Are You Missing Out On These Government Benefits?

Many people turn to family and friends when they feel financially stressed, while others apply for loans. And while those are ways to add more breathing room to your budget via a cash infusion, don’t forget about the government.

If you haven’t applied for these government benefits, now’s the time to do so to get a helping hand.

Unemployment Benefits

Losing your job can feel like the end of the world as you wonder how you’ll replace that lost income. One of the best ways to replace at least some of your lost income after losing your job is to apply for unemployment benefits.

The U.S. Department of Labor runs the CareerOneStop website that can help you find a new career, training, and assistance with unemployment benefits. Go here to find info on unemployment benefits in your state. You can usually apply online and get a decision within a month.

Food Benefits

The United States may be one of the most wealthy nations globally, but it still has plenty of people struggling to put food on the table. If you are one of them, here are several examples of food benefit programs you can apply to:

• Food stamps (SNAP) – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program gives eligible households a monthly debit card that can be swiped at grocery stores to buy essential food items.
• The National School Lunch Program – Your children could get free or reduced-price lunches from this program, so they never go hungry while studying. When school is out during the summer, they may also qualify for the Summer Food Service Program.
• WIC – The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children offers nutritious essentials like milk, eggs, baby food, fruits and vegetables, and more for pregnant women and their young kids.

Child Care Benefits

If you have kids, you know how expensive child care can be. Contact your state’s Child Care and Development Fund to get help with this expense if your income qualifies.

Cash Benefits

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) offers financial assistance to low-income households to help with various expenses until they can become financially independent. And while receiving money to help with your bills is great, TANF also offers services to help you get back on your feet.

Utilities Benefits

Utility bills are rising, making many families wonder how they’ll keep the lights on. You can get significant help with your utility bills via the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). You can also get help with paying your phone bill via the Lifeline program.

Senior Benefits

Do you have a senior in your home? Then be sure to visit the BenefitsCheckUp website. It has tons of resources seniors can use to help pay for food, medicine, healthcare, utilities, and other bills.