Money Assistance Arkansas – Help paying bills, rent, loans & more
Arkansas has one of the highest poverty rates in the US ranking at number 48. With almost 20 percent of state residents considered to be living in poverty and 29 percent of children living in poverty, many people need at least a little help covering some of their monthly expenses. If you are struggling to pay your bills or experiencing money problems, you may qualify for assistance from one of the many programs available.
Below are multiple ways to get financial help in Arkansas. Services that include help paying bills, rent, food/groceries, personal loans, debt relief and as mentioned various government benefits and support agencies across Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith and all other cities in Arkansas.
Social Security Loans (SSI)
Many residents living in Arkansas collecting Social Security may qualify for more financial assistance through SSI. For those whose only income is Social Security and you are in need of a loan, there may be specialist lenders who will assist. Learn more about SSI and other social security loan options here.
Assistance with Utilities: Residents in Arkansas can get help with their utility bills through Entergy. This organization connects residents with the right program for their needs. Some programs include The Power to Care which provides energy assistance to the elderly and disabled. Low-income families can get help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Funds are provided to qualified families to help cover energy bills and expenses. If you are willing to use your electric for only basic necessities (less than 6000 kw per month) you can get special rates through the essential service credit.
Food Assistance: If you need help supplementing your food budget, you may qualify for help through the state Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (food stamps). Families that qualify must meet certain income requirements. In addition, women with children under five and pregnant women can get help through the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program. If you need further help, or you don’t qualify for help through the state programs, you can also get food at an Arkansas Food Pantry.
Loan Help: If you are in need of money and have considered taking on an expensive short-term loan, learn about better options. See what types of specialty loans that banks provide in addition to other non-profit and government based lending products. Learn more about affordable loans here.
Rent and Mortgage: Arkansas residents with a low income can qualify for assistance through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Section 8 housing provides subsidized housing options for families who can’t afford regular rent rates. HUD provides financial assistance for monthly rent, deposits and down payments for new homes. In addition, you can get help through the Mortgage Relief Project.
Medical Assistance: If you need help covering medical expenses, you can apply for assistance through the state Medicaid program. Medicaid offers free insurance to qualifying families and individuals. You will need to undergo an application and interview process. In addition, you must provide proof of income. If you don’t qualify, your children could still get low-cost insurance through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Some individuals may also get help through the Medication Assistance Program which helps offset the cost of needed medication.
Educational Assistance: Potential students can get help with their education expenses through the Federal Pell Grant program. Students must show they have a financial need and only receive money during semesters they attend classes full-time. Students can get help applying for grants and loans through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. This site will help students get access to local grants and scholarships. Low-income families with small children can also get help with preschool and early education through the Head Start Program.
Community Action Centers: If you need further assistance, you can get help through the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association, which links residents to local community action centers. Resources available to residents include: access to public assistance and employment assistance. Homeless residents can also get help finding a safe place to stay.
Charities: Despite the high poverty rates, Arkansas residents still find room to give. Ranked as the 44th most giving state, residents can get help through many local charities including Pagnozzi Charities, the Ronald McDonald House and the Catholic Charities of Arkansas. You can find more charities at the Arkansas Attorney General’s website.
Learn more about free items and other money assistance services in Arkansas, including: Free clothes, furniture, car, school accessories, help with fines, seasonal items & more!
The below services are in general and may not be available in Arkansas. However, if not available, many may have partnerships with other organizations through out the state that they can connect you with.
Free Hotel or Motel Vouchers for the Homeless or Emergencies
Those experiencing hardship and are without a roof over their head can access different types of short and possibly longer term accommodation throughout Arkansas. Learn more about accommodation assistance in here.
Dealing with tickets or fines
If you have unpaid tickers or fines, avoiding them will only create further financial and credit problems. Learn about ways to get assistance with dealing with fines in Arkansas, from requesting a waiver or challenging inaccurate fines. Get the information you need to tackle fines here.
How to get a free laptop or computer
Low income families have a range of organizations that provide free technology assistance such as computers and laptops throughout the country including Arkansas. Learn about what free computers and laptop organizations are near you and how to apply here.
Getting a free or low cost car
At any given time there are different organizations that assist low income earners with transportation. Across the country and in Arkansas there are different services that assist people with getting a vehicle. Learn more about free cars, how to get one and where to apply.
How to get free gas for emergencies
Gas prices in Arkansas like most of the country are extremely high. This can put serious strain on the family budget. For those dealing with cashflow issues and finding it hard to put fuel in the car, there is help. Learn how to get free gas for emergencies through free gas vouchers.
