There are nearly 30,000 veterans living in the city of San Francisco. With the high cost of living that the city also has, there may be times when they struggle to make ends meet. While some may be between jobs, others may not be able to find a job that pays a high enough salary to pay the bills each month. The good news is that there are grants for veterans in San Francisco, and they can be an important safety net in helping to ensure that basic needs are being met during difficult financial times.
The popular grants for veterans in San Francisco are funded by both state and federal sources. Unlike loans, grants do not ever have to be paid back. They are considered to essentially be gifts that are given to people who need financial assistance. Most grant programs offer short term assistance, while others may provide help for a longer term. The grant programs help provide food, pay rent, pay utility bills, and more.
Types of Grants for Veterans in San Francisco
CalFresh – Veterans in San Francisco who need assistance obtaining food may qualify for help through the program called CalFresh. The program is the same as the nationwide one called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is formerly known as food stamps. Those who are approved will be given a debit-style card, where funds are electronically added each month. The card can then be used at grocery stores and farmer’s markets to purchase food. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements. The amount of your monthly grant is determined by how many dependents are in your household, and what your current income level is. You can apply for CalFresh in San Francisco in person or online. To apply, click here.
County Adult Assistance Programs (CAAP) – Veterans who live in the San Francisco area and do not have dependent children may qualify for cash assistance through CAAP. The program provides those who qualify with a debit-style card, and each month funds are added to the card. The card can then be used to pay for paying bills or to withdraw cash from an ATM machine. The program is open to those who have a low income. You can apply in person or online. To apply, click here.
CalWORKS – The CalWORKS program is similar to the nationwide one called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program provides cash assistance to those who qualify. The cash can be used on a variety of living expenses, including rent, transportation, food, laundry, bills, and more. The program is open to those who have a low income and also have at least one dependent minor child in their household. Your monthly benefit is determined by your current income level and the number of dependents in your home. The goal of the program is to help people become self sufficient, so you may be required to participate in work related training and activities. You can apply in person or online. To apply, click here.
Rent Assistance – There is a rent assistance program offered through the mayor’s office in San Francisco. The program helps people with avoiding eviction, rent assistance, and provides help in locating affordable housing options. The programs are open to those who have a low income. You can apply in person or online. To apply, click here.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – There are energy grants for veterans in San Francisco. Those who need help paying for their energy bill may qualify for help through HEAP. The program will help pay your energy bill, making the payment directly to the energy provider on your behalf. The program also offers weatherization services and emergency energy assistance for those who have received a disconnect notice. To qualify for HEAP, you have to meet the low income requirements and be the person responsible for paying the energy bill. You can apply in person or online. To apply, click here.
Veterans living in San Francisco may at times struggle with paying the bills. The numerous grants for veterans in San Francisco can be a helpful safety net during those stressful times. There are no limits on how many grant programs you can apply for, so it’s a good idea to apply for all of them you feel you are qualified for, and see which ones you can get help from.