South Carolina is a state known for sweet tea and barbecue. Many people visit the state each year, and roughly 5.2 million people call the state home. While the state does have a slightly lower cost of living than most other states, there are still people who struggle financially each year. When people experience financial challenges it is important that they know where they can turn for help. The good news is there are numerous programs that provide financial help for African Americans in South Carolina.
The programs that provide financial help for African Americans in South Carolina provide a safety net to help ensure basics needs are being met. They will ensure that people can make ends meet during difficult financial periods, regardless of why they are experiencing them. The programs are made possible through a combination of federal and state funding sources, as well as by organizations that aim to help those in the community.
There is no limit to how many programs you can apply for or receive help from at once, so be sure to apply for all those you feel qualified for. Some of the programs will provide long term assistance, while others may have a time limit on how long you can receive the assistance. Most programs require that you be a citizen or legal non-citizen in order to qualify.
Financial Help for African Americans in South Carolina
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program offers financial help for African Americans in South Carolina by providing food each month. The program used to be known as food stamps. Those who are approved for the program will receive a way to pay for groceries each month at the store. There is no limit to how long you can receive SNAP, so as long as you continue to meet the requirements you can qualify to receive the free food. To qualify for SNAP, you have to have a low income. The amount of your monthly benefit will be determined by how many dependents are in your home. To get more information or apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides those who qualify with a monthly cash benefit. The cash can be used to pay for living expenses, including paying bills, buying food, transportation, etc. The funds cannot be used to purchase things like liquor or be used for gambling purposes. The amount that you will receive if you are approved will be determined by how many dependents are in your home. The goal of this program is to help people become self-sufficient, so most people will have to participate in a work and training program. You can apply for this program online or in person. To get more information or apply, click here.
Medicaid – This program is federally funded and focuses on providing people who have a low income a way to obtain free healthcare. Those who are approved will be able to use the healthcare system without being charged. The program covers going to the doctor, hospital, dentist, and obtaining prescription drugs. To qualify for Medicaid in South Carolina you have to have low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program provides financial help for African Americans by helping to pay for energy bills. Those who qualify for the program will be able to get their energy bill paid for. You will need to re-apply for the bill each year that you need the assistance. This program is federally funded through a block grant, which means they get one sum of money each year to use to pay for people’s energy bills. Once that money runs out they can’t help anyone else until they get the next block grant the following year. Be sure to apply early to try and get help before the grant is gone. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. To get more information, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This federally-funded program helps people with their housing issues. They help people avoid homelessness, find affordable housing, make necessary home repairs, and they provide people with weatherization services, which will reduce your monthly energy bills. If you need help paying your rent or you are facing foreclosure, you may be able to get help through HUD. They also own housing units where they let people live. They can help people find affordable housing options, too. To get more information, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program focuses on providing healthy food to women who have a low income and are pregnant or have a child age five and under. Those who are approved will be able to get free healthy foods each month. To apply for WIC, you have to do so in person at one of their clinics. To find a clinic near you to apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization provides financial help for African Americans by providing free food, clothing, shelter, and more. They have over 3,000 locations around the country, with each one providing helpful programs for people in the community who need assistance. They are affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, but their programs are open to anyone in need in the community. Contact a location near you to see what programs they offer. To find a local program, click here.
Salvation Army – This is another faith-based organization with locations around the nation. They provide free hot meals, bags of food, shelters, case management, clothing, counseling, and more. They also have thrift stores around the country, making it possible to help people obtain small appliances and household goods. Many people are familiar with this organization, because they see the red kettles that are set out each December, where people make donations. To find a location close to you, click here.