There are over 284,000 veterans living in the state of Louisiana. Many people in the state, including veterans, find that they may struggle to pay their bills. They may be between jobs, or they may not be able to find one that pays a high enough salary to meet their needs. The good news is that there are grants for veterans in Louisiana. The grants can help veterans to pay for their bills when times are tough.
Grants are essentially considered gifts, so they do not have to ever be paid back. There are many grants that veterans can apply for that will help them obtain food, pay rent, pay for their utilities, and locate affordable housing. The grants are typically federally funded and are put in place as a safety net to provide short term assistance to those who are experiencing financial hardship.
Types of Grants for Veterans in Louisiana
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – There are food grants for veterans in Louisiana. Those who need help with obtaining food may qualify for SNAP. Those who are approved for the program receive a monthly grant that can be used at the grocery store or farmer’s market to pay for food. To qualify for SNAP in Louisiana, you have to meet the low income requirements, not have more than $2,250 worth of cash assets, be a citizen or legal immigrant, be a resident of the state, and register for work if you are considered able-bodied. You can apply in person or online. To apply, click here.
Family Independence Temporary Assistance (FITAP) – FITAP provides those who quality with a short term monthly cash grant that can be used for a variety of living expenses. This program is similar to the national one known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). To qualify for FITAP, you must have a dependent child who is 18 or under, are a resident of the state, be a citizen or legal immigrant, meet the low income requirements, have evidence that dependent children have been immunized, attend parenting skills training, and participate in drug screening testing. Those who receive the cash grant are limited to 60 months over their lifetime. You can apply by mailing in an application. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Veterans who need assistance paying for their utility bills may qualify for a grant through LIHEAP. The program helps those who have a low income to pay for their energy bills. You can only receive the grant once every six months. Eligibility requirements include being the person responsible for the energy bill, not exceeding the income limits, having a copy of your utility bill, providing proof of income and address, and having proof of identity and a social security number. You can apply for LIHEAP in Louisiana online. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Veterans in Louisiana who need housing assistance may qualify for the programs offered through HUD. The programs are federally funded, and will help veterans pay rent, avoid foreclosure, obtain necessary home repairs, and locate affordable housing. HUD can also help people locate public housing options, including through the Section 8 program. To qualify for HUD programs, you have to meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal immigrant. Those interested in applying need to speak with a HUD counselor in Louisiana to discuss their current situation and housing needs. To apply, click here.
Lifeline Assistance – There are phone grants for veterans in Louisiana. The grants help make it more affordable for people to have a phone, whether it is a cellular or land line. Those who qualify for this federally funded program will only have to pay $9.25 per month for their phone service, and the government will pay for the rest with a grant. To qualify for a phone grant you have to meet the low income requirements. To apply, click here.
.The grants for veterans in Louisiana will help make it easier for those who are experiencing financial difficulty to pay their bills. They are considered a safety net that helps people for a short time while they work to get back on their feet and become self sufficient. There is no limit to the number of grant or assistance programs you can apply for at one time.