New York offers many grant programs that can help felons who are experiencing a difficult financial time. The programs are designed to help people meet their basic needs, while they are trying to better their situation. Felons may be able to get help with paying rent, obtaining food, paying utility bills, and receiving cash grants that can be used on living expenses. Some programs provide long term assistance, but most are for short term use only.
Grants are considered to essentially be gifts that are given to people who need help. Unlike loans, they do not ever have to be paid back. This makes it easier to work on improving your financial situation, because you won’t have to worry about paying the funds back. Each program varies in the requirements to be approved. Be sure to check them out closely, and apply for all those you feel you meet the qualifications for.
Grants for Felons in New York
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food. Formerly known as food stamps, this program provides those who qualify with a debit card. The grant is electronically added to the debit card each month, and then it can be used to pay for groceries at the store or farmers market. The grant amount is determined by the number of people in your household. Eligibility includes having a low income, and being a citizen or legal alien. To apply for SNAP in New York, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Felons who are providing for at least one minor child may qualify for TANF. The program provides those who qualify with a monthly cash grant. The cash can be used on a wide variety of living expenses, including transportation, rent, food, and paying bills. The amount you receive is determined by how many people are in your household. To qualify, you have to have at least one minor child you are caring for, meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance (TA) – This program is open to everyone who needs help. You do not need to have a minor child in your care to qualify. TA provides cash assistance to help with your living expenses. There is a limit of two years that you can receive the cash grant through the program. They also provide emergency assistance. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, click here.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – Felons in New York who need help paying for their utility bills may be able to get a grant through HEAP. The program will pay one of your heating bills per year. You will need to re-apply every year that you need the assistance. To qualify, you have to be a citizen or legal alien, provide your social security number, and meet the low income requirements. This program is open to those who own their home and those who rent. To apply for a utility grant, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – The HUD program is federally funded and has a mission of helping people with their housing needs. Those who have a low income may be able to get help with paying rent, avoiding foreclosure, buying a home, and receiving weatherization services. They also have a program, called Section 8, which provides people with low cost housing in complexes that the government owns. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To get more information about HUD in New York, click here.
Lifeline – Felons who need help paying for a phone may be able to get a free one through the Lifeline program. The program, which is federally funded, will provide people with a free phone that comes with voice, texting, and data. To qualify, you have to have a low income. If you are already receiving a grant from TANF or SNAP, you may automatically be qualified. To apply, click here.
The Fortune Society – This organization provides felons with reentry services. They will help by providing assistance with food, housing, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and more. Those who need these services should contact them for more information. To get more details, click here.
In addition to the above grants for felons in New York, it is a good idea to check with local churches and non-profit organizations. Many of them offer assistance programs, helping people with food, clothing, housing, transportation vouchers, and more. Plus, most of them do not have strict qualification policies. They are open to everyone who is in need. They may also be able to refer you to local helpful resources.
