Around 10% of the population lives in the state of Vermont. It is ranked as one of the most expensive states to live in, which leaves many people struggling to pay their bills each month. For whatever reason people may be falling behind on their bills, it is important that they get help to ensure that their family has their basic needs met. There are programs that offer money assistance for paying bills in Vermont that people can turn to during challenging times.
Not being able to pay the bills each month can lead to being evicted or losing the home to foreclosure. It also means that people may lose their utilities and go without food and water. It is important to reach out to programs that offer money assistance for paying bills so that the family continues to get their needs met while they are working on improving their situation. Many programs offer short term assistance, while others will help on a longer term basis and provide job training.
Money Assistance Programs for Paying Bills
Applying for the programs below may put you on the path to ensuring your family has their basic needs met. You may also be able to utilize tools to help the family become self sufficient. The programs below are open to everyone with a low income, and the money assistance is not considered a loan, so you will not have to worry about paying it back.
Medicaid – Getting help with paying medical bills is a critical issue for many, especially if there is illness or injuries in the family. This program, which is federally funded, will help those who qualify with paying for medical expenses. To qualify, you have to show that you have a low income and are a citizen or legal non-citizen. If approved, Medicaid will help pay for such bills as those from the hospital, doctor, dentist, therapist, and others. They will also help pay for any prescription drugs that you may need. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Those who need affordable housing options or help paying for their rent should apply for this program. HUD is a federal agency that is in charge of helping people with their housing issues and reducing homelessness in the country. They provide an array of programs to help those in need in Vermont, including helping to pay rent, helping home buyers avoid foreclosure, and helping to pay for certain home repairs. They also own housing units, called public housing, which they allow people to live in. If you would like to reduce your monthly energy bills they can help you do it through weatherization services, which makes the home more energy efficient. The programs are open to those who have a low income and are a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
Reach Up – This is the state’s version of the national program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program will help those who qualify to become self sufficient, while also helping them with money assistance for paying bills. They money assistance they provide each month can be used to pay bills, but also for living expenses, such as food, clothing, shelter, transportation, etc. Those in the program will set goals and they will provide them with the tools to reach them. The case management includes helping with finances, health, housing, safety, employment education, and more. There is a limit to how long you can receive help through this program. To get more information and apply, click here.
3SquaresVT – This is the same as the nationwide program called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Those who have a low income can get money assistance to purchase their groceries each month through SNAP. This program, which is provided by the federal government, will give you a plastic card that you can use to pay for your groceries at the store or market. They will add the funds onto the card each month electronically. The amount that you receive depends on how many dependents you have in the home. The program is open to those who have a low income are citizens or legal non-citizens. To get more information and apply for food assistance, click here.
Fuel Assistance – This program will help people who qualify by providing money assistance for paying heating bills. The program is open to those who are renters and who are buying their home. To qualify, you have to have a low income. If you get the assistance one year, they will send you an annual review to apply for the next year. If you are approved for the program you will also be able to get free weatherization services. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – This is a number you can call for referrals to programs in your local area. The United Way has created this to help everyone around the country be able to find programs in their local area. Some of the programs may not be found online. You can call the number and tell them what type of money assistance you need and where you are located and they will provide you with free referrals to programs that may be able to help. To get more information about the program, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization will help people in need who are in the communities where they are located. They provide people with help paying small bills, obtaining food and shelter, and more. There are locations in Vermont in Burlington, Barre, etc. To get more information and contact a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This is another organization that is similar to Salvation Army. They help people in the community with a variety of programs. Some locations may provide money assistance for paying small bills. To find a location near you, click here.
