Top Federal Assistance Programs To Help You Through Tough Times
(BrightPress.org) – Life can be unpredictable. In the wake of the pandemic, many people found themselves unable to fend for themselves and their families. The post-COVID-19 period presents unexpected financial difficulties for most low-income Americans due to the rising cost of living.
Due to this, the government, acting through various state agencies, launched several federal assistance programs to ensure struggling people survive and thrive during harsh economic times. These government-run programs help cover the basic needs of living, including housing, food, and healthcare. If you are curious about learning how the programs work and if you are eligible for them, read on.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Also known as Food Stamps, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal assistance program designed to help low-income houses afford food. This program almost single-handedly provided the largest amount of financial assistance to overcome hunger in America.
This program aims to provide financial relief to families struggling to meet their basic needs, such as food expenses. If you are interested in applying for benefits, check with your respective state agency, as each state has its own specific requirements. Some agencies allow you to apply online, while others will require in-person applications.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Food may not be the only place where families are struggling. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps qualified individuals and families receive financial help for energy-related costs. Unlike other programs, LIHEAP offers one-time assistance for energy bill payments and related repairs, energy crisis assistance, and heating and cooling expenses.
Again, whether you qualify for this program can vary from state to state. If you are curious whether you are eligible for LIHEAP benefits, contact your state or tribal LIHEAP office for more assistance. If you need to reapply for the program, call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) via this toll-free number: 1-866-674-6327 Monday through Friday.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, also known as welfare, is a federal assistance program run by the Department of Health and Human Services. It delivers financial support to households that are experiencing temporary financial setbacks.
For a set period of time, qualified households can expect to receive help with food, housing, childcare, and home energy expenses. Most states require applicants to have some type of work, but eligibility requirements vary from state to state. Visit or call your state TANF office to find out if you qualify. Don’t forget that receiving TANF benefits doesn’t mean you cannot accept other federal funding.
Housing Voucher Program (Section 8)
This program is one of the most popular housing relief programs in America, with over 1.2 million units of public housing and 2.2 million renters. Individuals or families that qualify for Section 8 housing receive full or partial housing benefits (up to 30% of your income), depending on your financial situation. Properties allocated to this program include townhouses, apartments, duplexes, and single-home residences. To qualify for Section 8 housing, you will need to prove that you’re struggling financially by showing your income level, citizenship status, eviction history, and family size.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a nationwide health assistance program that offers basic healthcare services to low-income households. Medicaid has covered one out of five Americans’ access to basic healthcare needs as of 2019. This includes children, adults, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and people with disabilities.
Eligible people who benefit from this program get access to a wide range of health services without worrying about out-of-pocket costs. This program covers almost a fifth of personal healthcare costs. Medicaid has different state requirements, but the most crucial eligibility factor.
To apply for the Medicaid program, visit a state Medicaid agency or a Center for Medicaid near you.
Apply for Federal Assistance Programs Near You
Life can be almost overwhelming at times. It’s no shame to get knocked down, but it matters how you pick yourself back up. These programs help you get back on your feet financially. Apply for them today, but do your research and pay attention to scammers pretending to be helpful people or agencies.
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