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Felons living in Vermont who need help paying the bills can turn to the many grant programs the state has. There are grant programs that will help with purchasing food, paying rent and utility bills, and some that will provide cash assistance. There are both long and short term grant programs to help during difficult financial periods.
Grants are not the same as loans. While loans have to be paid back, grants do not. They are considered to be gifts that are given to people to help meet their basic needs while they are having financially challenging times. Those who receive grants will be able to have their basic needs met, while they try to better their situation. Apply for as many grants as you feel qualified for, because there is no limit to the number of programs you can receive assistance from.
Grants for Felons in Vermont
3SquaresVT – This program is the same as the federal program called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This is a federally funded program that used to be known as food stamps. The program helps people who need food, by giving them a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food items at the grocery store or farmers market. If you are approved for a food grant you will receive a debit card where the funds will be electronically added each month. To qualify for the grant you have to meet the low income guidelines and be a citizen or legal alien. The amount of your grant will be determined by the number of people in your household. To apply for food grant in Vermont, click here.
Emergency / General Assistance – This program will help people who need immediate help with such things as paying a bill, obtaining food, or getting personal needs taken care of. They will also help with immediate housing, fuel and utilities. To qualify for the assistance you have to meet the low income requirements. If you are approved, the grant will be paid directly to the vendor on your behalf. To learn more about Emergency / General Assistance in Vermont, click here.
Lifeline – Felons who need help paying for their phone bill may be able to receive a monthly discount through the Lifeline program. In Vermont, those who are approved for Lifeline will receive a $9.25 discount off of their monthly phone bill. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements. Those already receiving grants, such as through 3SquaresVT, may automatically qualify for the discount. To apply, click here.
Fuel Assistance – To get help paying for a fuel bill in Vermont fuel assistance is offered through the state government. The program is open to those who own their own home and those who rent. If you are approved for a grant it will be paid directly to the energy provider on your behalf. To qualify, you have to meet the low income guidelines. To apply, click here.
Internet Essentials – This state run program helps make it more affordable for people to have Internet in their home. If you are approved for the program you will pay only $9.95 per month, plus tax, for your Internet service. To get more information or apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Those who need help meeting their housing needs may qualify for assistance through the federally funded HUD program. HUD will help people pay rent, avoid foreclosure, purchase a home, and receive weatherization services. The weatherization services will help to lower your monthly utility bills. HUD also owns housing complexes, called Section 8, where people can live for a very low monthly rent. To learn more about HUD in Vermont, click here.
Medicaid – This is a federally funded program that will provide free healthcare to those with a low income. Felons who need help paying for medical bills may qualify. Those who are approved for Medicaid will be able to get free healthcare services, including going to the doctor, emergency care, prescription drugs, substance abuse treatment, dental care, and more. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply for Medicaid in Vermont, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization provides help for people around the state of Vermont. Their programs will help those in the community with food, clothing, counseling services, and more. They do not usually have strict policies regarding who can receive the assistance. It is open to everyone who needs the help. To get more information, click here.
In addition to the above grants for felons in Vermont, check with local churches and non-profit organizations to see if they may be able to help. Many of them have programs in place to help those in their community. They will give people free food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and more. Plus, they do not usually have a strict qualification process in order to receive the assistance.
