When individuals find themselves going through hard times, it can be a challenge to get out of their current situation with no aid. This is where federally funded assistance opportunities come in. There is a wide range of programs that the federal government funds, but states or localities are in charge of the programs’ management. These programs were created to help those who need it in different aspects of their lives. This is why it is important to figure out what are the available options out there and how to receive these benefits!
Different Federal Assistance Options
You should know that not every program can provide assistance on the same issue. This is why you should make sure you know the available options out there. Other than reading this article, you can also take advantage of the government resources available. One of the most helpful resources is Benefits.gov. Benefits.gov is a federal website that offers details for more than 1,000 different programs that can assist individuals who need them. One of the greatest advantages of this website is that it has a Benefit Finder tool for users to make the most of.
This tool gives users the chance to fill out their personal details about their situation. That would include income, household size, and more. With these details, the Benefit Finder tool will offer a list of assistance options that can potentially be a good fit. The tool will not tell you if you qualify, though; you will need to apply to find out. However, it can offer details about available options and any information that can guide the user in the right direction. Some popular federal programs include:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
- Lifeline Program
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Medicaid
- Education Grants
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
One of the most popular federal programs for nutritional assistance is SNAP. This program offers funds to recipients per month with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The amount that an individual will receive depends on several factors. This includes income, household size, and more. Every state has a different application process. If you are interested in benefiting from this program, you should contact your local SNAP office.
Housing Choice Voucher Program
People also refer to this program as Section 8. Regardless, Section 8 is a federal housing assistance program that was created to offer affordable housing to people who need it. Recipients can use housing vouchers from the program to pay for rent in the private market. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding for the program. However, local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are in charge of managing and administering it. If you want to start the application process, you should get in touch with your local PHA. In the case that you find it hard to contact your local PHA, you can get in touch with your local HUD Field Office.
Lifeline Program
The Lifeline Program can offer discounts to eligible low-income recipients that are up to $9.25 per month on wireline or wireless services. Additionally, this program provides support for broadband Internet service and broadband-voice bundles. However, this assistance option can only offer one Lifeline service per family. If the subscriber of the program resides on tribal lands, then the discount can reach up to $34.25. In the case that you want to apply for the Lifeline program, the applicant generally needs to use the National Verifier application system. If you have any questions or need more information, then you can get in touch at 800-234-9473 or [email protected].
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The WAP is available thanks to the United States Department of Energy (DOE). With this program, eligible families can reduce their energy expenses by making their homes more energy-efficient. Other than lowering their energy expenses, families can also ensure their health and safety. If you want to apply, applicants will need to get in touch with their state weatherization agency.
Medicaid
Healthcare is not a cheap cost for many American families to manage. That is where Medicaid can offer its assistance. Medicaid is a public insurance program that can offer healthcare coverage to qualifying low-income Americans. The federal government and state governments are responsible for jointly funding the program. Each state will have its own Medicaid program and guidelines, but each state must follow federal regulations. If you are interested in applying for this program, you can do so through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Additionally, you have the choice to directly contact your state Medicaid agency.
Grants For Educational Purposes
Another large cost that American families go through is the expense of getting a higher education. This is where federal education grants can be beneficial. These grants offer funds that typically do not need recipients to pay off in order to use them on the expenses of higher education. There is a wide range of different grants which include:
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants
- Pell Grants
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
Each of these grants contains its own requirements and guidelines on eligibility and how it can assist. You will need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Additionally, you can get more information by contacting your school’s financial aid office.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The aim of this program is to offer states and territories funding that they can use to give support to families with children. This program helps them achieve the goal of economic independence. While this program will differ from one state to another, it includes offering cash assistance with supportive services. If you want to benefit from this federal assistance program, you should get in touch with your local TANF office.
The Final Verdict
Finally, there is a wide range of different federal assistance programs that are available. It is important to remember that the specific support can differ based on the state or even locality. The application process will vary depending on the program and the area of the program, too! Additionally, you can look through available support programs through Benefits.gov. There are more support options than you think!