as cash in the bank, and you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen. While some of the programs provide short term assistance, others will help on a longer basis. Plus, you never have to pay back the money assistance you receive, because it is not considered a loan.
Money Assistance Programs for Paying Bills
When experiencing financial challenges it is important to apply for money assistance to ensure that your basic needs are being met. Contact the programs below to see if you qualify for the help. You can apply for as many as you would like, because there is no limit.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Those who have difficulty paying their heating and cooling bills may qualify for help through this program. LIHEAP will help pay for winter energy bills and may also help with furnace repairs. They also offer a weatherization process, which will make the home more energy efficient, leading to lower monthly energy bills. Applications for the heating season are taken from October 1 through April 30 of each year. The program is open to those who rent and own their home and have a low income. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This agency is part of the federal government. Their mission around the country is to help people with their housing issues, including to reduce homelessness. They can help people find affordable housing options, pay rent, avoid foreclosure, provide weatherization service, and pay for necessary housing repairs. They also have programs to help those who are buying a home or would like to buy one. HUD also offers public housing options, which are homes they own that people can live in. To get help through HUD, you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen and have a low income. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
Montana Housing – The programs offered through here are provided through the state government. They help people with emergency rental assistance, down payment assistance, and homeowner’s assistance programs. The programs provided through their programs can help people buy a home and pay for their rent. To get more information and apply for the programs, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program used to be called food stamps. Most people today still refer to as that, despite the official name having been changed. The program will help people with paying for groceries. Those who are approved will receive a debit-style card that they can use to pay for their food at the store. To qualify for SNAP, you have to show you have a low income, that you are a citizen or legal non-citizen, and supply a Social Security number. Those who are of age and able-bodied will need to register for their work program. The amount you receive depends on how many dependents there are. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. To get more information and apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program is funded by the federal government, and provides those who qualify with money assistance for paying bills. Those who are approved for the program will receive cash each month that can be used for paying for living expenses, including paying bills. To qualify for TANF, you have to have minor children or be pregnant, have a low income, and have minimal assets. While the do offer refugee assistance, you otherwise have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Montana Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids – These two programs will help with paying for bills that are related to health care. They are both administered through the same state government department. The programs are for families and individuals who are struggling financially or who have a low income. Those approved for the program will receive help with paying for such health care as seeing the doctor, going to the hospital, and obtaining prescription drugs. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – The United Way offers this number to people so they can call it to get help for their specific needs. By letting their operators know where you live and what type of help you need, they can help you find local programs that may be able to provide assistance. Their referral program is free and open to anyone who needs help paying the bills or obtaining the goods and services they are in need of. To get more information about the program, click here.
St. Vincent De Paul – This faith-based organization will help people who need assistance. They provide various programs to help those in need in the community, including helping with paying rent and utility bills. You do not have to be religious to get help through their organization. To get more information and contact them for assistance, click here.
Salvation Army – Similar to St. Vincent De Paul, this is a faith-based charity that offers assistance for people in the community. They have locations around the nation and will provide help with food, clothing, shelter, and paying bills. They have numerous resources available to help families who need help. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
