Ultimate Guide To Federal Financial Assistance Opportunities For All Americans
(UnitedReader.com) – Sometimes life can surprise you. Add to that the recent pandemic, and it’s no surprise that so many people are finding themselves struggling to care for themselves and their families. As the post-COVID-19 cost of living rises, many low-income Americans have difficulty keeping up financially.
In response, the federal government launched several federal assistance programs to ensure people were able to survive during these harsh economic times. Working through various state agencies, these programs are designed to help cover the cost of food, housing, healthcare, and other basic needs.
Keep reading to find out more about these programs and whether or not you may qualify.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formally known as Food Stamps, is a federal assistance program created to help low-income households. This program provides financial relief to families struggling with food expenses. Since the cost of living can vary widely by state, each state has specific requirements for eligibility. If you are interested in applying for this program, call or visit your local field office. Some offices may allow online appointments.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Commonly known as Welfare, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is a federally funded program run by the Department of Health and Human Services. It aims to offer financial support to qualifying households experiencing temporary setbacks.
For a set period of time, qualifying households can receive financial help with food, childcare, housing, and home energy expenses. Eligibility requirements vary by state, but most states require applicants to have some type of work. If you need more information about your state’s specific requirements, call or visit your state TANF office to find out. Qualifying for TANF does not prevent you from applying for other assistance programs.
Medicaid
If you need help with affording medical care, Medicaid may be the solution. Available nationwide, Medicaid is a healthcare assistance program that ensures low-income households have access to essential healthcare services. As of 2019, Medicaid helped one in five Americans afford the basic health care they deserved. This program serves many different people, including pregnant women, children, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Qualifying beneficiaries can access a wide range of health services with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Medicaid covers almost one-fifth of all personal healthcare expenses. Like other assistance programs, eligibility requirements vary by state, but each state does require you to prove you cannot afford private insurance.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time assistance options to help qualified families and individuals pay for their energy bills, emergency repairs, heating and cooling expenses, and energy crisis assistance,
Eligibility qualifications for this program vary from state to state. If you are in need and are interested in finding out whether you are eligible for assistance, contact your tribal or state LIHEAP office for more information. If you need help applying, contact the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) using this toll-free number: 1-866-674-6327.
Housing Voucher Program (Section 8)
This federal assistance program is designed to help qualifying families and individuals find and purchase housing. It is one of America’s most popular housing relief programs, with over 2.2 million renters and 1.2 million public housing units. Individuals and families which qualify for Section 8 housing can receive partial or full housing benefits (a maximum of 30% of their income), depending on their unique financial situation. Properties that qualify for this program can include:
- Apartments
- Single-Homes
- Duplexes
- Townhouses
Qualifying for Section 8 housing requires you to prove you are struggling financially by analyzing your eviction history, income level, family size, and citizenship status. Be sure you accurately report this information, as they will be double-checking.
Applying for a Federal Assistance Program
Life can absolutely catch you by surprise. There is no shame in getting knocked down, as long as you pick yourself back up. These programs are there to help you quickly get back on your feet. If you need assistance, apply for these programs. Beware of scammers that masquerade as helpful people or agencies.
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