The state and federal governments provide various grants for individuals and families who are struggling financially. Sometimes, they even offer loans at zero or low interest to those in need. These grants and loans help people meet daily living costs, pay for college tuition, make down payments on a home, and cover other expenses. Since there are different grants, research is important to help people find the ideal one for their needs.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

For those who need grants to pay off grocery bills and food expenses, SNAP is well worth considering. It has been designed to be a safety net for low-income households. Earlier known as food stamps, SNAP benefits are issued by the state via an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. This works similarly to how a debit card works. One can use EBT cards at eligible stores to purchase certain foods. SNAP provides a list of whole and nutrient-dense foods that one can buy with the EBT. These generally include the following.

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Loaves of bread and cereals
• Other foods, like snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat

The eligibility criteria for SNAP require a household to meet the net and gross income limits based on the number of persons living there. For example, if one adult and two kids are in a household, they will receive around $577 a month through SNAP. Apart from this, the benefits may increase in the following cases.

• A person has lost their income recently.
• There has been a recent increase in housing or child care costs or child support payments.
• The household has a member aged 60 or older, who has a disability, or who has monthly medical expenses of approximately $35 or more.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The LIHEAP has been drafted to help individuals and families pay off bills and expenses related to heating and cooling appliances such as air-conditioners and heaters. Anyone, whether a homeowner or a renter, can take advantage of this program. Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, LIHEAP has eligibility criteria based on income, how many people live in the home, and the type of fuel used to heat or cool the home, usually in the last few years. However, those already part of programs such as SNAP can be directly eligible for LIHEAP. Besides, each state also checks whether an individual or family is eligible for cash grants. In most cases, these grants range between $500 to $1,500, paid automatically to the utility. While these funds can be beneficial, one needs to be quick to enroll since LIHEAP works on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), this program aims to reduce the energy costs of low-income households by offering financial assistance for bills related to energy conservation upgrades of the house. By using funds from the DOE, these households are enabled to save around $372 or more on an average annually. This is done by implementing energy conservation upgrades in the applicant’s home. All the work is done by WAP-funded work crews and contractors.

Implemented at the state and local level, WAP can be used by homeowners as well as renters. The main eligibility criterion is income. So, households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines are generally considered eligible. Besides, those already enrolled in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children can also avail of WAP. Higher priority is given to the elderly, families with one or more members with a disability, families with children, high-energy users, or households with a high energy burden.

The Lifeline Program

Low-income families needing assistance paying internet or phone service bills can enroll in the Lifeline program. This program provides financial assistance by offering discounts on home or mobile phone service or high-speed broadband. A household must have income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines to be eligible for this program. Furthermore, those enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, or other federal programs can also apply for the Lifeline program. Once enrolled, a household gets $9.25 per month as grants to pay off phone or internet service bills. This won’t likely cover one’s entire phone or internet bill, but it could help offset the high cost.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)

If a household is at risk of eviction when they cannot pay their utilities and rent, the ERA program can provide the necessary assistance. Developed by the U.S. Treasury, this program provides help with the payment of rent for multiple months. In addition, grants are available for electricity, gas, fuel oil, water and sewer bills, and trash removal. Other expenses that can be covered through ERA include these:

• Reasonable late fees
• Internet service
• Moving expenses and other rental-related fees, like security deposits, application fees, or screening fees, for families who have to move

To understand the application process and eligibility criteria, ensure to check the official portal of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).