Felons who live in North Carolina may qualify for grant programs to help them through difficult financial times. The programs are designed to help people meet their basic needs, while they work at improving their situation. Many of the programs are federally funded, while some are funded through the state and local governments. There are grant programs to help pay for rent, clothing, food, utilities, and more.
Grants, unlike loans, do not ever have to be paid back. They are considered to be gifts that are given to people to help them during challenging times. People will have an easier time getting their life on track if their basic needs are being met. Be sure to check the requirements for the grants for felons in North Carolina, as they vary. There are programs that provide both long and short term assistance.
Grants for Felons in North Carolina
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program, formerly known as food stamps, helps provide people with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food. Felons who need help obtaining food may qualify if they meet the low income requirements and are a citizen or legal alien. Those who are approved will receive a debit card, where the funds are electronically added each month. The card can then be used to pay for food items at the grocery store and farmers market. To apply, click here.
Work First (WF) – In North Carolina, the national program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is called Work First. The program provides temporary monthly cash grants to those who qualify. The cash can be used to pay for such living expenses as rent, food, transportation, and bills. The goal is to provide people with assistance, while they try to become self sufficient. There is a lifetime limit of how long you can receive the grant, which is 60 months. To qualify, you have to be a citizen or legal alien, have a low income, and have at least one minor child you are caring for. To apply, click here.
Medicaid – Felons who need help paying for healthcare may qualify for the federally funded program called Medicaid. Those who qualify will receive fee healthcare, including prescription drugs, doctor visits, hospital stays, substance abuse treatment, and dental care. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To get more information and apply, click here.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) – Those who need help paying for their utility bills may qualify for a grant through LIEAP. The program will help by paying one of your heating bills per year. You will need to re-apply each year that you need the help. Those age 60 and up or who are disabled can apply from December 1-31. Others may apply from January 1 through March 31. To qualify, you have to be a citizen or legal alien, meet the income requirements, have reserves of no more than $2,250, and be the person responsible for the heating bill. To apply for a grant, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Felons who need help finding affordable housing may qualify for one of the many HUD programs. The federally funded programs include helping people with rent, avoiding foreclosure, and purchasing a home. They also provide weatherization services, which will help to reduce your utility bills. HUD also owns housing complexes, called Section 8, which provides people with low cost places to live. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To learn more about HUD in North Carolina, click here.
Lifeline – Those who are having a difficult time paying for their phone bill may qualify for help through the Lifeline program. The federally funded program will provide you with a free phone if you qualify. The mobile phone has voice, text, and data. To qualify for a Lifeline phone, you have to have a low income. Those who are already receiving grants from other programs, such as SNAP or Medicaid, may automatically qualify for Lifeline. To apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization has locations throughout North Carolina. They offer assistance programs, including helping with food, clothing, transportation vouchers and more. To get more information, click here.
In addition to the above grants for felons in North Carolina, be sure to contact your local churches and non-profit organizations. Many of them have helpful programs that will assist people during difficult times. They help with food, housing, transportation, bill paying, and more. Whether you are looking for hot meals or boxes of food, churches are sure to help you out. Most church programs do not have strict requirements for receiving the help. They typically help everyone in the community who says they need the assistance.
