Low Income Assistance for African Americans

The price of everything continues to climb, making it more difficult for people to make ends meet. Many people earn a low income, yet their expenses are high just to ensure their basic needs are being met. As things become more expensive, many people struggle and need assistance. The good news is that there are programs that offer low income assistance for African Americans and others who need financial help.

The programs that offer financial assistance for those who have a low income are largely made possible through the federal government. They provide numerous programs that will help people to have a place to live, food to eat, and more. Their aim is to help meet people’s basic needs. The programs are provided around the country and open to anyone who has a low income.

Applying for Low Income Assistance Programs

There is no limit to how many programs you can apply to in order to receive assistance. You can apply for all those you feel qualified for. You may be able to get financial help through several programs at the same time, which will ensure that your basic needs are being met. The good thing, too, is that you will not ever have to worry about paying the funds back, because the funds are not considered a loan. Any assistance you receive is considered a gift and doesn’t have to be paid back.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This federal agency helps people with their housing needs. They have an office in every state and they focus on providing people with assistance paying their rent, avoiding foreclosure, finding affordable housing, paying for home repairs, and more. They also provide weatherization services to help reduce your monthly utility bills. To qualify for help through HUD you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. HUD can help you pay you rent or even provide you with a housing unit that the government owns. They do this through voucher programs and Section 8 public housing programs. There is no limit to how many years you can get help through this agency. To get more information and apply for help through the HUD office in your state, click here.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program is also funded by the federal government and is available around the country and in all US territories. The goal of the program is to ensure that people have food to eat. The program used to be called food stamps and was later changed to being called SNAP under the Obama administration. Those who are qualified for the program will receive a debit card that the government electronically adds funds to each month. The card can then be used to pay for groceries at the store and some farmers markets. It pays for a lot of food items, but not for prepared foods. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. You can apply for SNAP online or at your local social services office. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. To get more information or apply, click here.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This federal program provides those who qualify with a monthly cash benefit. The cash can be used to pay for a wide variety of living expenses, including housing, clothing, food, transportation, paying bills, etc. The amount you receive each month is determined by how many dependents are in your home. The TANF program requires that you have at least one minor dependent in the home. Some states have a General Assistance (GA) program that is the same as TANF, only they do not require you to have any minor dependents. Check with your state to see if they offer both of the programs or only one. Most states have a limit of 5 years that you can receive the cash benefit through this program. To qualify, you have to have a low income. To get more information, click here.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program is available around the country and helps people who have a low income by paying their utility bill. The funds for the program are limited, because it is through a block grant, but you can keep applying each time you need help paying the bill. To qualify for the help you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the utility bill. If you are approved they will send the payment directly to the utility provider and your bill will be credited. They will also help with emergency situations, such as receive a shut off notice. To get more information about the program, click here.

Medicaid – This program is federally funded. They help get your medical bills paid if you qualify. To qualify for Medicaid you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. If you are approved they will pay for most of your medical bills, including to see the doctor, go to the hospital, for prescription medications, and more. To get more information about the program, click here.

Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization has locations around the country. They will help people provide low income assistance for African Americans and others. They offer free food, clothing, shelters, etc. You have to contact one of their offices in your area to inquire about assistance. To find a location near you, click here.

Salvation Army – Similar to Catholic Charities, this organization has locations around the country. They provide helpful services for those who have a low income. They provide food pantries, free hot meals, shelters, clothing, and more. They also have a lot of thrift stores around the country, so they can help you obtain household items. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.

Have a question? Email us here anything that troubles you.