Connecticut may be a smaller state, but that doesn’t mean there are not a lot of people who live there. Indeed, there are over 3.5 million people who call the state home. Some of those residents will at times experience difficult financial situations. When that happens, it’s important that they know where to turn for help. The good news is that here are numerous programs that offer financial help for African Americans in Connecticut, making sure that basic living needs are being met.
The federal government offers several types of programs to help people when they are experiencing financial difficulties. The programs will also provide financial help for African Americans. In Connecticut, many of the programs being offered to help people are federally funded, but there are others that are state funded or that are offered by faith-based organizations. Be sure to reach out to as many of the programs as you feel you qualify for, and keep in mind that you never have to pay any of the funds back.
Financial Help Programs for African Americans in Delaware
Medicaid – Healthcare expenses are some of the biggest hurdles that people face in every state around the country. One of the ways to help ensure that people who have a low income get healthcare is to have it paid for through the Medicaid program. The program is federally funded and will provide financial help for African Americans in Connecticut by paying for healthcare services. Some of the things the program pays for include primary visits, hospitalization, eye doctors, dental visits, and more. To qualify for this program you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information about Medicaid or sign up for it, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – The cost of living is a concern for many African Americans in Connecticut, especially where housing is concerned. Those who need help finding affordable housing can apply for help through HUD. The program has several ways that they help people in the community, including by helping people pay rent, avoid foreclosure, and locate affordable housing options. They also offer government-owned housing units that people can live in for free. Other services they offer for free to those with a low income include weatherization services and help paying for necessary home repairs, such as for the heating and cooling unit. To get more information or apply for assistance, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides food financial help for African Americans in Connecticut. The program used to be called food stamps. Those who are approved for the program will receive a monthly payment that is electronically added to a debit card. The card can then be used to pay for groceries at the store. The amount you receive each month that you can spend is determined by how many dependents are in your home. To qualify for SNAP in Connecticut, you have to have a low income. To get more information or apply for this program, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides people with a low income with a monthly cash payment. The cash is used to help pay for living expenses, including paying bills, buy food, pay rent, on transportation, and more. There is a five year limit on how long you can receive assistance from this program. To qualify for TANF in Connecticut, you need to have at least one minor child that you are providing for. The amount of cash you receive each month is based on how many people you are providing for within your home. For example, a family of four is going to receive more each month than a family of two. To get more information about TANF or to apply for the benefits, click here.
General Assistance – This program is similar to TANF, only it doesn’t require you to have any minor children that you are providing for. The program will provide individuals with cash each month that can be used toward their living expense. This is a program that provides short term financial help for African Americans in Connecticut. Those who apply need to be over the age of 18. To get more information, click here.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) – This is a program that specifically helps women who are pregnant or who have children under the age of five. The major concern is that women in this group have healthy foods, so the program provides them with free healthy food items each month. To apply for WIC you have to visit one of their clinics for an interview. To find a location near you, click here.
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program – This program offers financial help for African Americans by paying for a utility bill for them. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person who is responsible for the utility bill. This program is based on a first come, first served basis, because it is funded with a federal block grant. That means when they get the money each year they give out help until the grant funds are gone until the next year. The amount they give out to pay for a utility bill ranges from $200-600. Be sure to apply early each year to get help from this program. To get more information or apply, click here.
Catholic Charities of Connecticut – This faith-based organization helps a lot of people by providing access to free food, clothing, shelter, counseling services, and more. Locate one of the branches near your home to see what type of services they offer. To get more information, click here.
Salvation Army – This is another faith-based organization that will provide financial help for African Americans. In Connecticut there are several Salvation Army locations that you can turn to for help with housing, clothing, food, transportation, job skills, and much more. They provide many different types of services to help those in need.