Do you know someone who is low income or maybe you’re low income yourself? There is no shame in being low income. However, it is important to know where you can find help when you need it. Here are some little-known bits of help for low-income families.
25+ Little Known Helps for Low-Income Families
Call *211
Most cities have a number you can call to get help. This number is the resource for helping you find what you need. Food, clothing, and even utility assistance can be found here.
Benefits.gov
Finding help for low-income families can be a little tricky. Usually, the resources that are available are quickly soaked up because of the great need. Benefits.gov lists Energy Assistance by the state.
Help from Low Income Health Clinics
If you can’t afford to go to the doctor, look for a low-income clinic in your area. These health clinics and dental clinics can help low-income families get the healthcare help they need, without them racking up a lot of debt.
Childcare vouchers
Depending on where you live, you may be able to qualify for a childcare voucher. This voucher is typically provided to low-income families with affordable child care. It does not usually cover the entire childcare bill and is only meant to be a supplement.
Related: How to Save on Groceries Without Going in the Store
Call your local churches
Most churches have several ministries they focus on. You may not be aware of the ministries they offer, but it’s worth it to call and ask. For example, a local church may focus on a particular part of the city and minister to them.
Smaller food banks
If you have already visited the big food bank in your area and can’t find food, try the smaller food banks. They sometimes have different hours and requirements for picking up food. Pay attention to when they’re open and stock up!
Look for low-cost generic medications
No one should have to go without their medications, which is why asking for a generic brand is always a good idea. Sometimes online pharmacies can also get you a cheaper price than even an in-person pharmacy can do.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The TANF program is available through your local county assistance office. It is a program that provides individuals with extra cash to use towards essential expenses, including rent, utilities, and basic necessities. It can come in handy for those living paycheck to paycheck on an incredibly tight budget.
Low Income Housing Assistance
Your local housing authority may offer Low Income Housing Assistance. The program allows individuals to get on a waitlist for a rental property. Rental properties are listed at affordable rates, even in areas where the cost of rent is higher.
Trade Adjustment Assistance Program
The TAA program is available for those who have recently lost their jobs. Even if you did not get laid off, you may be eligible to receive help from the program if your hours have been greatly reduced.
Free dental clinic services
If you do not have dental insurance, free dental clinics exist. You can schedule an appointment for cleanings and other dental work at these clinics. The wait maybe a bit longer, but it is worth it to get the dental work done.
Free clothing program
The free clothing program helps provide clothes for both adults and children. If you cannot afford clothes, resources are available to provide you with the essentials. You can receive gently used pants, shirts, undergarments, and more.
Related: How I Score My Kids Clothes Totally Free!
Home repair grants for low-income families
If you own a home that is falling apart, you might think that you will never be able to fix it. Home repair costs are expensive, but there are grants available for low-income families. You can apply for a grant to receive the money needed to get the repairs done.
Local food pantries
Numerous establishments provide food pantries for those in need. You can search for food pantries in and around your neighborhood to find out when and where you will need to go. Once you go to the food pantry, you will receive bags of food that you can take home and prepare for your family.
Rental security deposit assistance
Trying to rent a home but worried you cannot afford the cost of a security deposit? Most landlords want a security deposit. The good news is that there is a rental security deposit assistance program available. Apply for the program to see if you can get the money needed to pay for the security deposit.
Single mother cash grants
If you are a single mother, cash grants are available to help you afford the cost of different expenses. You can apply for these grants to receive money for rental assistance and child-related expenses.
Supplemental Security Income Program
When someone in the home has a disability, the SSI program is an option. It does not matter if it is a physical or mental disability. For example, if your child has received an autism diagnosis, they may be eligible to receive SSI. The extra income from this program can help the household.
Related: 30+ Ways to Save $100 a Year
Federal Pell Grant Program
When you have an interest in going to college despite a lack of funds, the Federal Pell Grant Program can help. The program provides financial aid to those interested in obtaining a college degree. Never believe that it is impossible to go to college simply due to a lack of finances.
Income-based jobseeker allowance
Apply for the Income-based jobseeker allowance if you are out of work and searching for employment. You may have spent countless hours applying for positions and have still not received a call from anyone. If so, the allowance program is a great way to pay the bills while between jobs.
Job training programs
If you would like to learn new skills to find a good job, your local county assistance office can get you into one of its job training programs. You can take courses for free to gain the skills needed to find employment.
Free school meals for children
If your children attend public school, you can make sure they receive both breakfast and lunch for free. By providing income information, the school will offer free food to the children.
Federal Student Aid
Different types of financial aid is available for students. You can visit studentaid.gov to find out more about the aid options and what you need to provide to receive it.
Walmart Foundation
The Walmart Foundation offers local community support and grants to help low-income families. You can complete an application or find out more about the work they do by visiting Walmart.org.
Low Income Credit Union
Instead of baking with a traditional banking institution, consider baking with the Low Income Credit Union. Members of the credit union must be considered low-income to open a bank account. Joining can help you save hundreds of dollars in bank fees each year.
Related: 100 Tips for Living on $30k a Year or Less
Affordable rental housing
Visit your local county assistance office to obtain information on affordable rental housing. You may be able to receive a voucher to rent a beautiful home in your area for less.
WIC Program
The WIC program helps women, infants, and children by providing vouchers for food and necessities, including baby formula. Women who are breastfeeding will have access to a free breast pump through the program.
EARN program
The EARN program exists with the sole purpose of helping low-income individuals gain employment. It can help you get on the right track if you have struggled to find a good-paying job.
Meals on Wheels
Seniors in need of food can apply for Meals on Wheels. The program drops off meals for seniors to ensure that they have breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Non-profit credit counseling
If you have debt and need help overcoming it, non-profit credit counseling is available. You can learn what steps you should take to get out of debt and become more financially secure.
When you need assistance due to a lack of funds, these programs are available. You can use these programs as resources to get back on your feet, earn more money, and save money.
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