With a lower cost of living than many other states, a lot of people are attracted to living in North Dakota. However, they may not be able to earn enough to make ends meet, or they may at times be faced with unexpected financial hardships. When this happens it is important that people know where to turn for help so that they can make sure basic needs continue to be met for their family. The good news is that there are numerous programs offering money assistance for paying bills in North Dakota.
If you have a low income there is a good chance you should be able qualify for some of the programs listed below. They are typically open to those who meet the low income requirements, do not have a lot of assets, and who are citizens or legal non-citizens. There are some programs that will help refugees, too. Some of the programs will provide money assistance long term, while others limit how many months you can utilize their assistance.
Money Assistance Programs for Paying Bills
Knowing about the programs below can help ensure that basic needs are being met and that people make ends meet during financial challenges. The nice thing, too, is that you never have to worry about paying the funds back. The money assistance is not considered a loan, so you can use it to get through tough times and not pay it back. Apply for as many of the programs that you feel qualified for, because there is no limit.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – With housing being one of the biggest bills that people have to pay each month, it is good to know about the programs offered through HUD. This federal agency will help people who have a low income and are citizens or legal non-citizens. They provide money assistance to pay for rent, as well as to help people with house repairs. They will also help you make your home more efficient, through weatherization services, which will reduce monthly energy bills. There is no limit to how long you can get help through HUD, as long as your situation remains the same. HUD also offers public housing, which are housing units that they own and allow people to live in. To get more information and apply for money assistance, click here.
Medicaid – Medical expenses and bills are often a challenge for people to keep up with. Rather than avoid seeking medical care or ignoring the bill from doctor visits, it is a good idea to see if you qualify for Medicaid. This federally-funded program will provide money assistance for paying bills related to medical expenses, including doctor and hospital visits, seeing a specialist, and obtaining prescription drugs. To qualify, you have to have a low income, be a legal resident of the state, or be disabled. You can continue to get this money assistance for as long as you qualify. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – If you need money assistance for paying heating and cooling bills you may qualify for LIHEAP. This program, which is federally funded, will help people pay for their bills related to heating and cooling. To qualify, you meet their low income guidelines. They also provide assistance with weatherization services, furnace cleaning and repairs, chimney cleaning and inspections, and emergency assistance. The heating season ends May 31 of each year. Then they begin taking applications for cooling assistance. They receive a block grant from the federal government each year. They help as many people as they can with the funds, but once it is gone they cannot help anyone else until they get the next block grant. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program will provide money assistance for paying for food bills. Those who are approved will receive a money assistance benefit each month that they can use to purchase their groceries with. The funds you receive, which are on a debit-style card, can be used to pay for food at the grocery store, farmers markets, and some additional approved food vendors. The program used to be called food stamps and is what most people still call it today. The amount you receive is determined by the number of dependents you have. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. You can apply online, locally, or by mail. To get more information, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Families that need money assistance to pay for bills and living expenses in North Dakota can apply for TANF. This federally funded program will provide those who qualify with cash assistance, as well as work training, so that you can improve your situation. The benefits are paid on an electronic payment card each month. To qualify, you have to meet the low income guidelines, and have a minor child. You can apply online, in person, or by mail. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – This number is provided by the United Way. Those who need help can call it to get local referrals to programs that can help with their unique situation. The service is free to use and open to anyone who needs assistance. They can often help you locate programs that are in your community and may not be online. To get more information about the program, click here.
Catholic Charities – Many organizations provide helpful programs to those in need in the communities where they are located. Catholic Charities helps people around the country, by providing free food, shelter, clothing, and more. They do help some people with paying bills, depending on the location. Find a location near you to see if they provide money assistance for bills, or if they can provide you with a good referral to a nearby place or program that does. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
