How to Determine Which Federal Assistance Programs YOU Are Eligible For
(NewsReady.com) – Life is unpredictable. After the pandemic, many people are unable to fend for themselves and their families. The post-pandemic period presents a challenging time financially for most low-income Americans due to the high cost of living.
Because of this, the government, through various state agencies, launched federal assistance programs to ensure people survive and thrive during the harsh economic times. From housing and food to healthcare, these government run programs cover the basic needs of different parts of life.
Read on to find out how the programs work and the process of successfully applying before the deadline hits.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Previously known as Food Stamps, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal assistance option geared toward low-income households. It’s single-handedly the largest assistance program operating to overcome hunger in America.
The program aims to provide financial relief to families struggling with basic needs, especially food expenses. Interested parties can apply for SNAP through their respective state agencies. Each state determines requirements – some allow for online applications while others require you to visit their offices in person.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program aims to help qualified families, and individuals get financial help for home energy-related costs. Unlike other programs, LIHEAP offers a one-time assistance option for energy bill payments, energy-related repairs, energy crisis assistance, and heating and cooling expenses.
Qualifications for the program depend on the state. To find out if you’re eligible for LIHEAP benefits, contact your tribal or state LIHEAP office. For help applying for the program, call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) via this toll-free number: 1-866-674-6327 from Monday to Friday, from
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The Welfare or Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal assistance program run by the Department of Health and Human Services. It offers financial support to households experiencing temporary and not permanent financial setbacks.
For the set duration, qualified households can expect help with food, home energy, housing, and childcare expenses. Although most states require applicants to have some type of work, eligibility for TANF varies from state to state. Call or visit your state TANF office to find out the qualifications needed. Remember, qualifying for the program doesn’t exempt you from other benefits.
Housing Voucher Program (Section 8 Program)
This government-run assistance program is the most popular housing relief program in America, with 1.2 million units of public housing and 2.2 million renters. Families or individuals that qualify for the Section 8 program receive full or part (no more than 30% of income) housing benefits, depending on their financial situation. Most of the properties allocated to in this program include:
- Townhouses
- Apartments
- Single-home
- Duplexes
To qualify for Section 8, you need to prove that you’re struggling by showing your income level, eviction history, citizenship status, and family size.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a nationwide health assistance program that helps low-income households’ access basic healthcare services. As of 2019, the Medicaid program covered one out of five Americans, whether adults, pregnant women, people with disabilities, kids, or seniors.
Beneficiaries of this program get access to a wide range of health services without too many out-of-pocket costs, as it covers almost a fifth of all personal healthcare expenses. In most states, eligibility varies from one individual to another, but the single most essential factor is to prove you can’t afford private insurance.
Visit a Center for Medicaid near you or a state Medicaid agency – a branch of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services to apply for the program.
Apply for a Federal Assistance Program Near You
It’s not unusual to get knocked down by life. However, how you pick yourself back up matters. These programs will help you get financially back on your feet as soon as possible. Apply for them today, but be mindful of scammers masquerading as people or agencies that help.
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