Vermont is a state that is known for maple syrup. If you love pancakes or waffles, there’s a good chance you have at some point had some syrup on them that came from Vermont. The state has over 645,000 people who live there, and the state has a higher cost of living than most others. With this in mind, it’s easy to see how some people will experience financial struggles and need help to get by. The good news is that there are programs offering financial help for African Americans in Vermont.
There are numerous programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Vermont. The programs will help people make ends meet when they are experiencing financial difficulties. They are largely funded by the federal government, although some are available by the state government, while others are offered through organizations that seek to help people in the community.
Apply with as many of the helpful programs that you feel qualified for. There is no limit to how many you can get help from, and since the benefit you receive is not considered a loan, you will never have to pay it back. By getting financial help from multiple programs, you will be able to ensure your basic needs are being met. Some programs offer short term assistance, while others don’t have a time limit on them.
Financial Help for African Americans in Vermont
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program offers financial help for African Americans by providing a monthly food benefit to those who qualify. The program used to be known as food stamps around the country. If you are approved for the program you will receive a debit-style card, called an EBT card that can be used to pay for your groceries each month. There is no limit to how long you can receive this financial help, and the amount that you receive will be determined by how many dependents there are in your household. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply for SNAP in Vermont, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This federally-funded program provides a cash benefit each month for those who qualify. The cash can be used to pay for living expenses, such as purchasing food, paying bills, housing, transportation, etc. The amount you receive is determined by how many dependents you have. Some people do have to participate in a work program in order to receive the cash benefit, while others may have to engage in skills training programs. To qualify for TANF in Vermont, they will evaluate how much money you earn, how many people live in your home, what your living expenses are, and what type of assets you have. To get more information or apply for the program, click here.
Medicaid – This program focuses on providing people who have a low income with assistance covering healthcare costs. Those who are approved for Medicaid will get help being able to visit the doctor, hospital, dentist, and obtain prescription drugs. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this federally-funded program. To get more information or apply, click here.
Energy Assistance – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Virginia by paying for energy bills for those who qualify. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. You also have to be a Vermont resident. If you are approved, you can a monthly reduction of 25% off of your monthly energy bills for those who use Green Mountain Power, and a 20% off your monthly gas bills if you use Vermont Gas. You can apply by phone, or by printing the application, filling it out, and mailing it in. To get more information or to apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This federal program aims to help reduce homelessness around the country. HUD offers numerous programs to aid people with their housing issues. They will help you find affordable housing options, they can help pay your rent, help you avoid foreclosure, provide weatherization services, and even help pay for necessary home repair bills. They also own housing units that they will allow people to live in free of charge. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program focuses on providing healthy foods to those who have a low income and are considered nutritionally at risk. To qualify, you have to also be pregnant or have a child age five and under. Those who are approved will receive free healthy foods each month from the store. To apply for the program, you have to visit a WIC clinic in person. To find one near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization offers financial help for African Americans in Vermont. They provide a range of helpful services, including free food, clothing, shelters, counseling, and more. They are affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, but they do not expect the people they help to be religious. Their help is available to everyone in the community who needs it, regardless of religious beliefs. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This is another faith-based organization that provides helpful programs around the country. They offer free hot meals, bags of food, clothing, transportation vouchers, shelters, and more. They also have thrift stores, where they are able to collect small appliances and household goods, and provide them to people for free or for a low fee. They have locations around the country, so it’s important to reach out to the one that is close to you to see what programs they offer. To find a location near you, click here.