Felons who live in Washington DC will find that there are grant programs they can turn to during financially challenging times. When money is tight and the bills need to be paid, there are programs in place that can help. The grant programs will help felons to purchase food, obtain free medical care, pay rent, and more. The programs are funded by the local, state, and federal government, and provide both short and long term assistance for felons.
Most people are familiar with how loans have to be paid back. Grants, on the other hand, do not ever have to be paid back. They are considered to be gifts that are given to felons to help them during difficult times. There is no limit to the number of grant programs you can receive assistance from at one time, so be sure to apply for all those you qualify for. Grants are a great way to ensure your basic needs are being met, while you work at improving your situation.
Grants for Felons in Washington DC
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Felons who need help obtaining food may be able to receive a monthly grant from SNAP. This program, which used to be known as food stamps, helps purchase food each month. Felons who are approved will receive an electronic debit card where the funds will be added each month. The card can then be used as a payment source at grocery store or farmers market to pay for any approved food items. To qualify for this program you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. The amount of monthly grant you receive is determined by the number of people in your household. To apply for SNAP in Washington DC, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This federally funded program will provide felons who qualify with a monthly cash grant. The cash can be used to pay for living expenses, such as buying food, paying rent, transportation, or paying bills. The amount you receive depends on the number of people in your household. To qualify, you have to have a low income, be a legal citizen, and complete a responsibility plan. There are also resource limits that you cannot exceed in order to get the grant. There is a 60-month limit on how long you can receive a TANF grant. To apply, click here.
Medicaid – Felons who need help paying for medical care may be able to receive Medicaid. The program, which is federally funded, will pay for healthcare for felons who meet the requirements for the program. The requirements include being low income, being a citizen or legal alien, and not having any other health insurance. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – There are programs available through HUD that will help felons to pay their rent, avoid foreclosure, and purchase a home. To meet the requirements for the programs you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen. HUD also helps make it possible for felons to find low cost housing. They own numerous housing complexes, called Section 8, where felons can live for a low monthly fee. HUD also offers a weatherization service, which will help to reduce your monthly utility bills by making your home more energy efficient. To learn more about HUD in Washington DC or to apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will help felons pay for utility bills. LIHEAP is federally funded and will pay for one heating bill per year for felons who qualify. To qualify, you have to meet the income requirements, show your government issued ID and most recent utility bill, and provide the social security number for each person in your home. You will have to re-apply for this program every year that you need the assistance. LIHEAP is funded through a block grant, and the funds are given out on a first come basis until they are gone each year. To apply for a utility grant, click here.
Lifeline – Felons who need help paying for their phone bill each month may qualify for the Lifeline program. In the Washington DC area, the Lifeline provides felons who qualify with a $9.25 discount off their monthly phone bill. To be approved you have to have a low income. To apply, click here.
In addition to the above grants for felons in Washington DC, there are many churches and non-profits that offer assistance programs. Check with the ones in your local area to see what services are offered. Many do not have strict requirements for receiving help. The programs they offer usually include helping people with food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and paying bills. Some of them offer housing assistance, too. Inquire with your local churches and organizations to see what they can provide help with.
