Wisconsin offers their residents a lower cost of living than most other states. While this makes it easier for many people to pay their bills, there are still some people who struggle. Whether it is because they cannot find a job that pays enough, they have unexpected medical bills, or another reason, some people may at times have financial challenges. During these times it is important to turn to programs that will provide money assistance for paying bills in Wisconsin.
Getting help paying the bills can make a world of difference. It can keep people from becoming homeless and having their heat turned off during the winter, among other issues. The programs that are in place in Wisconsin will help ensure that basic needs are being met, even when people are experiencing a financially challenging period. The programs are usually made possible by funding through the state and federal government, as well as by organizations that help people in the areas where they are located.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
Whether you need short or long term money assistance for paying bills there are programs you can turn to in Wisconsin. Apply for as many programs as you feel you need or are qualified for, because there are no limits. Some of the programs provide short term assistance, while others will allow you to get it for much longer. You will not have to worry about paying it back, because it is not considered a loan.
Medicaid – The federal government has created this program to help people who qualify pay for medical care. If you have a low income and are a citizen or legal non-citizen you may qualify for this program. Medicaid will help pay for such things as doctor visits, prescription drugs, surgeons, specialists, hospital bills, and more. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. Those who continue to meet the qualifications will be able to continue getting the assistance. To get more information and apply for Medicaid, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Many people struggle with paying their rent or may be facing foreclosure. HUD is an agency that you can turn to if you are struggling with paying for housing. It is a federal agency that is in charge of helping people with housing issues in the country and reducing homelessness. They offer numerous programs to help people, including paying for your rent, providing you with a government owned housing unit to live in, helping people avoid foreclosure, and more. They will also help pay for house repairs and perform weatherization services, which will reduce your monthly energy bills. To get help through HUD in Wisconsin, you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Families in need of money assistance for paying bills and covering basic living expenses may qualify for TANF. The program provides those who qualify with a monthly cash benefit that can be used to pay bills and for things like rent, transportation, clothing, food, and more. To qualify, you have to have at least one minor child in the home, have a low income, and be a legal resident of the state. The amount you will receive each month is calculated according to how many people are in your household. There is a lifetime limit of 60 months on how long you can get a monthly benefit from this program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Food Share Wisconsin – This is the state’s version of the federal program called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).Formerly known as food stamps, this program focuses on providing people with food assistance. With the rising cost of groceries around the state and country, many people find this program to be helpful and important. If you are approved for SNAP, you will receive a monthly amount each month to spend on buying groceries. The government provides it to you electronically by putting it on a debit-style card that is then used as your payment source. The amount you receive is determined by how many dependents you have. There is no limit to how long you can get help through SNAP. To get more information and apply, click here.
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) – This program is funded by the federal government and will help people pay for their heating and electric bills. They also provide crisis assistance for those who are facing a disconnection. The program’s main focus is on helping people who have a low income pay for their heating bills. To qualify for money assistance to pay your bill, you have to have a low income and be the person who is responsible for paying the bill. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – To referrals to local programs that may provide money assistance to help pay bills you can call this number. The United Way has created this number to help people who are struggling financially and need information about local resources they can turn to. The service is free to use and open to anyone who needs assistance. To get more information about the program, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization helps many people and has numerous locations in the state of Wisconsin, including in New Richmond, Stevens Point, Franklin, Milwaukee, Waukesha, and others. They will provide people in need with free food, shelters, clothing, transportation vouchers, counseling services, and more. Some locations will help provide money assistance for paying bills. Contact the locations in your area to see if they provide money assistance or if they can refer you to local programs that can help with your situation. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization is similar to Salvation Army and helps in the same manner. To find locations near you, click here.
