Need a Leg Up? Government Assistance Programs Can Help You Now!
- Author: Larry Herman PhD
- Posted: 2024-03-29
If you're struggling to make ends meet, you're not alone. Many folks are in the same boat, especially when inflation was at its highest in 40 years in 2022. Some experts predict that the United States is still battling inflation, and in 2024, uncertainty will persist. So, how do you survive during these tough times? Look into government assistance programs. They're out there and can help you.
See If You Quality for TANF
It's called TANF and stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The assistance program is connected to the Health and Human Services Department of the United States. Grants are provided by the federal government and given to states to run the TANF program.
Each state has its own program, and you can check for your local chapter here online.
To be eligible for TANF, you must be unemployed or underemployed and have low or very low income. You must also fall under one of the categories below:
- Have a child 18 years of age or younger, or
- Be pregnant, or
- Be 18 years of age or younger and the head of your household
How to Tackle Energy Costs
Another government assistance program that you may qualify for is called LIHEAP. It stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Considering the skyrocketing prices these days, getting help for home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and minor energy-related home repairs could make a major difference. LIHEAP can keep you and yours safe and comfortable all year round.
LIHEAP is unique in each state across the country and based on household size, income and other received benefits. To see if you're eligible to apply, you can call toll-free 24/7 at 1-866-674-6327. Representatives are available weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.(ET). You can also reach LIHEAP online by emailing them at energyassistance@ncat.org.
Sign Up for Medicaid
In the safety net of federal public assistance programs, Medicaid is the largest and receives the lion's share of funding. The program was established in 1965. It's been an amazing plan for millions of low-income children, their families, elderly people and individuals with disabilities over the decades.
Medicaid provides a three-pronged system of critical health protection: (1) health insurance for low-income families and individuals with disabilities; (2) long-term care (LTC) for older Americans and people with disabilities; and (3) supplemental coverage for low-income Medicare beneficiaries for services not covered by Medicare.
Each state is unique in how it establishes its Medicaid eligibility standards. The program is based on a combination of financial and categorical requirements.
To get started, you can apply online by finding your state's Medicaid agency. You must reside in the state where you apply. Click here.
You can also create an account with the government's Health Insurance Marketplace. If anyone in your household qualifies for Medicaid, this information will be sent to your state's agency. They will get in contact with you by mail regarding enrollment.
Don't Forget about CHIP for Your Kids
Here's another program that can also give you a leg up during these challenging times. It's called CHIP or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The plan provides health coverage to eligible children via Medicaid and separate CHIP programs. Again, each state can design its own program within the federal guidelines.
CHIP, in general, provides comprehensive coverage such as routine check-ups, immunizations, doctor visits and prescriptions. There are also dental benefits and behavioral health benefits included. To see if your kids qualify, click here. You can also reach them by phone at 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).
These government assistance programs can be very helpful to you and yours. Did you know this? In May of 2023, reported data indicated that 93,815,749 individuals were enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Don't be timid about seeking assistance from the government. These successful programs have been around for a number of years. It never hurts to see if you and your family qualify. The information and websites provided above are legitimate and safe to use and apply at. If you would like to chat now with a live government agent, you can also choose this option at USAGov.Chat.
