Felons who live in Pennsylvania have numerous grant programs they can turn to if they need help paying the bills. The grant programs will help with a wide range of living expenses, including paying rent, utility bills, purchasing food, and more. The programs will help ensure that basic needs are being met, while someone is trying to become self sufficient. There are both long and short term programs to explore if you are experiencing financial difficulty.
Grants are a great way to help you get back on your feet. This is because they never have to be paid back, unlike loans. Grants are given to people essentially as gifts, to help them during difficult times. You will have to meet the qualification requirements in order to receive the grant, so be sure to check those closely to determine which ones you should apply for. There is no limit to the number of grants you can receive at once, so apply for all those you feel you meet the qualifications for.
Grants for Felons in Pennsylvania
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides those who are approved with a monthly cash grant. The grant can be used to pay for basic living needs, such as food, rent, transportation, and bills. To qualify for this federally funded program, you have to have at least one minor child you are providing care for. Additional qualification requirements include being a citizen or legal alien, participating in a work program, and not having assets of more than $1,000. You also have to supply a social security number for each person in your family. To apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides people with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food. Those who are approved will receive an electronic debit card, where the funds will be added each month. The card can be used to pay for food items at the grocery store and farmers market. This program was formerly known as food stamps. To qualify for SNAP in Pennsylvania, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, click here.
Medicaid – This program is also known as Medical Assistance in the state of Pennsylvania. The focus of this program is to provide those who have a low income with free medical care. If you are approved, you will be able to get your medical care costs paid for, including to see the doctor, go to the hospital, get prescription drugs, and more. You have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien to be approved for Medicaid. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program provides grants to help people pay for their heating bills. The federal government funds this program, which has limited funds each year. The amount of the grant you could receive ranges from $200 to $1,000. The amount you receive depends on your household income, type of fuel, and household size. This program is open to people who rent and own their own home. They also provide crisis assistance for those who have received a shutoff notice. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program’s mission is to help people find affordable housing and stay in their home if they are having financial problems. The HUD programs, which are federally funded, help people pay rent, avoid foreclosure, purchase a home, and receive weatherization services. The weatherization services will help reduce your monthly utility bills. Additionally, HUD owns numerous housing units, called Section 8, where people who qualify can live for a small monthly fee. To learn more about HUD in Pennsylvania or apply, click here.
Lifeline – Having a phone is essential for most people, but some felons may have difficulty paying for the bill. The Lifeline program provides those who qualify with a free mobile phone. The phone comes with voice, texting, and data. To qualify, you have to have a low income. If you are already receiving SNAP or TANF, you may automatically be approved for a free phone through the Lifeline program. To get more information or apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization offers locations throughout the state. They have outreach programs that help people in the community by providing food, clothing, and other helpful services. To find a location near you and learn about their programs, click here.
In addition to the above grants for felons in Pennsylvania, there are more localized options you can consider. Reach out to churches in your area to see what programs they offer. Most churches have programs in place that help those in their community. They often provide food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and more. Some will even help with cash grants and bill paying assistance. Plus, they do not typically have strict policies regarding qualifying for the help.
