Minnesota is home to more lakes than any other state in the country. They have over 10,000 lakes in the state, giving people a lot of water activities they can engage in. For those who live there, they may at times find that they are experiencing financial difficulty. When this happens, it is important to turn to programs that can help ensure basic needs are being met. There are numerous programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Minnesota.
The programs that offer financial help for African Americans in Minnesota are mostly funded by the federal government. Between those and the help provided by national organizations, people should be able to have their basic needs met. Getting the financial help you need is not difficult when you turn to these programs. The funds they provide never has to be paid back either, because it’s not considered to be a gift. Apply for all those you feel qualified for.
Financial Help for African Americans in Minnesota
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program will provide financial help for African Americans in Minnesota by providing a benefit to purchase food each month. There is no limit to how long you can receive a SNAP benefit. As long as you continue to qualify for it you can keep receiving it. Those who are approved will receive a debit-style card that can be used each month to pay for groceries. The federal government adds more funds to the card each month through an electronic process. To qualify for SNAP in Minnesota, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. You can apply for this program online. To get more information or apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides cash assistance for African Americans in Minnesota. Those who are approved for the program will receive a cash benefit each month. The cash can be used to pay for any type of living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, bills, and more. To qualify, you have to have a low income, be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen, and have at least one minor child that you are providing for. There is a time limit on how long you can receive help through this program, which is typically five years. To get more information or apply for TANF in Minnesota, click here.
General Assistance (GA) – This program is similar to TANF, but it doesn’t require that you have any minor children that you are providing for. The program is open to anyone who needs cash assistance who has a low income, and is a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. The maximum monthly amount of cash the program will provide is $203 for a single person and $260 per month for a couple. The cash assistance can be used to pay bills, as well as purchase items to help with basic living needs, including food, clothing, transportation, diapers, etc. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Medicaid – This federally funded program offers financial help for African Americans by providing free access to healthcare. Those who are approved for Medicaid will be able to get their healthcare expenses covered, including to go to the doctor, hospital, and obtain prescription drugs. There is no limit to how long you can get financial help from Medicaid. As long as you continue to meet the criteria for approval you can still get the assistance. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information, click here.
Energy Assistance Program – This program will help people in need to pay for their energy bills. If approved, you can get up to $1,400 worth of assistance. The funds are paid directly to the energy provider on your behalf. The program is open to those who own and rent a home. The deadline to apply each year is May 31st. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be the person responsible for paying the bill. To get more information or apply for financial assistance, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program offers financial help for African Americans in Minnesota by providing housing assistance. Those who are qualified for help will be able to get help paying rent, avoiding foreclosure, weatherization services, and more. They will help you locate affordable housing, including providing government-owned housing units that people can live in for free. They will also help pay for necessary housing repair costs, such as to replace the furnace. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for financial help, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program provides healthy food for women who are considered low income and nutritionally at risk. To qualify, you also have to have at least one child age five and under that you are caring for, or you have to be pregnant. If you are approved for the program, you will be able to go to the store each month and get free healthy food items, such as produce, cereal, bread, and milk. To apply for WIC in Minnesota, you have to do so in person at one of their clinics. To get more information or find a clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization has over 3,000 locations around the nation and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. They provide people of all walks of faith with a variety of financial assistance programs, including offering free food, clothing, shelter, and more. Find the location close to you to inquire about what type of programs they provide there. To find your closest location, click here.
Salvation Army – This is another faith-based organization that provides financial help for African Americans in Minnesota. They offer shelters, clothing, hot meals, boxes of food, transportation, counseling services and more. To find the location closest to you, click here.