Financial Help for Low-Income Families

Low-income financial assistance can include help from many different organizations. Many governments and secular assistance programs offer help with heat assistance, utilities, home repair grants, food support, and general assistance for low-income families.  Recessions come and go, but these resources help needy families survive life’s storms.

The government sponsors programs that help citizens who have been hit the hardest financially. These programs help prevent emergencies and eviction, disconnection of utilities, and provide food, shelter, and individual and family counseling. If you need any of these services, continue to read to locate the help you need.

What Churches Help with Bills?

Central and local churches distribute financial assistance to the community from government and private organizations. Below, these churches help with rent and utilities. These benefits are always based on the availability of funding. Each church has a yearly budget, and you must go somewhere else to get help when the finances run out. They will provide a list of other organizations that can help you.

• Catholic Charities
• The Salvation Army 
• St. Vincent de Paul
• Lutheran Social Ministry
• Jewish Federation of North America

What Kind of Assistance is Available to Help Low-Income Families?

The programs below help struggling families with bills. If funding is available and you qualify financially, you can get help.

Free Dental Care

Going to the dentist is not a privilege; it is necessary for your physical health and appearance. Some doctors and dentists donate their time and skills to treat those who do not have dental insurance. You and your family can see a dentist for free or as little as a $20 fee. Please look at these resources on free dental clinics.

Free Help with Winter Heating Bills

Winter heating bills can get very high, depending on the season’s harshness. Many lower-income families struggle to maintain heating and cooling bills.  LIHEAP, the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program, helps disadvantaged families with a yearly check of up to $350 to assist with utilities.

Food Pantries

There are food pantries and food banks all across the United States. They help supplement food for struggling families as well as individuals. Catholic Charities helps with bills but usually have an on-site food pantry that services walk-in clients.

If you need help with groceries, contact the United Way at 2-1-1 to find a pantry or food bank near you. You can receive canned goods; some offer meat and household necessities like soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, and pet food.

Security Deposit Assistance

If you have found a new apartment or home to rent, you may need cash assistance with security deposits. Organizations like HUD and even the Department of Social Services help qualified applicants with rent deposits and also utilities. Look for rental assistance programs on RentAssistance.us for security deposit assistance.

Help for Low-Income Immigrant Services

There is assistance available for qualified immigrants living in the U.S. You may qualify for government benefits such as Medicaid, TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and CHIP (Child Health Insurance Program), if you have been in the US for five years. Priority immigrant services are provided to families with small children and older citizens, who are the most vulnerable.

Help with Daycare

Child care can take up to 50% of your salary, especially if you have one or more children. You may be eligible for childcare if you work and have children under school age.

The challenge is compounded when you are a single mom and do not have a support system.   If you are a single mother needing help to pay for daycare, you may qualify for this resource.

Help with Home Repairs

The Home Weatherization Program for low-income homeowners makes necessary home repairs. Repairs include a variety of upgrades like

faulty water heaters, winterizing doors and windows, patching roofs, or repairing broken or damaged stairs. Many people live in subpar housing because they do not have the money to make costly repairs.

There is help out there for homeowners whose home desperately needs fixing. If you qualify for free home repairs, your property will be assessed, and contractors will come and make your home safe and more energy efficient.

Free Christmas Toys

Do you need toys or other assistance for Christmas? Many Christmas charities help lower-income families.  Some charities and faith-based ministries try to ensure children have a great Christmas. 

These organizations will not only provide a toy for a child, but some also provide warm coats for children and senior persons. If you believe you will need help this year, please check out these organizations that provide free Christmas toys for kids.

Lifeline Assistance Program

The Lifeline Assistance Program provides disadvantaged consumers free cell phones and landline services. When the economy hits you hard, some things have to be adjusted. People often look for alternatives to their expensive cell phone plan plans.

Cutting your plan to the basics may hurt your heart, but the main thing is that you can still keep in touch with people, use your cell phone for job hunting, and connect with your family. If things have gotten to the point that you have to get rid of your cell phone altogether, you may qualify for a Lifeline government phone.

Discount Internet Services

The Lifeline programs have extended their services to discount Internet services and low-cost computers for families with children who qualify financially—computers and the Internet helps students compete with their peers in their study, research, and grades. If you receive government assistance, such as Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, SSI, and other programs, your income is at or below Federal Poverty Guidelines. You may qualify for help.

Home Heating Grants For Low Income

If you want to apply for heat assistance, contact your Department of Social Services or a community action agency. They offer service from both the state and city levels. Funding is limited, and families with children and the elderly get preferential treatment when funding is limited. (More)