There are roughly 367,000 veterans living in the state of Minnesota. Veterans may experience financial difficulties at times. This may happen if they are between jobs, have lost their job, or are unable to locate a job that will pay a salary that keeps pace with the rising cost of living. The good news is that there are grants for veterans in Minnesota, and they can be helpful in making ends meet each month.
Grants differ from loans in that they do not ever have to be paid back. Those who receive grants can use them to help pay their bills and obtain food while they work at becoming self sufficient. Most grants are given to people on a short term basis, but can be helpful during financially difficult times. Check with each program regarding how long the grants may be received or if you need to re-apply for it each year.
Types of Grants for Veterans in Minnesota
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – There are food grants for veterans in Minnesota. The grants are provided through the federally funded program called SNAP, which was formerly called food stamps. Those who are qualified for the program will receive a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food. The grant is not big enough to purchase all of your food each month. It just pays for a portion of it to provide assistance. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal immigrant. They do also offer emergency food assistance for those who qualify. You can apply by mail or online. To apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Veterans who need cash assistance may qualify for a grant through TANF. The federally-funded program provides those who qualify with a monthly cash grant that can be used on a variety of living expenses, including food, clothing, rent, and transportation. To qualify for a TANF grant, you have to meet the low income requirements, have a dependent child under the age of 18, and be a citizen or legal immigrant. The grants are given on a short term basis in most cases. You can apply at your local social services office. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Veterans who need housing assistance may qualify for programs offered through HUD. The HUD programs will help people pay rent, avoid foreclosure, and obtain necessary home repairs. They can also help veterans locate affordable housing options, including public housing in their area. To qualify for the program, you first need to call and speak with a HUD counselor in Minnesota, who will assess your current financial situation and housing needs. To apply, click here.
Energy Assistance Program (EAP) – There are energy grants for veterans in Minnesota. EAP is similar to the national program called Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP). The grants will help pay for heating bills each winter. The program, which is federally funded, is open to both renters and homeowners. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements. The program will help pay for energy bills, assist with weatherization, help with disconnections, and help pay to get heating equipment repaired or replaced. To apply for the program you have to find the local provider in your area. To apply, click here.
Lifeline Assistance – The Lifeline Assistance program is federally funded, and provides phone grants to those who have a low income. This is helpful for veterans who feel that they may not be able to afford having a phone. If you qualify for the program, you will only have to pay $9.25 per month for your phone bill, whether you have a cellular phone or land line. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements. To apply, click here.
Going through financially difficult times can be extremely stressful. Veterans who are having difficulty paying their bills may find that grant programs can help them get through those times. The grants for veterans in Minnesota provide a safety net that people can turn to that will help make ends meet. There is no limit to how many grant programs you can apply for or receive funds from, so it’s a good idea to apply for them.