Known for its abundance of natural beauty, Montana has a lot to over both tourists and residents. Those who live there though may at times experience financial difficulty that leads to needing assistance. The good news is that there is financial help for African Americans in Montana, and it can play an important role in ensuring that people’s basic needs are met.
The programs that offer financial help for African Americans in Montana are largely funded by the federal government. There are also some that are made possible through organizations and churches. The programs offered provide financial help that never has to be paid back, because the funds are not considered to be a loan. If you receive assistance you can take comfort in knowing that your basic needs will be met and there’s no stress to pay anything back.
Financial Help for African Americans in Montana
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Those who are struggling to purchase food may qualify for SNAP. This federally-funded program used to be known as food stamps. It focuses on providing people who are struggling financially with the funds to purchase food. Those who are approved for the program will be able to use a debit-style card that has the benefit electronically loaded onto it as their payment source at the grocery store or farmer’s market. There is no limit to how long you can get assistance from SNAP. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount you will receive on your debit card each month is determined by how many dependents are in your home. To get more information or apply for SNAP in Montana, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Montana in the form of cash. Those who are approved will receive a monthly cash benefit that can be used to pay for living expenses. The funds can be used on such things as hygiene products, food, transportation vouchers, clothing, paying bills, and more. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and at least one minor child you are providing for, or be pregnant and in your third trimester. The program is also open to refugees who have minor children who are dependents. The amount you receive each month is determined by how many dependents you have. For example a family of four would receive a standard payment of $709 per month. There is a 60-month limit on how long you can receive TANF. To get more information or apply for this program, click here.
Medicaid – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Montana in the form of helping to pay for healthcare expenses. Those who are approved for the program will be able to get free healthcare, including prescription drugs, dental care, transportation to medical appointments, x-rays and diagnostic tests, doctor visits, and hospital stays. There is no limit to how long you can receive Medicaid benefits. As long as you continue to qualify for the program you can get the benefit. To qualify for Medicaid in Montana, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. This program also offers Healthy Montana Kids (HMK), which is a healthcare assistance program designed to help children of low income families. To get more information or apply for the program, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program offers financial help for African Americans in Montana by helping to pay utility bills. Those who are struggling to pay their energy bill may be able to get help having it paid through this program. Those who are qualified will be able to get their energy bill paid, with the funds being sent directly to the energy provider on your behalf. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. The program will also provide free weatherization services, which will help to reduce monthly energy bills. The window to apply for assistance during the heating season is October 1 through April 30 of each year. To get more information or apply for help paying your energy bills, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This federally-funded organization has a goal of helping people avoid homelessness and be able to find affordable housing options. Those who need help with paying their rent or avoiding foreclosure may be able to get help through the program. They also offer government-owned housing where people can live for free. Other programs they provide include free weatherization services and they will help pay for some necessary home repairs, such as to the heating unit. To qualify for help you have to have low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program provides free healthy foods to women who are qualified for the program. To be approved for the program you have to have a low income, be nutritionally at risk, and be pregnant or have at least one child age five and under. To apply for WIC 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 is a faith-based organization that helps people around the country. They offer free food, clothing, shelter, counseling, and a variety of other services to those in need. Although they are a religious organization they don’t expect you to be to get help. They will help everyone in the community. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This program is a faith-based organization that will provide financial help for African Americans in Montana. They offer shelter, hot meals, and bags of food, clothing, job placement assistance, transportation assistance, and much more. To find a location near you, click here.