Information You Can Find in Our Guide:
Learn About the Federal Assistance Benefits You May Qualify For
When someone has been stuck in a tough economic situation for quite some time, it’s natural to feel like there is no help available; but, it’s simply not true. The United States has plenty of federal assistance programs that can help alleviate some of the burdens regarding economic woes. These federal programs were essentially created for those who need an extra push in times of need, and many candidates qualify for multiple benefit programs. The following assistance programs compiled by our team at food-stamps.org have been implemented by the U.S. government to help protect families and individuals that are at risk and provide support for those who are going through hardships. Those interested in discovering more about the federal assistance programs available in the U.S. should read the following options below.
Learn About Receiving TANF Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a government program designed to provide temporary cash assistance to families in need. TANF is still commonly referred to as ‘welfare.’ States have broad flexibility when deciding how to carry out this program, which is why the team at food-stamps.org urges candidates to research specific TANF requirements according to the states in which they reside. TANF recipients must either be pregnant or responsible for at least one child under 19 years of age. The applicant must be a U.S. national, a citizen, a permanent resident or a legal alien. Applicants must also have very low income and be under-employed (working for low wages), unemployed or close to being unemployed. This program can offer childcare assistance, job training and work assistance. Recipients can receive TANF benefits for a maximum of 60 months in their entire lifetimes.
Information You Can Find in Our Guide:
Learn About Food Assistance With SNAP and WIC
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) are two excellent options for those in need of food assistance. The WIC food assistance program provides basic foods like eggs, milk and bread to ensure that mothers, infants and children are getting the nutrition needed to maintain healthy lifestyles. The team at food-stamps.org found that SNAP offers a more comprehensive and flexible program. While the WIC program still distributes vouchers for food items for recipients to use, SNAP has implemented an EBT card that works exactly like a debit card. The card has an allocated amount of money that can be spent per month. Both programs have different requirements, but those who qualify for both can receive benefits from SNAP and WIC. Candidates who already qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or other assistance programs are most likely eligible for SNAP and/or WIC.
Learn About How to Obtain SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a component of the Social Security program that provides additional assistance to elderly, disabled or blind citizens. Candidates who are already receiving Social Security can still qualify for SSI. Generally, people who qualify for SSI are adults over 65 years of age, blind adults or children who meet certain criteria and disabled adults or children who meet certain criteria. In most states, SSI beneficiaries can also get medical assistance to pay for hospital stays, doctor bills, prescriptions and other health costs.
Learn About Housing Help Through Section 8
The housing choice voucher program, often referred to as ‘Section 8,’ is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the disabled and the elderly afford decent, sanitary and safe housing in the private market. Housing assistance can be provided on behalf of an individual or a family. A family that receives benefits for housing is issued a housing voucher, and is responsible for finding appropriate, suitable housing. The food-stamps.org team found that participants are free to choose any housing that meets the requirements, and is not only subject to units located in housing projects. Housing choice vouchers are distributed locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive their funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined by the local PHA administering the program.
Find Out About Government Program Benefits
The end-goal of these comprehensive government assistance programs is to empower individuals and families to get back on their feet. There’s no shame in needing assistance, and the team at food-stamps.org understands that it’s never easy for participants to admit they need help, but these government programs can make all the difference. Some applicants may feel guilty participating in multiple government assistance programs, but keep in mind that these federal programs were specifically designed with criteria for those that really need it; if a candidate qualifies for multiple federal programs, he or she will most likely greatly benefit from the added assistance. Becoming a recipient in these federal programs can mean forming a strong foundation for the life of a participant and his or her family, and can lead to participants finding economic independence and stability.
