In this election year, government programs for the low income and the working poor are hot button issues. One wants to expand services and the other cut back. Based on income, these programs offer help to those who most needed to maintain their self sufficiency without taking away their pride. There are several programs available today. Here are a few with some of the requirements to be eligible for the program.
HUD Housing: Administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, this program has several programs available. With rental assistance, first time buyers assistance, and other programs, this helps many Americans pay for housing. Offering counselors, each state has different programs.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps is another program that help the low income and the working poor. Funded by the USDA, this program helps millions of people get food they may not otherwise be able to afford. Eligibility is based on income. There is a pre-screening tool that may help you decided if you are eligible to apply.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a program that that helps low income families pay for heating and electricity, keeping them from having to struggle to pay their heating bill every month. Funded through the U.S. Department Of Health and Human services, each state administers this program. Based on income leverage, applicants need to be at, or below 150 percent of the poverty level, or not more than 60 percent of the state median income level.
Federal Financial Aid for college is another program that allows those families with low income get a college education. Administered by the Department of Education, this program has several sub-programs that help with some or all the educational costs of a college education. These are based on your income level, and the application can be done online. Many times it is these programs that enable students who would otherwise be unable to afford college, get that education that is so vital in today’s society. The money is dispensed by the college or university itself, and can be used for books, tuition supplies, and cost of living.
Child Care Assistance and Head start are two programs that help families continue to work. Funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, each state administers these funds. This subsidy allows parents to be able to afford to work. With child care costs skyrocketing, many single parent families would be unable to work without this assistance. Offering subsidies for child care service or allowing your child to go to head start, this program also helps your child become ready for school.
Having low income is not easy. Trying to find the money to pay for everything can be exasperating. By knowing some of the many programs available for assistance, you can manage to make ends meet every month. By funding these programs, we can make sure that no one has to go hungry, have their electricity shut off, or be denied a college education.