Facing Life's Challenges? Take Advantage of Government Assistance Programs
- Author: Noah King
- Posted: 2024-03-02
The federal government runs welfare programs to cushion low-income Americans from poverty.
These programs take care of food, health, education, and housing.
To benefit from these initiatives, there are steps you need to follow.
Read on to discover assistance programs from the government that can help you maneuver tough economic times.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF)
The TANF program assists families with children whose caregivers can't meet basic needs.
The Federal government collaborates with States to run the program.
States receive and distribute funds, set eligibility criteria, and decide on payment types and amounts.
In 2017, 2.5 million people benefited from TANF, including 1.9 million children.
Beneficiaries must find employment within two years of registration. (Source: Office of Family Assistance, US Department of Health & Human Services)
Supplemental Security Income
The Supplemental Security Income program offers financial support to people with disability or blindness who have limited income.
The support is given in terms of monthly payments, and the beneficiaries can use this money to pay for food, clothing, and shelter.
People aged 65 and above are also eligible for this program, even if they don’t have disabilities.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, or Food Stamps, by the US Department of Agriculture, provides nutritious food access to low-income families.
Beneficiaries receive special cards for purchasing food at select markets and stores.
Average monthly benefit is $133. There's also a version for young children and nursing mothers called WIC.
School-aged children can benefit from the Child Nutrition Program.
Medicaid
Medicaid takes care of the health costs of low-income families.
It is designed and administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.
People who can benefit from this program include kids, pregnant women, adults, people with disabilities, and seniors.
Child’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services is also responsible for The Child’s Health Insurance Program.
The CHIP program provides medical support to kids with no medical insurance who are aged up to 19 years.
The children enjoy free or low-cost dental and medical care from this program.
CHIP covers preventive care procedures such as dental care, eye exams, and check-ups. It also covers medical supplies costs, hospital care, and tests.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) aids vulnerable households with energy costs, covering bills, weatherization, crises, and minor repairs.
It ensures warmth in winter and safety from unsafe heating/cooling practices.
Funded by the federal government, states determine eligibility criteria, prioritizing households with disabilities, senior citizens, children under six, or veterans.
Federal Pell Grant Program
The Federal Pell Grant Program provides funds to people from low-income households who want to pursue higher education.
The funding acts as a scholarship, meaning you don’t need to repay whatever is offered to you.
The program sponsors individuals looking to pursue their first undergraduate degree.
You may not be eligible for this initiative if you have served a prison sentence or an involuntary civil commitment before.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The affordable connectivity program helps low-income households to cater for Wi-Fi costs. The program enables families to enjoy $30 off their monthly internet bill.
So far, 20 internet carriers have come aboard the program to offer Wi-Fi plans of $30 every month.
The Affordable Connectivity Program shoulders this cost, meaning you will not pay anything for your Wi-Fi usage.
If you want to join any of the discussed government assistance programs, visit the respective government websites to see the eligibility criteria.
Also, look out for scammers who may pose as proprietors of the initiatives to avoid losing money.
