With a slightly lower cost of living than most other states, those who call Pennsylvania may not need to earn as much to get by. Even so, there are people who struggle each year to get their bills paid. This can be caused by not finding a job that pays enough, unexpected bills, illness, or other issues. No matter what the issue, it is important for people to know about programs that provide money assistance for paying bills in Pennsylvania.
Being able to pay the bills when people are experiencing a financially challenging time is crucial. Without getting the bills paid, people may lose their housing, not eat, or have their heating and cooling turned off. The programs that are in place to provide assistance will help ensure that basic needs are being met. Families and individuals can apply for the programs to get money assistance while they work to try and improve their financial situation.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
Apply for as many of the programs below that you feel can help with your situation and that you may qualify for. There is no limit to how many you can get help from, and you will not ever have to pay the funds back, because it is not considered a loan. Some programs provide long term money assistance, while others provide short term help.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Perhaps one of the most important programs to know about, HUD is a federal agency that will help with paying your rent. They can also find affordable places to live, and even own some units themselves that they allow people to live in. They also help homebuyers to avoid foreclosure, and will provide free assistance with weatherization services and paying for home repairs. To qualify, you have to be a legal resident of the state and meet the low income requirements. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this agency. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This federally-funded program provides money assistance by providing people a cash benefit each month that can be used to pay for bills and living expenses. The program is open to families who have a low income and are legal residents of the state. They do also offer a refugee cash assistance program through the same office. The amount of your monthly cash benefit is determined by how many dependents you have. Most people have a limit to how long they can receive TANF, and some people may have to participate in work programs to receive it. To get more information and apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program is largely known by its original name, which his food stamps. The program is funded by the federal government, and will provide people with money assistance to buy food. Those who are approved will receive something like a credit card that the government electronically adds cash to each month. The card can then be used as a payment source to purchase groceries. To qualify, you have to have a low income. The amount of money assistance you will receive each month, if approved for the program, is based off of the number of dependents in the home. For example, a family of three would receive a maximum amount of $766 per month. To get more information and apply, click here.
HealthChoices – This is the state’s program for providing Medicaid and Medical Assistance to the legal residents of Pennsylvania. Those who are approved for the program will be able to get help paying the bills to see doctors, specialists, and go to the hospital. They will also help pay for prescription drugs. The program pays for mental healthcare and dental care as well. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income. If you don’t qualify for the program, they do provide a low-cost and no-cost health plan through a program called Pennie. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Those who need help paying for their energy bills may qualify for money assistance through this program. The federally-funded program will help people with a one-time payment of their energy bill, with the funds going directly to the energy provider on your behalf. The money assistance they give people ranges from $300 to $1,000. You have to re-apply for this program each year that you need money assistance for paying bills. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – The United Way offers this number that people can call to find money assistance for paying bills and obtaining other helpful services. Those who live in Pennsylvania who need help paying bills can call the number and tell them where they live and what type of money assistance they need. The program will refer them to local programs they can get help from. It is a free service that they provide. To get more information about the service, click here.
Salvation Army – Whether you need some help with obtaining food, need shelter, transportation vouchers, free clothing, or a hot meal, the Salvation Army can often help in such situations. They offer locations around the country and help those in need in the communities where they are located. Contact the locations near you to see if they can help with money assistance for paying bills, or if they can refer you to a place that can. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization is similar to Salvation Army. They will help people who need a variety of services, including free food, clothing, shelters, etc. Some locations may help with providing money assistance to pay for bills. There are numerous locations in the state, so contact the ones that are near you to inquire about the types of assistance programs they provide or can refer you to. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
