Those who live in South Carolina enjoy a lower cost of living than in many other states. While the lower cost of housing and other living expenses is helpful, there are still many people who struggle to make ends meet, for whatever reason. The good news is there are helpful programs that they can turn to during difficult financial times. There are programs that provide money assistance for paying bills in South Carolina.
Without turning to money assistance programs there is a chance that those who are struggling financially will not have their basic needs met. The programs that are put in place will ensure that basic needs are being met while people get through challenging times and work to improve their financial situation. The programs are largely provided by the state and federal government, as well as by some organizations.
Money Assistance Programs for Paying Bills
The programs below will help ensure that basic needs are being met. They are open to anyone who meets the qualifications, which include having a low income, and being a legal resident of the state. There are some programs that will provide money assistance to those who are refugees. Since the funds you receive are not considered a loan, you never have to worry about paying it back. You can apply for all of programs if you feel qualified for all of them.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This agency is part of the federal government and has been assigned the task of helping people with their housing needs. They provide housing assistance to those who have a low income. Their money assistance for paying bills related to housing includes rent, house repairs, and weatherization services. They also provide assistance for home buyers who may be facing foreclosure. They will also help people find affordable housing options, and HUD owns housing units they allow people to live in. To qualify, you have to have low income and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information and apply for help through HUD, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Those who need money assistance for paying bills and want it in the form of cash may want to consider applying for this program. TANF will provide those who qualify with a monthly cash payment that can be used for a variety of uses that relate to paying bills and living expenses. To qualify for TANF, you have to have a family, or at least one minor child, have a low income, and be a legal resident of the state. The maximum amount someone can get from TANF is $229 per month if you have one child and $388 if you have three children. There is a time limit for most people who receive this benefit. To get more information and apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – If you are approved for this program you will start getting the money assistance within 30 days. SNAP, otherwise known by many as food stamps, provides money assistance with purchasing food. Those who need help purchasing food can apply. To be approved, you need to meet the low income guidelines and be a legal resident of the state. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. If you are approved for the program, you will receive a debit-style card that you will use to pay for your groceries. The government will then add funds to it electronically each month. The amount you receive each month is determined by how many dependents are in your family. To get more information and apply for SNAP, click here.
Healthy Connections – This is South Carolina’s Medicaid program, which is a federally funded program that provides those who qualify with money assistance to pay for medical expenses. Those who are approved for the program will get help with their health care expenses, including going to the doctor or hospital, as well as obtaining prescription drugs. The program will help you pay for seeing a specialist, surgery, dental visits, and more. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. This program is for families who meet the low income requirements and are legal residents of the state. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will provide utility bill payment assistance, weatherization services, energy-related home repairs, and energy crisis assistance. To qualify, you have to have a low income. There is no limit to how many times you can get money assistance from this program, but you will have to re-apply each year. Any funds you do get awarded will be sent directly to the energy provider on your behalf. To get more information and apply, click here.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) – A federally funded program, LIHWAP will help pay for your water and wastewater bills. To qualify, you have to be a legal resident of the state, the bill must be in your name, and you have to meet the low income requirements. They may also request to see other documents to help make their decision. If you are approved for the program, they will send the money directly to the provider and your account will be credited with the payment. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – This is a number anyone in the country can call to get referrals to local programs that can provide money assistance to help with their situation. It is provided by the United Way and is open to anyone who is need. To get more information about the program, click here.
Salvation Army – With locations throughout the state, you may be able to find some near you that can provide assistance. While they often provide things like free meals, clothing, and more, some will also help with money assistance for paying small bills. To find a location near you, click here.
