Maryland is a state on the east coast that is famous for blue crabs. There are more blue crabs that come from Maryland than any other state. For those who live there, they may at times experience financial difficulties that leave them needing assistance. The good news is that there are programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Maryland.
Most of the programs that offer financial help for African Americans in Maryland are funded by the federal government. There are also some assistance programs funded by the state government, as well as those that are made possible through charitable organizations. Be sure to contact all of them that you feel qualified for, because there is no limit to how many you can receive assistance from at one time. Plus, the help they provide is not considered a loan, so it never has to be paid back.
Financial Help for African Americans in Maryland
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program focuses on providing food assistance to those in need in Maryland. Formerly called food stamps, the program will provide you with food each month if you qualify. Those who are qualified will receive a debit-style card, where the funds are electronically added each month. The debit card can then be used as the payment source at the grocery store to purchase food items. The amount you will receive each month is determined by how many dependents are in the home. To qualify for SNAP, you have to have a low income. You will have to provide your social security number when applying. You can apply online or in person at a social services office. To get more information or apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This federally funded program will provide financial help for African Americans in Maryland in the form of cash each month. To qualify, you have to have a low income and at least one minor child that you are responsible for. The amount you receive each month is determined by how many dependents you have in the home. Some families may have to participate in work programs to receive the benefit and comply with substance abuse provisions. If you are approved for a monthly cash payment you can use it on your living expenses, such as food, housing, transportation, etc. You can apply for TANF in Maryland online or at your local social services office. To get more information, click here.
Medicaid – The purpose of this program is to help those who have a low income be able to pay for medical expenses. Those who are approved for Medicaid, which is federally funded, will be able to get their medical expenses paid for. This includes when visiting a doctor, going to the hospital, obtaining prescription drugs, seeing an eye doctor, and more. To qualify for the program you have to have a low income and be a citizen of the country, or a legal non-citizen. You can apply for this program online or in person. To get more information about Medicaid in Maryland, click here.
Energy Assistance – There is financial help for African Americans in Maryland if they need help paying for their energy bills. Those who need help paying for utility bills can apply with the state for assistance. You can apply online or over the phone. If you qualify for the energy assistance program in Maryland, they will pay your electric bill on your behalf. To get more information or apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program is federally funded and focuses on preventing homelessness. The program will provide help for African Americans in Maryland by helping them to pay rent, avoid foreclosure, and locate affordable housing options. Those who are approved for the programs will not have to pay the funds back at any time. HUD also owns housing units where people are allowed to live for free. To qualify for help through HUD, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information, click here.
Salvation Army – This national organization is faith-based and provides a wide variety of services to help those in the community. They offer shelters, free hot meals, and boxes of food, bill payment assistance, counseling services, and much more. You have to find a location near you and contact them to see which programs they provide. If they don’t have one to meet your specific need they may be able to refer you to a group that can help you. To get more information and find a location close to you, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program was created by the federal government to ensure that pregnant women are getting healthy food. Those who are qualified for the program will receive free healthy food each month. To qualify for WIC in Maryland, you have to be low income and be either pregnant or have at least one child age five and under that you are caring for. To apply for WIC in Maryland, you have to visit one of their clinics and apply in person. The program is open to those who are considered nutritionally at risk. If you are approved you will be able to go to the grocery store and get free healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, etc. To get more information or locate a WIC clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization offers over 3,000 locations around the nation. Although they are faith-based, you do not have to be religious to receive help from them. Each location they have offers a variety of programs to help people in need in the community. Some of the services they offer to people in the community include free hot meals, shelters, food pantries, clothing, transportation vouchers, counseling services, and much more. You have to contact the location that is close to you to see what programs they offer. To get more information, click here.