Veterans who live in the state of Connecticut may find that they need help paying their bills from time to time. The salaries are not always keeping pace with the rising cost of living, leaving many people unsure how to make ends meet each month. Not knowing how to pay your bills can be a scary situation and leave many people unsure where to turn for help. There are numerous programs that offer grants for veterans in Connecticut, giving them a place they can turn to during those times that they need help.
Grants differ from loans in that they do not have to be paid back at any time. No matter how long you receive the grants you will not have to worry about paying them back. This means you will be able to concentrate on getting back on your feet while you are receiving the assistance. The grants for veterans in Connecticut help with purchasing food, paying rent, and even obtaining cash to help with living expenses.
Types of Grants for Veterans in Connecticut
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – The federally funded HUD programs aim to help people avoid homelessness. They offer numerous programs to help those in need, including paying rent, helping to avoid foreclosure, providing public housing options, and helping to pay for necessary home repairs. To qualify for HUD in Connecticut, you need to meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal immigrant. To apply for the housing assistance programs contact the HUD office in Connecticut. To contact that office, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP is a federally funded grant program that helps ensure that people get the food they need each month. Those who are approved for the program receive a debit-style card and each month the grant is electronically added to the card. The card can then be used at grocery stores and farmer’s markets to purchase food. The grant will not cover the cost of all of your monthly groceries, but it does help to pay for what you need. To qualify for SNAP in Connecticut, you have to meet the low income requirements, not have cash assets of more than $3,500, and be a citizen or legal immigrant. To apply for SNAP in Connecticut, click here.
Lifeline Assistance – Having a telephone is considered by most people to be essential, yet some people find it difficult to pay for the bill each month. There are telephone grants for veterans in Connecticut. Those who are approved for the program will only have to pay $9.25 for their monthly phone bill, and the government will provide a grant to pay for the rest of it. To qualify for the program you have to meet the low income requirements. To apply for Lifeline Assistance, click here.
Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) – The TFA program is similar to the program in other states that is called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The program is federally funded and provides monthly cash grants to those who qualify. The cash grants can be used to help with a wide variety of living expenses. The program has a goal of helping people who are using it to become self sufficient within 21 months. The eligibility requirements for TFA include having a low income, not having cash assets over $3,000, and not having a vehicle that is valued over $9,500. You can apply online or at your local social services office. To apply for TFA, click here.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Veterans who are having difficulty paying their utility bills may find it helpful to apply for LIHEAP. The program provides grants that will pay for heating bills for those in need. To qualify, you have to have a low income. To apply for LIHEAP in Connecticut, click here.
Property Tax Exemption – Veterans in the state of Connecticut who have had 90 days of wartime service are eligible to receive a property tax exemption. The property tax exemption will save you $1,500 on our taxes, which can be applied to your property or vehicle taxes. Disabled veterans may be able to get an exemption of up to $4,500. To apply for this exemption, contact your local Tax Assessor Office.
There are numerous helpful grants for veterans in Connecticut. These grants can be a good way to help pay bills during difficult financial times. The programs are in place to provide a financial safety net for those in need. Veterans who are experiencing a difficult financial time should apply for the grant programs to see what assistance they qualify for.