If you need financial aid in any aspect of your life, you’re not alone. While not everyone needs help to access food, many do and many others need help to afford or access other important and necessary supplies and services. Here are seven assistance programs you should check whether you qualify for.
1. The Federal Affordability Connectivity Program
The main benefit of this program is discounted or free mobile service. Depending on your needs or your family’s needs, you may be entitled to free or discounted phones and mobile service, unlimited or additional minutes, texts and data or Federal Lifeline support. The benefits you may receive depend on the state in which you live, your mobile service provider and how you qualify. There are multiple ways to qualify, including being the recipient of a Federal Pell Grant or meeting Federal Poverty Guidelines.
2. Home Energy Assistance Programs
As more attention is called to energy efficiency and eco-friendly energy sources, it can become more difficult for people in certain situations to access economically-viable energy sources. For this reason, energy assistance programs are available. These programs are typically run by state governments and help people ensure their homes are heated and cooled for affordable prices. You may also access these programs if you’re at risk of your utility services being shut off.
3. The Housing And Urban Development (HUD) Housing Program
The Housing Program, also known as the Public Housing Program, is meant to ensure all people have access to affordable housing. You may be eligible for this program if you are elderly, have a disability or are a member of a low-income family. The type of public housing available depends on the area in which you live. In some places, apartments may be the primary housing available. In others, you may have access to single-family homes or townhouses. The HUD makes sure this program offers housing at affordable rents for those with lower incomes.
4. Prescription Assistance Programs
In addition to government medical assistance programs such as Social Security and Medicare, you may also be eligible for a prescription assistance program. These programs are typically offered by nonprofits, pharmaceutical companies or pharmacies. Prescription assistance programs may provide discounts for prescription medication or help you access medication you need for free. They may also help you manage your prescription costs or find additional resources.
5. Education Financial Aid Programs
Nearly everyone can qualify for some type of financial aid and there are many programs available that offer it. One of the most common types of financial aid is the student loan. You can apply for private or federal student loans, both of which have benefits and drawbacks. The size of the loan depends on several factors, including need, credit history and whether you have a cosigner. Various organizations and government departments offer grants and scholarships. You may also be awarded scholarships by financial institutions. Grants and scholarships may be based on need or various academic and extracurricular achievements.
6. The Child Care And Development Funds Program
This program is administered across all states, tribes and territories of the United States. The program oversees federal funds related to child care under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. The main goal of this program is to ensure that low-income families are able to access affordable child care. Eligible parents may use the program to find child care centers, preschool and school programs or family child care homes.
7. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance Program
Also called Cash Assistance, the TANF Program is meant to provide financial aid to people with limited resources related to low-income or no-income situations. These programs are typically run by state governments. Through this program, you will likely be assigned a caseworker. He or she will help you determine your eligibility, renew your benefits, learn skills, look for work and access additional resources such as child care or disability assistance.
Whether you need long-term or short-term assistance, there may be a program meant to help you. Make sure you look for government and community programs, programs offered by nonprofits, businesses and employers and other types of assistance programs to see if any apply to your situation. Then, check whether you qualify and how to gain access.
