With an average of 17% higher cost of living than most other states, many people in the state of Washington struggle to make ends meet. The financial challenges that people experience may lead to basic needs not being met. Rather than risk homelessness and going hungry, families can turn to programs that provide money assistance for paying bills. In Washington, there are programs that will help with food, housing, and more.
The programs that are provided will help families meet their basic needs. They are open to people have a low income. Usually you do have to be a legal resident of the state, but there are some programs that will provide money assistance to refugees. The programs provide a safety net to help people who would otherwise struggle to get by. The programs have been provided by the federal and state government, as well as some services provided by organizations.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
The programs that provide assistance for those who have a low income will often accept applications online and in person. You may have to have a brief interview to go over your situation and provide documentation to show your income and asset. The money assistance you receive does not have to be paid back, because it is not a loan. You can apply for all of the programs you feel qualified for.
Medicaid – Those struggling with paying for medical bills in Washington may be able to get help through the state’s Medicaid program. This program, which is funded by the federal government, will help ensure that those with a low income are able to pay for their medical bills. If approved, you will get help paying for bills from going to the doctor, dentist, staying in the hospital, and even getting prescription drugs. You can continue getting this program for as long as you meet the qualifications. The program is open to those who are legal residents of the state. To get more information and apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Families who need help paying for their rent or finding affordable housing options may qualify for help through HUD. This federal agency will help people who have a low income and are legal residents of the state. They will help people pay rent, provide weatherization services, and reduce energy bills through free weatherization services. HUD also has public housing, which are units that they owe that they will let people live in. This program will continue to provide you with money assistance for as long as you continue to qualify. To get more information and apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Some people who are experiencing financial challenges need cash to pay for certain bills and living expenses. TANF will do that if you qualify for the program. Those who qualify will receive a money assistance benefit each month that can be used for paying bills and living expenses. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount you receive is determined by how many people are in the family. For example, a family of three will receive $706 per month. There is a limit of 60 months for how long you can receive money assistance from this program. They do have some people participate in a work study program in order to get funds from the program. To get more information and apply for TANF in Washington, click here.
Basic Food – This program the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).Having the family’s food needs met each month is critical. This program will help people who have a low income to be able to obtain food each month. SNAP, which used to be called foot stamps, provides those who qualify with a way to purchase food each month from the store or farmer’s market. As long as you continue to meet the qualifications you can continue to get the money assistance from this program.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will help those who qualify to pay for their energy bills. You will need to apply for the program each year that you need the money assistance for paying the bills related to energy services. If you are approved, the funds will be sent directly to the energy provider on your behalf. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the energy bill. This program will also help you avoid disconnection. To get more information and apply for money assistance, click here.
211 – By calling this number, which is provided by the United Way, you can get referrals to programs in your area that will help with providing money assistance. When you call their referral service you can tell them what type of money assistance you need and where you are located and they will find local program to meet your needs. This is a free referral service that is open to everyone in need. To get more information about the service, click here.
Salvation Army – With locations around the state, you may be able to get money assistance from this organization that can be used for paying bills. They also provide things like free food, shelter, and clothing. Contact the locations in your area to inquire about whether or not they provide money assistance for paying bills. To find locations in your area, click here.
Catholic Charities – Similar to Salvation Army, this organization has numerous locations and will help people in the community with a variety of programs. While they provide free food, clothing, and shelter, they also help some people pay bills. You can inquire with locations in your area to see if they provide money assistance for paying bills. If they do not, they may be able to provide you a referral to a local place or another location that does. To get more information and find a location near you, click her.
