Cash and Living Assistance for Unemployed and Low Income Families
All states have some form of living assistance for needy families such as single parent households or those that are unemployed. Financial and living assistance can be found from government agencies as well as local and national non-profits.
As there are numerous programs available, understanding which program or assistance you qualify for can be confusing and seem challenging as strict approval criteria may be required for different organizations.
Understand What You Are Applying For
Are you a veteran, a single parent, disabled, lost a job, etc? Programs are specific to a particular situation or background. Although, many programs will assist most families or individuals dealing with unemployment and having a hard time taking care of basic living needs – they just may prioritize specific issues based on their available resource.
Where to get help
Depending on what you are in need of, there may be an organization that specializes in that area. Common assistance includes helping paying bills, medical help, emergency shelter, help with food and cash loans or advances.
One of the quickest ways to get help is to reach out to your local community action agency as they generally can help you or put you in contact with partner agencies who can help with your specific need.
Frequency of help
An important aspect of getting help is how often you apply. Many organizations don’t have the resource to provide ongoing help for certain needs. As an example, you may receive a small cash loan or advance for an urgent situation – don’t expect to receive ongoing cash assistance. Many of the government programs or non-profit organizations are there to help as a temporary fix whilst you get back on your feet.
If you are in a situation that will require ongoing or long-term assistance, you should consider looking at potential government benefits, which may be able to assist.
What type of help is available
Assistance is reserved for those who are having issues meeting general living needs such as shelter, food, utilities, medical care or clothing – essential living needs.
For financial assistance there are 2 main programs: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Supplement Security Income (SSI). Both programs have different criteria based on the state you live in. SSI is primarily reserved for those over with a disability, blind or over the age of 65. TANF is based on specific circumstances and does not have a high age limit to qualify for.
Help is out there
Regardless of your situation, there is help available. Everyone goes through difficult times and can use some help. If you are struggling financially and need assistance – seek it! There is no reason to help and the different organizations out there are non-judgmental and only want to help.
Take advantage of the financial and living assistance available and get back on your feet quicker.
Need help paying my rent for the month of July i been losong sleep and all trying to figure how,im gong to pay my rent im a,single mom if someone can help it will be blessing.
Need help paying are rent for this month.
August.
Got sick lost my job.
My daughter 3 days later lost her job due to car breaking down.
We have a great landlord .
We have not paid rent.
Been calling bishop with no response.
I am job hunting.
Its me my daughter an grandson he is 5.
We are desperate.
Please help
I have a voucher and no place to live is there anyone that can help me to please i have no where else to go!!
I never hear anything but myself and my husband are disabled and we live on $891a month I get Social Security Disability we need a dependable vehicle to make our doctor’s appointments pay bills and get groceries and our medications as you can see we can’t afford a car note and pay insurance but without a car note we can pay for insurance please look in your heart and please please please help us
Hello, For the people who commented for obtaining assistance, were you able to get help, indornation or guidance? Thank you.
There are so many things wrong with my van that a lot of people tell me it’s cheaper get new vehicle. I have 5 young children under 13 and it’s so hot with 1 open window and no A.C. I’m on fixed income
I’m not here to beg. I’m on social security disability. My check is not much but I get by. I’m A Man doing my best to get by.
I hate that I am asking for help to get my car fixed. Honest, my car repairs are more than my car is worth but it is all I have. I can’t afford a monthly payment of more than $30.00. Then that’s a maybe.
I’m alone I’m 67. I need it to go to appointments, groceries and get my meds. I also have a sister a town 19 miles away who has severe M.S. She did depend on me for help now she does her best to get to where she needs to go. Has found it a problem due to her M.S. She’s hoping soon get some help to get my car fixed. Really my car is on its last leg. It’s an 89 town car she bought for me in 03. It was for her transportation when she needed it. I hope I didn’t make your people upset with this? Just thought I would ask for some help. Thank You. Have a blessed day and night.
HelpI am in need of a natural gas hot water heater.Can not afford to pay for one.We have been without onefor almost a year.It is hard going to my daughter,s every day to take a shower,please can you help me.I only draw $770 a month.
Hi need help getting my truck fix.im a single mom on disability. I need it to get to my appointment’s and get my kids and grandkids back and fourth to school
Hi I’m a single parent with two kids schooling. Grade 9 and grade 4. I have work but it doesn’t compensate with all the financial needed every month so I went to loan and any debt with high interest.. . I’m separated
with my husband of 12 years and he can’t support us financially. Now I don’t know where to ask help.. Good thing I found this site. Hopefully I can find help here. Plz. I need your help.