It is estimated that over 13% of the people who live in the state of Tennessee live in poverty. There are many more who still struggle to pay the bills and get by each month. Rather than risk not having their basic needs met, those who struggle financially may want to consider applying for programs that will help them get by. There are programs that offer money assistance for paying bills in Tennessee that people can rely on during financially challenging times.
The programs that are available can help people have their basic needs met and they will help ensure they get things like food, water, and shelter. While individuals can qualify for some of the programs, they are often intended for families, to provide the children with the things they need. The programs have are provided by the federal and state governments, as well as by some organizations that help people in the community.
Money Assistance Programs for Paying Bills
No matter where you live in Tennessee, there are programs that you can apply for to get money assistance for paying the bills. The programs below provide a safety net for those who need financial assistance. Plus, you never have to worry about paying the funds back, because it is not considered a loan. You can apply for one or all of the programs, because there is no limit.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program will ensure that your family has food each month. Those who are approved for SNAP, which used to be called food stamps, will receive money assistance each month to buy groceries. They provide you with a debit-style card that they electronically add funds to each month. The card can then be used as your payment source at grocery stores and farmer’s markets. To qualify for this federally-funded program, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information and apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – One of the largest bills that people have each month is usually their rent or housing. Not being able to pay that bill can lead to homelessness. HUD is a federal agency that is in charge of housing issues in the country and they aim to help reduce homelessness. Those who need help paying for their rent, or if they are facing foreclosure, may qualify for money assistance through HUD. They will help people pay their rent, avoid foreclosure, find affordable housing options, reduce monthly utility bills through weatherization services, and help pay for house repairs. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a legal resident of the state. There is no limit to how long you can receive assistance through this program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Families First – This is the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The goal of the program is to help families become self sufficient. Along with providing them with money assistance that can be used to pay bills and living expenses, they also provide a workforce employment program. They will provide people with transportation assistance, childcare assistance, educational support, job training, and more. To qualify for the program, you have to supply the list of documents they require, have a low income, and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information about the program and apply, click here.
TennCare – This is the state’s Medicaid program. Those who are approved for the program will get money assistance to help pay for their medical bills. The program will provide assistance paying for going to the doctor, prescription drugs, hospitals, specialists, therapy, surgery, etc. To qualify for Medicaid, you have to meet the low income and asset limits, and be a legal resident of the state. There is no limit to how long you can get financial help through this program as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will provide money assistance for paying energy bills in Tennessee. To qualify for this federally-funded program, you have to meet the low income and asset guidelines, and be the person responsible for paying the bill. If you are approved, the funds will be sent directly to the energy provider and your account will be credited. You have to re-apply for this program each year, but there is no limit to how many times you can get the one-time bill payment assistance. To get more information and apply, click here.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) – This program will provide those who qualify with money assistance for paying the water and wastewater bills. The program is open six months out of the year. You have to apply during that window each year, but you can apply every year that you need the help paying the bill. To qualify, you have to have a low income. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – To find more money assistance programs near you, call this number and tell them what you need assistance with and where you live. They will use their database to find local programs to refer you to that can help. The program is provided by the organization called the United Way and it is a free referral service that is open to everyone. To get more information about the service, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization helps many people and has locations in Tennessee in Knoxville, Bristol, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Maryville, Nashville, and Sevierville, among other places. They provide money assistance to people in need, including giving out free food, shelter, transportation vouchers, etc. Some locations also provide money assistance for paying bills. Contact the locations near you to see if they can help with 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.
