Being a more expensive state to live in, Rhode Island has some residents who may struggle financially. The state experiences a higher than average cost of living, which means that many common bills will be higher for those who live there. Residents who struggle to make ends meet should consider applying for programs that will help. There are several programs offering money assistance for paying bills in Rhode Island.
No matter what the reason for having a financial challenge, it is important to get help. This is the best way to ensure that basic needs are being met for your family, even during difficult financial periods. The programs that will provide money assistance will help to ensure that your family has their rent paid, food in the home, and that there is heating and cooling.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
The programs below are the most well known and utilized for people to get assistance during financially challenging periods. Some of the programs offer long term money assistance, while others may limit how long you can use the service. You can get the assistance without worrying about paying it back, because it is not considered a loan. Plus, you can apply for as many programs as you feel qualified for.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – One of the most popular agencies you can turn to for assistance in Rhode Island is HUD. This is an agency that is part of the federal government. Their mission is to help reduce homelessness, so they provide money assistance to those who have a low income and need affordable housing. They will help people find affordable housing options, provide people with a place to live, help pay rent, and even help homebuyers to avoid foreclosure. Additional programs they offer will help with paying home repair bills and reduce energy bills through weatherization services. To get help through the HUD programs, you have to be a legal resident of the state and have a low income. There is no limit to how long you can get help through HUD. To get more information and apply for the programs, click here.
Rhode Island Works – This program is similar to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in other states. The program provides people with financial and employment assistance. To qualify, you have to little to no income, and you have to have at least one minor child you are providing for. The program will also help provide you with job training, so you can become self sufficient and get a better job. They will also provide bus passes if you need transportation for work or job training. Those approved for the program will have to participate in a work program. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Child Care Assistance Program – This program will help those who qualify by providing money assistance to pay child care bills. To qualify, you have to meet the low income guidelines and have children who are citizens or legal non-citizens. They will also pay for programs such as Head Start. To get more information and apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Those who need food assistance can apply for this program. SNAP will provide those who qualify with a way to purchase groceries each month. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medicaid – Needing to go to the doctor and not having a way to pay the bill can be stressful. Medical bills in America are often expensive. The good news is that if you have a low income you may qualify for Medicaid. The program will provide those who qualify with money assistance for paying bills related to health care. This includes bills from the doctor, hospital, dentist, prescription drugs, specialist, surgeon, etc. Plus, there is no limit to how long you can get assistance from this program. As long as you meet the qualifications you can keep getting the assistance. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Going without heating can be difficult no matter where you live in the country. Those who are struggling to pay for their heating bills can apply for money assistance through LIHEAP. The program will pay for one of your heating bills each year if you meet the qualifications. They also provide crisis assistance for those who have received a cut-off notice. This is a federal program that you will need to re-apply for each year that you need the money assistance. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – No matter what type of financial assistance you need, you can call this number and they will see if they can find a program to help. The number is provided by the organization called the United Way. They provide the referral service free of charge and it is open to anyone who needs assistance. They may have information about local programs that are difficult to find online. To get more information, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization helps people around the country. They have many locations and offer numerous helpful programs, including free food, clothing, and shelters. Some locations may help with providing bill payment assistance. Contact the locations near you to see if they provide such services or if they can refer you to a local place that can help with your situation. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – Similar to Salvation Army, this organization provides numerous programs to help people meet their basic needs. You can contact locations near you to see if they can help with your specific needs. They may be able to help you there or provide you with a referral to a program in your area that can help meet your needs. To get more information and find locations near you, click here.
