While it’s not a state, Washington DC is still home to many people. The district, which is the country’s capital, has a much higher cost of living than other places around the nation. Many people who live there struggle financially and may not be able to make ends meet. The good news is there are programs that offer money assistance for paying bills in Washington DC.
There are money assistance program that will help pay such bill as the rent, utilities, and health care. There is also money assistance for paying rent and other things. The programs will help ensure that basic needs are being met, and they help to ensure that families do not become homeless or go hungry. The programs are funded by the state and federal government, as well as by organizations that seek to help those who need assistance in the community.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
There is no limit to how many programs you can get money assistance from, so be sure to apply to all those that you feel qualified for. The funds you receive is not considered a loan, so you will not have to pay it back at any time.
Medicaid – Medical bills are one of the most common bills that people struggle to pay. Those who have a low income may be able to get money assistance for paying bills through the Medicaid program. The program is federally funded and will help pay for bills from the doctor, hospital, dentist, surgeon, specialist, and more. They will also help pay for prescription drugs. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income guidelines, and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can receive Medicaid, as long as you continue to meet the qualifications of the program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This federal agency is the best option for those who need help paying bills related to housing. HUD will help those who have a low income to find affordable housing, pay their rent, avoid foreclosure, and more. They will provide weatherization services, as well as help cover the cost of home repair projects. You do have to be a legal resident of the state in order to qualify for the program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – You can apply for this federal program online, in person, through the mail, or by using their mobile app. The program will help those families who qualify by providing them with money assistance each month. The money assistance they provide can be used for paying bills, as well as paying for living expenses. To qualify for the program, you have to have at least one child under the age of 19 you are caring for, or be pregnant. You also have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. Some people do have a limit to how long they can get help through this program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This federal program focuses on ensuring that people do not go hungry. They provide a payment source for food each month for those who qualify. If you are approved for the program, they will provide you with a payment source that can be used to pay for food at the store or farmer’s market. Each month, they will electronically add funds to the card. There is no limit to how long you can get assistance through this program. As long as you continue to meet the qualifications you can keep getting the help paying for groceries. To qualify, you have to show you have a low income, and you have to be a legal resident of the area. To get more information and apply for the assistance, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program, which is funded by the federal government through a block grant, will help pay for your utility bills if you qualify. To qualify for the program, you have to be low income, and be the person responsible for paying the heating or cooling bill. You can apply for the program each year that you need the assistance paying the bill. If you are approved, the funds will be sent directly to the energy provider on your behalf. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
211 – This is a number to a referral service that will help you find local money assistance programs. It is provided by the organization called the United Way. You can call the number and tell them what you need money assistance for and that you are in Washington DC. They will use their database to find local programs to refer you to. The referral service is free and open to anyone who needs the assistance. To get more information about the service, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization will help people with paying bills, as well as providing food, shelter, and clothing. There are numerous locations, so contact the ones near you to inquire about bill payment assistance. They may be able to help you or provide a referral to a place that can help. To get more information and find a location, click here.
Catholic Charities – Although this is a faith-based organization, they do not require that you are religious to receive help. They have locations around the country and their mission is to help people in need in the communities. They offer free food, clothing, counseling, and at some locations they provide money assistance for paying bills. Contact a location near you to find out if they offer money assistance for paying bills. If they do not, they may be able to provide a referral to a place that does. To get more information and find locations, click here.
