When you have little income, you may need to seek financial assistance from government programs to get by. Depending on your individual situation, you may qualify for assistance in the form of cash benefits, help with food and help paying for certain medical treatments.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
If you have a family and very low income, you may be able to qualify for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. You can get cash benefits for a limited amount of time until you can improve your financial situation. This program also helps individuals find jobs and train for employment in the future. TANF also provides a way for children in low-income families to be cared for.
Help With Food
When you have little income, you may also be able to qualify for assistance obtaining food. You could access the food stamps program administered in your state. With this program, you can get a card that can be used to purchase food at most stores. The program restricts the types of food that you can purchase. The amount of good you can buy will depends on how big your family is and your financial situation.
Energy Assistance
In many areas, you may also be able to qualify for energy assistance. With these programs, you can get help paying electric and gas bills. To qualify, you must meet strict income guidelines. Some programs may also put limits on how much you can have in assets. The elderly and disabled generally have the best chances of getting involved with these programs. Many areas have limited funds to distribute.
Medical Help
Those who have limited financial means can also gain access to help with medical treatment. One program that helps with this need is Medicaid. To qualify, you have to meet income guidelines as well as specific guidelines about personal assets. If you qualify, you can get most of your medical needs paid for, including doctor visits and hospitalization. If you do not qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to obtain free or inexpensive health care from local health departments.
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