No matter how you plan, you can get hit with a financial surprise that makes things uncertain. A US government benefit program can help.
Finding yourself not being able to buy the things you’re used to because of a financial crisis can really be soul-crushing. For people living in the USA, getting help is possible because of the various benefits programs provided by the government for citizens.
Benefit schemes are welfare programs that provide assistance and subsidies to families and individuals with low incomes. People in need of food, healthcare, or general financial help may apply for programs they are eligible for.
Before applying for welfare, it is crucial to have in-depth information about all your options. So up next, we’ve got a good list of US government benefit programs that can help at this time. Read on.
US Government Benefit For Food
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP)
It might surprise you that it is difficult for some individuals to find the amount of nourishment they need. As a result, the Government has a scheme called SNAP, which operates under the federal institution. This program aims to help people with sustenance.
EBTs (Electronic Benefits Transfer Cards) are issued to you every month. These function like debit cards with which you can buy eligible food items. That is to say, you can buy your food supplies from the Government-authorized SNAP grocery stores or farmer markets.
WIC Program
The WIC program is a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. It makes healthy food accessible to low-income women and children.
Women can apply for the scheme if they are pregnant, nursing, or within six months of the end of their pregnancy. Likewise, if you are applying for children, they must be under five years old to be eligible.
Housing Benefit Programs
Living is a sheer agony if you have no place to live in. So, having a shelter is a privilege for a decent standard of living. The US Government ensures to employ as many resources as possible to give people a place to call home.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This program helps families with low-income pay for room heating and cooling bills. As of 2019, for a household of one, the income limit for LIHEAP eligibility was at $17,820. In fact, the limit increases with the size of the household.
Subsidized Housing, Housing Vouchers and Public Housing Programs
This scheme helps senior citizens, specially-abled people, and families with low incomes find shelter. Housing Agencies affiliated with housing programs set income limits to families admitted to their program. These income limits generally fall between 50 to 80 percent of the median income in the local area.
Financial Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF is a cash benefit program that provides financial aid to low-earning families. It also helps families achieve self-sufficiency. States receive block grants from the government to design schemes that support families. And the eligible people get the monetary allowance.
The amount of the allowance differs with the financial standing of the applicant. On a few occasions, TANF also allows some non-cash benefits like job training and childcare.
Supplemental Security Income
Low-income adults, low-income seniors, and children with disabilities can enjoy cash allowances. The allowance is provided monthly and depends on the Financial Benefit Rate (FBR). In 2020, FBR amounts to $1175 for couples and $785 for individuals.
Benefit Schemes for Healthcare
It is a widely accepted fact that access to healthcare is the essence of any civilization. This is why federal offices try their best to provide free healthcare to eligible citizens.
Medicaid
Medicaid is the most significant health coverage source in the USA. This scheme offers low-cost or free health benefits to pregnant women, children, seniors, and specially-abled people.
The income eligibility of the program is determined by Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Moreover, MAGI income eligibility applies to pregnant women, children, parents, and adults.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
First of all, the CHIP scheme provides low-cost or free medical and dental facilities to kids without medical insurance. Children below the age of nineteen whose family income is below their state’s CHIP limit are eligible to apply for this program.
The income limit for CHIP differs from state to state. But an average annual family income can be up to $49,000 for a child to qualify.
US Government Benefit Conclusion
Anyone anywhere can find themselves in financial difficulty due to no fault of their own. Most people have been paying taxes into government coffers to fund government programs that should help. So if you’ve found yourself in this place, the above programs are here to assist.