Those who live in North Carolina can take advantage of the slightly lower cost of living. While it ranks as a little lower than the national average, there are still many people who struggle to pay their bills. Whether it is due to not earning enough or facing unexpected financial hardships, they may at times need financial assistance to make ends meet. The good news is that there are numerous programs that will provide money assistance for paying bills in North Carolina.
The federal and state government offices have created programs that will provide people with money assistance that can be used to pay bills. The funds, which do not have to be paid back, help ensure that basic needs are being met, even when people experience a financial setback or hardship. Some programs have limits in place for how long you can use the services, while others will allow you to get the assistance long term.
Money Assistance Programs for Paying Bills
The programs below will all help those who earn a low income. Most of them also require you to be a citizen or legal non-citizen in order to qualify. There are some programs that will help refugees who need assistance. Apply for as many programs as you feel qualified for, because there is no limit to how man you can help from.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) – Those who need help paying their energy bills may qualify for assistance through this program. LIEAP will pay for your energy bill, if you meet the qualifications for the program. To qualify, you have to have a low income, reserves not over $2,250, be responsible for paying the bill, and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. This is a federally funded program. You will need to re-apply for the program each year to continue getting assistance. To get more information or apply for money assistance, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Having help with housing is crucial for those who are experiencing financial challenges. That’s the best way to keep the family with a roof over their head. HUD is a federal agency that can help with housing issues. If you have a low income and are a citizen or legal non-citizen you may be able to get help through this agency. They will help with paying for your rent, house repairs, and weatherization services. They also offer public housing options, which are units owned by the government that they will let people live in. They have a voucher program that will also allow you to live wherever you want and they will help pay for the rent. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – With the rising cost of food over the last few years, people are desperate for help paying for their groceries. This program that is offered through the federal government will provide those who qualify with a debit-style card that can be used to pay for groceries. Each month, the government will electronically add more funds to the card. There is no limit to how long you can receive money assistance through this program, which is often referred to as food stamps. To be eligible for the program, you have to have a low income, be elderly or disabled, or be experiencing homelessness. The amount that you will be given, if approved for the program, depends on how many dependents there are. For example, two people would get a maximum amount of $535 per month, while a family of four will get $973 monthly. To get more information about the program and apply, click here.
Medicaid – Those in North Carolina who need assistance paying for medical bills and doctor visits may qualify for the Medicaid program. The program is funded by the federal government and aims to provide those with a low income with assistance paying for medical bills. If approved, you will be able to get help paying for bills related to being in the hospital, going to the doctor’s office, seeing a specialist, and obtaining prescription drugs. There is no limit to how long you can get this program. As long as you continue to meet the qualifications you will be able to get it. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Work First Family Assistance – This program is North Carolina’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program will provide those who qualify with monthly money assistance for paying bills and paying for living expenses. It is a program for families and aims to help ensure that the children have their basic needs met. The program will help those who are approved to become self sufficient. To qualify, you have to have a low income, and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is a 60 month lifetime limit on how long you can get help through this program. The amount of cash you will receive each month depends on the number of dependents that you have. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – This is a number you can call to get help finding local programs that will provide money assistance for your specific situation and needs. The program is provided by the organization called the United Way. It is a free service and open to anyone in need of assistance. To get more information about the program, click here.
Catholic Charities – There is a good chance that this organization has a location near you. They have many around the country. This faith-based organization does not require those they help to be religious. They will provide helpful services to help those who are struggling financially, including providing free food, clothing, shelter, etc. Some locations will also help with providing money assistance for paying bills. Contact the locations in your area to see if they provide help paying for bills, or if they can provide you with a referral to where they do. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
