Money Assistance Texas – Help paying bills, rent, loans & more

Texas ranks in the bottom half of the states regarding poverty level at 38, according to Poverty USA. The state has 17.5 percent of residents living in poverty and 25 percent of children considered living at or below poverty level. If you are out of a job or your current job isn’t covering all of the bills, you may qualify for assistance through one of the many programs offered across the state.

Below are multiple ways to get financial help in Texas. Services that include help paying bills, rent, food/groceries, personal loans, debt relief and as mentioned various government benefits and support agencies across Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and all other cities in Texas.

Social Security Loans (SSI)
Many residents living in Texas 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: If you need help keeping your utilities on, you may qualify for assistance through the LITE-UP Texas Program. The program is designed to help low-income families reduce the cost of their electric bills. If you are already receiving assistance through Medicaid or Snap you automatically qualify for utility assistance as well. Otherwise, a family a four must make less than $29,813 per year to get help from this program. You could also get help through the CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) which offers help for immediate relief and help with all utilities.

Food Assistance: Residents can receive help with food through the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The program provides a stipend to be used towards food purchases each month. Texas also provides help through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program which offers vouchers for specific foods for women with children under the age of 5. Some families may qualify for help with free school breakfasts and lunches. The Catholic Church provides a food pantry that offers food to needy families as well.

Help with a Loan: It is highly recommend using grants and benefits prior to taking on a loan if possible. If however you must have cash to assist with your financial problems, make sure you take on a loan through a reputable lender and try avoiding predatory micro-lending businesses.

Rent and Mortgage: A simple way to find help with your mortgage or rent payments is by dialing 211 on your phone. You can get help with information about any financial need, including rent assistance. You may qualify for assistance through Section 8 housing as well. Some organizations that offer rental assistance include the Baptist Community Center (monthly rent only), Barnabas Connection and Rent and Mortgage Assistance. To find a complete list visit the state 211 website.

Medical Assistance: If you need help paying your medical bills, you can apply for assistance through the Texas Medicaid Program which offers free or low-cost insurance to qualifying families. Your children may also qualify for assistance through the CHIP program, which offers low-premium insurance for children under 17. You can also take advantage of the Texas Association of Community Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers which offer medical services at a reduced rate.

Educational Assistance: Some residents may qualify for assistance through the Head Start program which offers preschool services to low-income families. The program is designed to help at-risk students get a head start. You may also qualify for help through literacy and GED programs. Foster children can receive help with their education through the Education and Training Voucher Program. Students can qualify for up to $5,000 per year. Qualifying families can also get help through the Federal Pell Grant Program.

Community Action Centers: Residents can seek help with the Community Action Corporation of South Texas as well as the Texas Community Action Agencies. These programs offer access to programs including senior meals, Head Start, Community Health Centers, Grants and Childcare programs. Learn about national programs here.

Charities: According to Wallet Hub, Texas ranks as the 34^th most giving state in the country. With plenty of resources available, residents can find help through local charities including Catholic Charities, Speedway Children’s Charities, Community Health Charities of Texas and Children’s Charitable Alliance of Texas.

Learn more about free items and other money assistance services in Texas, 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 Texas. 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 Texas. 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 Texas, 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 Texas. 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 Texas 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 Texas 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.