Felons who are living in the state of Virginia have numerous programs they can turn to during difficult financial times. The grant programs that will help felons will pay rent, provide food, pay for healthcare, and even provide cash grants. The grants are a great way for felons to have their basic needs met while they are trying to get back on their feet. Most programs are funded by the federal government, but there are also some funded locally and at the state level.
Grants are different from loans, because you never have to pay them back. Grants are considered to be like gifts that are given to felons during challenging times. There is no limit to the number of grant programs you can apply to at one time, so be sure to apply for all of those you qualify for. The grants for felons in Virginia are a great way to have your basic needs met when you need help.
Grants for Felons in Virginia
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program will provide a food grant for felons who need help obtaining food. SNAP is a federally funded program that used to be known as food stamps. Felons who are approved for the program will receive an electronic debit card, where the funds will be added each month. The card can then be used at the farmers market or grocery store to pay for food items. To qualify for SNAP in Virginia, you have to meet the low income guidelines, and be a legal citizen. To apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Felons who have at least one minor child they are caring for may qualify for a TANF grant. The program, which is federally funded, provides those who qualify with a monthly cash grant. The cash can be used on a wide variety of living expenses, including rent, clothing, transportation, food, and paying bills. The amount of cash grant that you receive depends on the number of people in your household. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply for a TANF cash grant, click here.
Medicaid – Virginia offers several medical assistance programs for felons who need help paying for medical bills. One of the programs they offer is Medicaid, which is federally funded. The program will pay for most medical expenses for felons who qualify, including for doctor visits, emergency care, prescription drugs, dental work, and more. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply for medical assistance in Virginia, click here.
General Relief (GR) – This program provides cash assistance to felons who qualify. You do not need to have any minor children in order to be approved for this grant. This program is funded by the state and local government. To qualify for the grant you have to be a citizen or legal alien, and you have to meet the low income requirements. To apply, click here.
Energy Assistance – Felons who need help paying for their heating bill may be able to qualify for a grant through the Energy Assistance program. The program is open to those who have a low income. The program will pay for one energy bill per year, so you will need to re-apply each year that you need the help. In addition to bill paying assistance, the program provides crisis assistance for those who have a shutoff notice, cooling assistance, and weatherization services. The weatherization services will help to lower your monthly energy bills. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program is federally funded and has a mission of helping to find everyone affordable housing options. Felons who need help paying the rent, buying a home, or avoiding foreclosure may be able to receive assistance. The program also offers weatherization services, which makes your home more energy efficient so that it reduces your monthly energy bills. They also offer housing complexes, called Section 8, where people can live for a low rental fee. To learn more about HUD in Virginia or apply, click here.
Lifeline – Felons who need help paying for a phone bill may qualify for a free phone through the government. The Lifeline program provides felons who have a low income with a free mobile phone. The phone comes with voice, texting, and data. To qualify for the free phone you have to meet the low income requirements. If you are already receiving grants from SNAP, TANF, or another grant program you may automatically qualify for the free phone. To learn more, click here.
In addition to the above grants for felons in Virginia, be sure to check with your local churches and non-profit organizations. Many of t them offer programs that will help felons in the community with food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and more. Plus, they do not usually have strict requirements for who can receive the help.
