Veterans who are considered low income may struggle to pay their bills each month. Being low income can be a result of being between jobs, being unable to find a job that pays a high enough salary, or a variety of other reasons. No matter what the reason, it can be a stressful situation to experience. The good news is that there is low income assistance for veterans, and the programs available can help make ends meet each month.
The cost of living continues to rise each month, yet salaries are largely not keeping pace. Many people find it difficult to find a high enough paying job to be able to pay all of their bills each month. The government has created numerous programs to help those who need low income assistance. The programs can make a big difference in making sure your need are being met each month. There is additional low income assistance for veterans offered through charity organizations around the country.
Types of Low Income Assistance for Veterans
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Veterans who have at least one minor dependent child may qualify for cash assistance through the TANF program. The program provides monthly cash assistance for those who qualify. The cash can be used for a variety of living expenses, including housing, transportation, clothing, food, and paying bills. Those who do not have any minor dependent children in the home may qualify for General Assistance (GA), which is offered in some states through the same TANF program. To qualify for TANF, you have to meet the low income requirements, be a citizen or legal immigrant, and show proof of income. You can apply for this low income assistance at your local social services office, and some states allow online applications. To apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Those who need assistance obtaining food each month may qualify for SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. The program has a different name in some states, such as being called CalFresh in the state of California. The program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant that they can use to pay for food at the grocery store or farmer’s market. To qualify for SNAP, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal immigrant. The amount of your monthly grant depends on the number of dependents in your household and your current income. You can apply for SNAP at your local social service office, and some states offer online applications. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Low income veterans who need housing assistance may qualify for help through the federal department called HUD. The HUD programs help people pay rent, avoid foreclosure, obtain necessary home repairs, and locate affordable housing. They can also help you find Section 8 and public housing options in your area. To qualify for HUD programs, you have to meet the low income requirements. To apply for the programs, you first need to speak with a HUD counselor in your state, who will assess your current situation and housing needs. To apply, click here.
Lifeline Assistance – Having a phone is considered by most to be essential, if only for emergency purposes. Veterans who need help paying for their phone bill may qualify for help through the Lifeline Assistance program. If approved for the program, you will only have to pay $9.25 per month for your phone, and the government will pay the rest of the bill each month with a grant. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Those who need help paying for their energy bill may qualify for a grant through LIHEAP. The program helps people pay for their heating bills around the country, and cooling bills in some states. The grant is paid directly to your energy provider on your behalf. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements. You will need to re-apply for the program each year. You can apply in person at your local community action center, or online. To apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – With locations around the country, this charity is one of the most popular for providing low income assistance for veterans. They will help with providing a place to stay, hot meals, boxes of food, substance abuse programs, emergency assistance, and some locations provide assistance paying for bills. Contact the location near you to see what programs they offer. To apply, click here.
There is low income assistance for veterans in all states around the country. If you are a veteran who has a low income, apply for the programs to see if you can get the help you need. The programs can be an important tool to helping you get by each month, while you strive for becoming self sufficient.