New York is one of the more expensive states to live in, and New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the country. Those who live in the famous city, and those in other areas of the state, may at times need money assistance for paying bills. In New York there are numerous programs that will help people with getting their bills paid, so their basic needs are being met.
Knowing where to turn for programs that will provide money assistance is crucial, so that people don’t end up hungry and homeless. Keeping the bills paid is an essential task for all families, and that’s where helpful programs come in. When people experience financial challenges they need to know where to turn for assistance to help get them through that period.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
The programs listed below will help people by providing money assistance for paying bills. The programs are often funded by the government, both federal and state, and by some organizations. They goal of them is to help people meet their basic needs during difficult financial situations. The good news is that you never have to pay the money back, because it is not considered a loan.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Having housing is a top priority for all families, but it is also usually our most expensive bill to pay. The good news is that HUD exists to help people with their housing issues. This agency is part of the federal government and they aim to provide housing assistance to those who have a low income and are legal residents of the state. To qualify you have to show you have a low income. The programs they provide will help people pay their mortgage, rent, housing repairs, and lower their energy bills through weatherization services. HUD also owns housing units and allows people to live in them. To get more information about the programs and apply for assistance, click here.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) – This program will provide those who qualify with help paying for their household water bill. They will help with paying past due bills for the water and/or sewer services. They typically provide a one-time payment for those who qualify, with the amount being around $400. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Temporary Assistance – Those who need money assistance for paying bills and other living expenses may be able to get help through the New York Temporary Assistance programs. There are several programs that will help people who need financial assistance. Temporary Assistance is also called Public Assistance. It is a program that will provide temporary monetary assistance for families in need. They provide Family Assistance, to help those who have minor children in the home, and they offer Safety Net Assistance, which is for families that are not eligible for the other programs. If you need money assistance you should apply for the programs to see if there is one that you qualify for. There is a limit of 60 months for how long you can receive help through their programs. To get more information and apply, click here.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – This program will provide money assistance to help with paying energy bills. Those who qualify can get one grant per year to help with their bill. The funds are sent directly to the energy provider and your account will be credited. They will help with electricity, gas, oil, coal, propane, kerosene, etc. The eligibility for this program is determined by your income, number of people in your household, your primary heating source, and how many family members in the home are under six or over 60. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program will electronically provide people with cash that they can use to purchase groceries. The funds can be used to buy a wide variety of food items. The program, which is also known as food stamps, is open to those who have a low income. The amount you receive each month is determined by the number of dependents in the family. For example, a family of four would receive a maximum amount of $973 per month. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Medicaid – This program focuses on ensuring those with a low income are able to get medical care without receiving a big bill they cannot afford to pay. Those who are approved will get help paying for bills from going to the doctor, hospital, specialist, dentist, eye doctor, and more. They also help pay for prescription drugs. 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 get help through this program. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization has many locations around the state. They provide people with free hot meals, bags of food from their pantry, clothing, shelters, and more. Some locations will also provide help with paying small bills. They are a faith-based organization, but their services are open to anyone in the community who needs help. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
211 – The United Way has set up this number that people can call to get help finding local resources that will provide money assistance for paying bills. Just let them know where you live and what type of assistance you need and they will provide you with referrals to programs that can help. The service is free to use and open to anyone who needs assistance. To get more information, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization has numerous locations and provides assistance to those who have a low income. You can contact the locations near you to see if they will help with providing money assistance for paying bills. To get more information and find locations in New York, click here.
