There are over 98,000 veterans who call Montana home. While they may be enjoying all the natural beauty the state has to offer, some may find it difficult to pay their bills at certain times. This can be a situation brought on by being between jobs, or by not being able to find a job that has a high enough salary. The rising cost of living continues to stress the paycheck that many veterans receive. The good news is that there are grants for veterans in Montana.
Grants are essentially gifts that are given to those in need. Unlike loans, they don’t have to be paid back at any point. The funds are provided to people who need the financial help, in an effort to supplement their cost of living expenses while they strive to become self sufficient. There are numerous helpful federally-funded grants for veterans in Montana that will help people pay their bills during times of need.
Types of Grants for Veterans in Montana
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Housing is usually someone’s biggest bill to pay each month. Veterans in Montana who need assistance paying for housing or locating affordable housing may qualify for help through HUD. The programs offered through HUD will help pay rent, avoid foreclosure, obtain necessary home repairs, and help people to locate public housing options in their area. To qualify for the programs, you have to meet the low income requirements. All applications with HUD start by speaking with one of their counselors, who will assess your current financial situation and housing needs. To apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – There is food assistance for veterans in the state of Montana. Those who need help obtaining food may qualify for a monthly grant through SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. The program provides those who qualify with a grant that can be used at the store or farmer’s market to pay for groceries. Eligibility requirements include meeting the low income guidelines, having a social security number, being a citizen or legal immigrant, and registering for work if you are able-bodied and between the ages of 16-59. You can apply for SNAP in Montana by phone, mail, online, or in person. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – There are energy grants for veterans in Montana. The energy grants will help pay for heating bills, as well as provide weatherization services. To be eligible for LIHEAP in Montana, you have to meet the low income requirements. If you are already receiving SNAP or TANF, you may automatically qualify for a LIHEAP grant. The season for the grants runs from October 1 through April 30 each year. They do also offer emergency energy assistance for those who need immediate help. You can apply in person at your local LIHEAP office. To apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – There are cash grants for veterans in Montana. They are available through the TANF program. The cash grants can be used on a variety of living expenses, including housing, food, clothing, transportation, and more. To qualify for the program, you must have a minor dependent child, meet the low income requirements, not have qualified assets of over $3,000, and be a citizen or legal immigrant. You can apply for TANF in Montana online, by phone, or in person. To apply, click here.
Lifeline Assistance – Having a phone is considered by most people to be essential, if only for emergency situations. Yet some veterans may find it difficult to afford paying a monthly phone bill. There are phone grants for veterans in Montana. Through the Lifeline Assistance program, those who qualify will only have to pay $9.25 per month for their phone, whether it is a land line or cellular one, and the government will pay for the rest. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income. To apply, click here.
Veterans who are struggling to pay their bills in Montana may find some relief by applying for federally-funded grants. The programs are in place to help people during difficult financial times, and to help people on their road toward becoming self sufficient. There is no limit to how many programs you can receive funds from, so it is a good idea to apply for several and see which ones can help and your situation.