Ohio is a lower cost of living and unemployment rate, which is helpful for the nearly 12 million people who live in the state. Even so, there are people who struggle financially at times. This can happen between jobs, if they are going through a divorce, or if they experience injury or illness. No matter what the reason for the financial struggle, it’s good to know there is help in the state. There are programs that offer financial help for African Americans in Ohio, which will help to ensure basic needs are being met.
The programs offering financial help for African Americans in Ohio are largely made possible by the federal government. There are also some that are funded through the state government and some offered through organizations that focus on helping people in the community who need assistance. The help that people receive from these programs is not considered a loan, so it never has to be paid back. You can apply for as many programs as you feel qualified for, because there is no limit in place.
Financial Help for African Americans in Ohio
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program used to be called food stamps. It is a federally funded program that focuses on ensuring that people’s basic food needs are being met. The program is open to everyone who has a low income and there is no limit to how long you can get SNAP benefits. Those who are approved for the program will receive a debit-style card that they can use each month to pay for food at the store or farmer’s market. The benefit will be added to the card each month through an electronic transmission. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income. The amount you receive each month depends on how many dependents you have in your household. To get more information or apply for SNAP in Ohio, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides a cash benefit each month for those who are approved. The program is also called Ohio Works First. The benefit can be used to pay for living expenses, including rent, transportation, food, clothing, and paying bills. The program is open to those who have a low income and have at least one minor child you are providing for. The amount of cash that you receive each month is determined by how many dependents are in your household. There is a limit of 36 months that you can receive assistance through this program. To get more information or apply for TANF in Ohio, click here.
Medicaid – This program provides financial help for African Americans by providing access to free healthcare. The program is federally funded and will pay for healthcare expenses for those who qualify. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. If you are approved, you will be able to visit the doctor, dentist, hospital, specialist, and more all for no charge. There is no limit to how long you can receive assistance from Medicaid. To get more information or apply for Medicaid in Ohio, click here.
Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program helps people pay for their energy bills. To qualify for the program you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. You will have to re-apply for this program each year that you need the help. They will pay a bill one time each year. They will also help pay for heating unit repairs and emergency situations. To get more information, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program offers financial help for African Americans in Ohio by providing housing assistance. A federally-funded program, HUD will help people pay for rent, avoid foreclosure, pay for weatherization services, and pay for necessary home repairs. To qualify for HUD, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. HUD also owns housing units where people are allowed to live for free, which is a program called Section 8. To get more information, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization has locations around the country. Each one offers helpful programs for those in the community. Some of the programs they offer include providing free food, clothing, transportation vouchers, bill payment assistance, counseling services, shelters, and more. They will also help in emergency situations and for those who have experienced disasters. While they are a faith-based organization, they do not expect the people they help to be religious. To get more information or find a location near you, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program helps people get free healthy food each month. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be pregnant or have a child age five and under. Those who qualify will be able to go to the store each month and get free healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, bread, and milk. To apply for this program you have to visit a WIC clinic in person. To find a clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization helps people around the country. They offer over 3,000 locations, with some being in every state. Each location provides programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Ohio. Some of the programs they offer include providing free food, clothing, shelter, counseling, etc. They are affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, but they do not expect the people they help to be religious. Their programs are open to everyone in the community who need help. To get assistance from Catholic Charities, find the location that is close to you and contact them to see what programs they offer there. If they cannot help you with your particular situation they may be able to refer you to a place that can. To get more information or find a location near you, click here.