There are roughly 325,000 veterans living in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles area is also known for having a high cost of living. Some veterans in Los Angeles, just as in other areas of the country, may experience financial difficulties at times. They may be between jobs or have difficulty finding a job that pays a high enough salary to make ends meet each month. The good news is that there are grants for veterans in Los Angeles, and they can be helpful for those who are struggling to pay the bills.
While loans have to be paid back, grants do not. They are essentially considered to be gifts to help those in need when they are struggling financially. The popular grants for veterans in Los Angeles are funded by both the state and federal government. They are open to everyone who is a citizen or legal immigrant, although some programs may offer some refugee services as well.
Types of Grants for Veterans in Los Angeles
CalFresh – The CalFresh program is the same as the nationwide one called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program provides those who qualify with a food grant each month. Those who are approved will receive a grant that they can use to purchase food at the grocery store or farmer’s market. The benefits are electronically transferred each month to a debit-style card, which can be used as your payment source. To qualify for CalFresh, you have to meet the low income requirements. You can apply a Los Angeles County social services office or online. To apply, click here.
CalWORKS – Veterans who need cash assistance may qualify for help through the CalWORKS program. Similar to the nationwide program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the program provides monthly cash grants that can be used for a variety of living expenses. The grants can be used to pay for such things as housing, transportation, food, laundry, and bills. The cash grants are provided for a limited time, with the goal to help people become self sufficient. To qualify, you have to have at least one minor dependent child in the home, meet the low income guidelines, and be a citizen or legal immigrant. You can apply at a Los Angeles County social services office or online. To apply, click here.
General Relief – Los Angeles offers a General Relief cash assistance program for those who do not have minor dependent children in the home. The cash grants can be used on a variety of living expenses, including for housing, transportation, food, and paying bills. To qualify, you may have to participate in work training activities, and you have to meet the low income requirements. You can apply in person at a social services office in Los Angeles County or online. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – There are energy grants for veterans in Los Angeles. Those who need help paying for their energy bills may qualify for assistance. The program not only helps pay energy bills, but it also provides weatherization services, and crisis assistance services for those who have received a disconnect notice. The grant is paid directly to the energy provider and your account is credited. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements. You can apply at a local service provider. To apply, click here.
Housing Assistance – Los Angeles offers a Housing Assistance program, which helps those who need affordable housing options. The program offers Section 8 and public housing options, which are an affordable solution for those who need help paying the rent. To qualify for help through the program you have to meet the low income requirements. You can apply in person or online. To apply, click here.
Veterans living in the Los Angeles area may find that the cost of living is higher than in other areas of the country. This can create a stressful situation for those who are struggling to find a job that pays a high enough salary to keep pace with the rising cost of living. The grants for veterans in Los Angeles provide a helpful safety net during difficult financial times. There are no limits to the number of grant programs you can apply for or receive funds from, so it’s a good idea to apply for numerous ones to see what help you can get.