Can’t Make Ends Meet? Apply To These Assistance Programs

Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)

Have you never had issues getting by in the past, only to find yourself in a financial rut right now? Then TANF may be just what you need, as it provides temporary cash assistance to help households become self-sufficient. Get extra cash from TANF each month, and you can stop falling behind on bills and start saving money so you can avoid similar issues in the future.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Feeding your family nutritious food is a must, but that’s a task that’s become a lot harder lately due to out-of-control grocery costs. If you’ve been falling short at the grocery store, applying for SNAP benefits may be your best move since it can give you monthly funds to shop with.

Monthly SNAP benefits recently increased for the first time in decades, meaning there’s no better time than now to see if you qualify. With that extra grocery money each month, you may find it a lot easier to sleep at night.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

One reason why many families can’t make ends meet is that their rent is too high. Although you could negotiate cheaper rent with your landlord, a better long-term move would be to apply to the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

If approved, you could limit your rent payments to just 30 percent of your monthly income. The remainder would be paid by the government directly to your landlord. Best of all, you can use a Section 8 voucher to live in a single-family home, townhome, or apartment.

Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

While it’s essential to pay the rent, you also have to handle those utilities so your family can live comfortably. Since energy costs can skyrocket as the seasons change, it’s good to know that you can apply to LIHEAP to get help with your utility bill payments.

If you qualify for LIHEAP due to limited income, you’ll not only cut your utility costs, but you could also get help with energy-related repairs and weatherization to lower those bills in the future.

Medicaid

The stress from not being able to pay your bills can lead to serious health issues down the line. Use the programs above to help pay for some of those essential needs and apply for Medicaid benefits so you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with free healthcare.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Your children’s healthcare is a need that cannot be ignored. With CHIP, your kids can get eye exams, dental visits, doctor visits, and more covered, so you can stop worrying about that significant expense as well.

Head Start

Do you have kids under five? Then you may feel overwhelmed about all of the costs that come with raising them. Head Start can help, as it offers educational resources, meals, and healthcare.