Money Assistance Vermont – Help paying bills, rent, loans & more
According to Poverty USA, Vermont has a poverty rate of approximately 12.3 percent. Although the state ranks better than most other states, many individuals and families struggle to get enough food and keep up with expenses. If you are struggling to pay your bills or need some form of financial help, you may qualify for help from several programs available throughout the state.
Below are multiple ways to get financial help in Vermont. Services that include help paying bills, rent, food/groceries, personal loans, debt relief and as mentioned various government benefits and support agencies across Burlington, Essex, South Burlington and all other cities in Vermont.
Social Security Loans (SSI)
Many residents living in Vermont 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: Vermont residents may qualify for help with utility expenses through the Emergency Assistance Program in Vermont. Green Mountain Power offers up to 25 percent off of monthly charges. You must meet income requirements to qualify. Vermont Gas customers can get up to 20 percent off of their natural gas bill. Residents are required to meet income levels set forth by the gas company to qualify. Residents may qualify for help with weatherization programs that will help reduce energy bills.
Food Assistance: If you are struggling to get enough food on the table every month, you may qualify for help through the state Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), which offers a financial stipend to low-income families. The money can only be used on food purchases from approved grocery stores. Pregnant women and women with children under the age of 5 may qualify for help through the Women, Infant and Children Program (WIC). Families with school-aged children may also qualify for help through the free and reduced lunch program offered through local school districts. If you don’t qualify for public programs or you need additional help you can visit a local food pantry.
Loan Assistance: Learn about specialty loans which are provide by credit unions, banks and non-profits. These are loans specifically created for low income earners and those dealing with unique financial issues - Whilst not mainstream loans, they are a great alternative to payday loans and the like. Learn more here.
Rent and Mortgage: Families that meet income requirements can get reduced housing through the Section 8 Housing Program. Residents must apply and provide proof of income. In addition, residents may be able to get help with rent and back rent through Vermont Habitat. The program helps provide affordable housing and services for the homeless.
Medical Assistance: Low-income families and pregnant women can apply for medical assistance through the state Medicaid Program. The program offers free health insurance to qualifying families. In addition, families who don’t qualify for Medicaid but have children in the home may qualify for low-cost health insurance for their children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The program requires a lower premium than traditional insurance programs. Residents can also get help at free clinics located throughout the state.
Educational Assistance: Potential college students may qualify for help with their college expenses through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation. Students can find more information about loans, scholarships and grants including the Federal Pell Grant Program and specialty scholarships and grants for individuals serving in the military. Families with young children can get help with early education resources through the Head Start program.
Community Action Centers: If you need extra help applying for emergency assistance including housing, food and insurance you can get help through Capstone Community Action. In addition to application assistance the program also offers help with education resources and job training and job search.
Charities: According to Wallethub, Vermont ranks as the 23rd most giving state. For families and individuals who need help, this means there are more options available. You can get additional help with food, rent, health coverage and other special needs through local charities including the Ronald McDonald House and Human Capital Foundation.
Learn more about free items and other money assistance services in Vermont, 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 Vermont. 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 Vermont. 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 Vermont, 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 Vermont. 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 Vermont 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 Vermont like most of the country are extremely high. This can put serious pressure 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.
