There are over 191,000 veterans living in the state of Mississippi. The state also ranks among one of the poorest in the country. It can be difficult for veterans to find a steady job with a good salary. This can create a stressful situation that makes it difficult to pay the bills. The good news is that there are grants for veterans in Mississippi. The grants can be an important part of being able to pay bills each month.
Grants differ from loans in that they do not ever have to be paid back. They are essentially gifts that are given to those in need, to help them on their path toward becoming self sufficient. These grants for veterans in Mississippi are federally funded, and will help people obtain food, pay rent, get cash assistance, and more.
Types of Grants for Veterans in Mississippi
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – There are food grants for veterans in Mississippi. Those who need food assistance can apply for SNAP, which provides those who are approved with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food at the grocery store or farmer’s market. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements, must be a citizen or legal immigrant, and have proof of identity. You can apply for SNAP in Mississippi online, by fax, by mail, or in person. To apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Veterans who have at least one dependent child age 18 and under may qualify for assistance through TANF. The program provides cash grants for veterans in Mississippi. The monthly cash grant can be used for a wide variety of living expenses, including transportation, food, housing, and bills. The maximum length of time you can receive a TANF grant is 60 months for most people. Those who are work eligible and are not participating in the work program associated with TANF may have their maximum reduced to 24 months. To qualify, you have to be a citizen or legal immigrant, and meet the low income requirements. You can apply by mail, online, by fax, or in person. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – The HUD programs, which are federally funded, has a mission of helping people avoid homelessness. The programs will help pay rent, avoid foreclosure, and obtain necessary home repairs. HUD will also help people locate public housing and affordable housing solutions. To qualify for HUD program in Mississippi, you have to meet the low income requirements. To apply, you first need to speak with a HUD counselor in Mississippi, who assesses your current financial situation and your housing needs. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – There are energy grants for veterans in Mississippi. The grants will help those with a low income to pay their heating bills. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements, be a resident of the state, and be the person responsible for paying the bill. The program will help pay for gas, kerosene, wood, oil, coal, and other forms of home heating. You can apply online. To apply, click here.
Lifeline Assistance – Having a phone may seem essential for most people, but for some veterans it may not be a bill they feel they can afford. Those who need assistance paying for a phone bill each month can apply for a grant through Lifeline Assistance. The Lifeline Assistance program is funded by the federal government. Those who are approved to participate in the program will only have to pay $9.25 per month for their phone, whether it is a land line or cellular one. The government pays the rest of the balance with a grant. You can apply for the program online. To apply, click here.
Veterans who are living in Mississippi may find it helpful to turn to these federally-funded grant programs during difficult financial times. While most of the grant programs are short term, with the mission of helping people to become self sufficient, there are some that will provide grants for a longer period of time. There is no limit to the number of grants that you can apply for or receive funds from, so it’s a good idea to apply for several and see which ones you get approved for.