There are around 30 million people living in poverty in the state of Texas, or about 14% of the state’s population. Even many of those who are above the federal poverty line struggle financially. No matter what the reason for people experiencing financial hardship, it is important that they get their basic needs met. To help do that, there are numerous programs that provide money assistance for paying bills in Texas.
Ensuring that bills get paid when you live in Texas or anywhere in the country is crucial, so that you continue to have a place to live, food to eat, heating and cooling, etc. The programs that will help you pay the bills, if you meet the qualifications, are provided by the federal and state governments, along with some assistance offered from organizations that help people in the community.
Money Assistance Programs for Paying Bills
The programs below will provide assistance to help people who do not have enough money to get their bills paid. Some provide long term assistance, while others focus on short term help. You can apply for as many as you feel qualified for. Plus, the money assistance you receive is not considered a loan, so you will never have to pay it back. Most programs require that you show you earn a low income in order to qualify.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program will ensure that families have food each month. It is a federally-funded program that will provide those who qualify with a plastic card that they can use as their payment source. Each month, the government will electronically add money to the card so you can use it at the grocery store or farmer’s market to pay for your groceries. To qualify, you have to have a low income. If you have no children in the home you can usually on get the benefit for three years. Those with children, over 60, or who are disabled can get it for a longer period of time. The amount of money you receive each month on this program depends on how many dependents you have. For example, a family of four would receive a maximum amount of $973. To get more information and apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This federal agency will provide housing assistance, including paying rent. They also own housing units they will allow people to live in. HUD also helps homebuyers to avoid foreclosure, and will help pay for some necessary home repairs. To qualify for their programs, you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. This agency helps more people with their housing needs around Texas than any other. To get more information, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Families that have at least one child under the age of 18 may qualify for TANF, if they also have a low income. They provide one-time money assistance, as well as ongoing assistance. The one-time payment is given to a family once a year, while the other is given out monthly. The funds are delivered to you electronically and can be used to pay for such things as paying bills, clothing, food, housing, etc. It does not ever have to be paid back, because it is not a loan. The maximum amount given for a family of four with one caretaker is $424, and with two caretakers is $434. To get more information and apply for this program, click here.
Medicaid – This federally-funded program helps people pay for their medical and health care bills. Those who qualify will get help paying for a wide range of bills that are related to health care and their medical needs, including to see doctors, get prescription drugs, go to the hospital, and more. They also offer the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as part of the Medicaid program. That is a program that provides medical coverage for families who are low income. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) – This is a utility assistance program for those who need help paying their utility bills. To qualify, you have to have low income. This program combines the help of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). You can re-apply for this program each year that you need the money assistance to help pay for energy bills. To get more information and apply, click here.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) – This program will help pay for water and wastewater bills for those who have a low income. They provide help on a yearly block grant, which means once the money runs out they will not have any more funds to help people until they receive the next block grant. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
211 – The United Way offers this number as a free referral service for those looking for programs that provide money assistance for paying bills in Texas and around the country. It is free to use and open to anyone who needs assistance. They will help you find programs in your area that can help with your particular situation. To get more information about the program, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization helps many people each year. They have locations around the country, with many in Texas. The locations in Texas are located in such places as Austin, Dallas, Houston, Forth Worth, Texas City, Arlington, Richmond, and others. They provide helpful programs to those in need in the communities where they are located. Some locations provide money assistance for paying bills, along with providing free food, clothing, shelters, etc. You do not have to be religious to get assistance from them. Find the locations near you to contact them and see if they can help with paying bills. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
