Get Emergency Financial Assistance with Bills

If you say, “I need financial help immediately,” you will be glad to know that government-funded programs help eligible households with utility bills, gas bills, and more.   You will likely receive help from other emergency assistance charities and community organizations. Are you eligible for free grant money for bills?

A low-income family would entail a family with a gross family income below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. That is to say, adults with children receiving government aid and attending school full-time, disabled, and working still cannot provide the basics for their families. Low income can also include an adult who works but still lives in poverty. Find out how to help with emergency financial assistance.

Programs that Provide Emergency Financial Assistance

1.  Jewish Federation Services

This faith-based organization helps struggling families with payment assistance for mandatory living needs like utilities, rent, food, and healthcare. This temporary immediate aid supports families who might have lost income sources, had a national disaster, or had an unexpected illness. If you have a need and qualify or meet the financial criteria, you can receive help.

2.  Angel Foundation

The Angel Foundation is a godsend for people living with cancer.  Cancer can be devastating when you are prepared. However, treating it is the most expensive illness, especially without insurance. Angel Foundation supports basic financial needs like rent, mortgage, food, gas, and utility help.

When trying to heal, you don’t need the burden of unpaid bills to weigh you down.  If you have a cancer diagnosis, are over 18, be in cancer treatment, qualify financially, and live in Minnesota – Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington you may be able to receive help. 

3.  Wounded Warrior Project

If you are a veteran and have been wounded during your service, you may qualify for help for yourself and your family.  You may be eligible for assistance if you are behind in rent or mortgage, utilities, need food, need short-term housing, mandatory home repairs (like handicap ramps), etc.  You can provide emergency financial assistance to registered and approved warrior households if approved.

4.  Governmental Emergency Financial Assistance

Emergency Financial Assistance helps U.S. residents unable to pay their bills or care for their families due to unemployment or disability. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families covers various benefits like cash for rent and utilities.

Clients receive cash benefits once a month to pay mandatory bills. SNAP Benefits pay for groceries. Medicaid pays for medical care for children and pregnant women.

LIHEAP assistance once a year. SNAP benefits, WIC for expecting mothers, and Medicaid help with basic living and medical care. The government has specified requirements, and able-body participants are required to seek employment.

Recipients may also be eligible to attend educational courses that prepare them for work and better-paying jobs. If approved for a school, you are eligible for travel expenses. Education programs do not exceed two years. Welfare will typically last for at most five years.

5.  Temporary Assistance

You can receive temporary help for you and your family.  Temporary assistance is to be given for now longer than 60 months or five years.

6.  SNAP

Food stamps or SNAP is a food benefit issued on an EBT card used to purchase groceries.  The amount of benefits depends on the number of members in the family.  You may also be eligible for expedited Food Stamps if you are in an emergency but do not receive government assistance.  It will help if you qualify financially.

7.  Section 8 

Section 8 housing consists of three programs. Public Housing Choice Vouchers, Tax Credit Apartments, Income Restricted Communities.  If you are a woman with children, disabled or elderly, and low-income, you may be eligible for the Section 8 housing program.  Your income determines the amount of rent paid.  Yearly recertification is required to determine if you still qualify for assistance.

8.  Medicaid

This benefit allows you to receive medical assistance anywhere; Medicaid is accepted.  Medicaid is a federal and state program that includes the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIPS) and medical care for over 72.5 pregnant women, parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Qualified low-income families and individuals are covered.

9.  Special Tax Credits

Under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), parents or legal guardians can take a $2,000 tax credit for each child under 18.  This begins for the tax year 2018.  You can claim this tax credit using Form 1040, Form 1040A, or Form 1040NR.

10. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

This program helps with energy bills.  Each qualifying home receives a check of up to $300 in the first week of February for utility assistance.  They also help with energy-related minor home repairs to make your home more energy-efficient.

11.  WIC Women, Infants, and Children 

Nutritional food benefits for pregnant women and children.  This benefit provides food assistance for expectant women and children up to the age of five years old.  You can also receive a voucher to buy fresh fruit and vegetables.

12.  Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) 

It makes homes safe and energy-efficient home repairs.  You may qualify for a home repair grant to make mandatory repairs to make your home safe.

The Salvation Army

This faith-based organization offers relief to low-income households and individuals regardless of faith, race, or creed.

How do I Qualify

You are eligible to apply for TANF and must:

• Have small children under the age of 18
• Be a US Citizen or resident.
• Be at least 3 months pregnant.
• You have alien status.
• Be working and unable to care for your family
• Have an income below or at the national poverty level
• Must work a minimum of 20 hours as a single parent or 30 hours in a two-parent household

You can also go online to the DSS website to enter your information to determine if you fall within the national poverty levels.