Disabled felons may have a challenging time being able to make ends meet. Their income is typically limited, which means that they may not be able to pay all of the bills each month. The good news is that there are programs that can help. The federal government provides numerous financial assistance programs for disabled felons that will help ensure your basic needs are being met.
Unlike loans, you won’t have to pay back any grants that you get from the federal financial assistance programs for disabled felons. The programs will provide you with grants as a way to help you during difficult financial times, but you won’t have the stress of making sure you pay the funds back. This is important, because you will be able to get the help you need without the stress of a loan.
You can apply for as many of the financial assistance programs that you would like to and that you feel you are qualified for. There is no limit to the number of programs you can receive help from, so be sure to apply for all of the programs you feel you meet the requirements for. Together, these programs will help ensure the basic needs for disabled felons are being met.
Financial Assistance Programs for Disabled Felons
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will help disabled felons with paying their energy bills. If approved, the program pays for one of your heating bills per year. They do also provide assistance with cooling bills, as well as providing weatherization services, which will help to reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills. The program is funded by a block grant in each state. This means that there are limited funds, and they are given out on a first come basis. It’s important to get your application for help in early and re-apply every year that you need the grant. If you are awarded a grant it will be paid directly to the utility provider on your behalf. To get more information, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant to purchase food. The program used to be called food stamps and many people still call it that. Disabled felons who qualify for the grant will receive an electronic debit card where the funds are added each month. The card can then be used to pay for food at the farmers market or grocery store. Some foods are excluded, such as those that are already prepared, but most foods can be paid for with SNAP. This program is run through local social services offices in every state. To get more information about SNAP or apply for it in your state, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) –This program provides disabled felons who qualify with a monthly cash grant. The grant can be used on most types of living expenses and does not ever have to be paid back. To be approved for TANF, you have to have at least one minor child you are caring for. If you do not have a minor child you are caring for then you may be able to get General Assistance. The General Assistance program is available in many states, and provides a monthly cash grant for those who qualify. To get more information or find a TANF office near you, click here.
Disability Benefits – One of the best financial assistance programs for disabled felons is Disability Benefits. This program is offered through the Social Security office for the federal government. This program includes Supplemental Security Income, which provides additional benefits for disabled felons who meet the requirements. Disability Benefits are available to disabled felons who have been considered disabled due to a medical condition that is expected to last longer than 12 months. To learn more about Disability Benefits, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This financial assistance program for disabled felons will help ensure that your housing needs are being met. The program, that is federally funded, will help to pay rent, avoid foreclosure, purchase a home, and receive weatherization services. The weatherization can help to make your home more energy efficient, which will reduce your monthly utility bills. To get more information, click here.
Be sure to apply for each program to see which ones you will get approval for. These financial assistance programs for disabled felons are a good way to help ensure your basic needs are being met. You may also find some local programs that provide help by reaching out to your local churches. Many churches offer financial assistance programs that will help with such things as food, housing, clothing, and more. They also do not have strict requirements regarding who can receive the assistance. Typically, the financial assistance programs are open to everyone who needs the help.
