There are over 27,000 veterans living in Seattle. The city also has a higher cost of living than many other areas of the country. This means that some veterans may experience financial difficulty at times. They may be between jobs or they may not be able to find 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 Seattle, and they can be helpful when people need help paying the bills.
Unlike loans, grants never have to be paid back. The popular grant programs in Seattle are funded by the federal and state government, and they are considered to be gifts to help those in need. The grants will help veterans obtain food, pay rent, pay utility bills, and more. Some grant programs provide one-time payment assistance, while others provide a monthly grant for as long as you qualify for the help.
Types of Grants for Veterans in Seattle
Basic Food – Seattle is located in King County, and those who need assistance obtaining food in the area may qualify for the Basic Food program. The program is the same as the nationwide one called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Those who are approved for Basic Food will receive a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food at the grocery store or farmer’s market. The amount of your monthly grant depends on your current income level and the number of dependents in your household. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements, meet the citizenship requirements (some non-citizens do qualify), and agree to participate in work and training programs. You can apply by mail. To apply, click here.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Veterans in Seattle who need help paying for their energy bill may qualify for a grant through LIHEAP. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be the person responsible for paying the energy bill. The program also provides a 50% discount on your monthly bill, for those who qualify. LIHEAP is open to both renters and homeowners who live in Seattle. The season runs from October through June of each year. You can re-apply each year for an energy grant. You can apply by mailing in your application. To apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Those who live in Seattle and need cash assistance may qualify for the TANF program. The program provides those who qualify with cash assistance that can be used on living expenses, including for housing, transportation, food, clothing, laundry, and more. To qualify for TANF, you have to have at least one minor dependent child in the home, meet the low income requirements, be a citizen or legal immigrant, have less than $1,000 in cash assets, and not have a vehicle valued over $5,000. You may also be required to participate in the WorkFirst Program. You can apply in person at your local community services office, or online. To apply, click here.
Rental Assistance – The Seattle Human Service Department offers funds for rent assistance for those who need help. They don’t pay the funds directly to the individual. They give the funds to a variety of nonprofit organizations, and they in turn use the money to help people pay their rent. The funds are paid directly to your landlord if you qualify for assistance. There are a variety of nonprofit organizations you can contact for rent assistance. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements. You can apply online or in person. To apply, click here.
Housing and Essential Needs – The Housing and Essential Needs program in Seattle helps those who have been unable to work for 90 days, due to a physical or mental condition. The program helps people by paying rent, move in costs, purchasing basic necessity items and cleaning supplies, and providing transportation assistance. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements, be at least 18 years old, and be a citizen or legal alien. You can apply in person or online. To apply, click here.
The grants for veterans in Seattle will help people pay the bills and make ends meet, while they strive to become self sufficient. They provide a safety net to help people during difficult financial times. There is no limit to the number of grant programs you can apply for or receive funds from, so it’s a good idea to apply for all those you feel you qualify for.