There are 10.5 million people who live in North Carolina. It is a state that has one of the lower costs of living, but that doesn’t mean that people will not struggle financially at times. Indeed, some people do experience financial struggles and need help to get by. The good news is that there are programs that offer financial help for African Americans in North Carolina.
The programs that offer financial help for African Americans in North Carolina will help ensure that basic needs are being met. They are generally federally funded and since they are not giving loans, the financial help never has to be paid back. They are open to anyone who is experiencing a financial challenge or who earns a low income. Typically you also have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen in order to qualify, although there are some programs that will help refugees.
There is no limit to how many programs you can apply for or receive funds from at one time. Be sure to apply for all those you feel qualified for, so that you can make ends meet and ensure your basic needs are being met.
Financial Help for African Americans in North Carolina
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program is federally funded and provides financial help for African Americans in North Carolina. Those who need help obtaining food and have a low income may qualify for SNAP. Those who are approved for the program will receive a debit-style card that can be used as payment source at the grocery store or farmer’s market. The amount that you will receive each month is determined by how many dependents are in your household. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. To get more information or apply for SNAP in North Carolina, click here.
Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) – In the state of North Carolina, this program is also known as Work First Family Assistance. It is a federally funded program that provides people who qualify with a monthly cash benefit. The cash can be used to pay for a variety of living expenses, including housing, transportation, food, hygiene products, paying bills, etc. There is a time limit of 60 months that you can receive help through TANF. This program is open to those who have a low income and who have at least one minor child they are providing for. To get more information or apply, click here.
Medicaid – This program provides financial help for African Americans by providing them with healthcare assistance. Those who are approved for the program will have their healthcare bills paid for, including to see the doctor, go to the hospital, go to the dentist, and obtain prescription drugs. There is no limit to how long you can receive assistance through Medicaid. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements you can use the program to pay for healthcare expenses. To get more information or apply for Medicaid in North Carolina, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program provides financial assistance for African Americans in North Carolina by making a one-time payment for their utility bills. To qualify for the assistance you have to have low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. This program is funded by a federal block grant, which means that every year they receive a sum of money, and once it is gone from paying bills for people, they won’t be able to help anyone else until the following year. You will have to re-apply for this program each year that you need assistance. This program requires people to be a citizen or legal non-citizen. Households can begin signing up for the program every January 1. To get more information or apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program offers financial help for African Americans in North Carolina by providing housing assistance. Those who need help finding affordable housing options, paying their rent, or who may be facing foreclosure can get help through HUD. The program will also provide weatherization services, which helps to reduce monthly energy bills, and they will help pay for necessary home repair bills. HUD also owns housing units that they will allow people to live in. To be eligible, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program focuses on ensuring that women who are pregnant or who have children under the age of five have access to healthy foods. Those who are approved will receive healthy food items each month. The program is open to those who have a low income and are considered to be nutritionally at risk. To apply for WIC in North Carolina, you have to visit one of their clinics for an in-person appointment. To find a clinic location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This national organization has over 3,000 locations in the country. They provide help to the people in each community where they are located. The services vary, depending on where they are located, so they meet the needs of the people in the area. Some of the programs they provide are free food, clothing, shelter, counseling, and veteran’s assistance. To get more information, find a location near you to inquire about what services are offered. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This program has locations around the nation, offering people shelters, homeless services, hot meals, bags of food, clothing, transportation vouchers, bill payment assistance, case management, and more. They are a faith-based organization, but they don’t require people receiving help to be religious. Their services are open to anyone in the community who needs help. They often run shelters around the state that provide places for people to stay, as well as get free meals and hygiene products. To find a location near you, click here.