Apply For These Benefits To Keep More Cash In Your Pocket

Many of us are going through a similar struggle where our bills seem to get higher while our income stays stagnant. Since inflation doesn’t look to be letting up anytime soon, you have to think about what you will do now to combat increasing costs before things get worse in the future.

What do some people do? They apply for second jobs, ask their bosses for overtime, or try side gigs to boost their income. Others ask for financial help from friends and family, while some apply for loans to survive. What could be your best option right now? Applying for benefits from the following government assistance programs designed to help those in need.

Food

You could live on the streets without a roof over your head for a limited time if things got particularly rough. But one thing you cannot live without is food. Here are some programs to keep your family fed when your bank account runs dry.

• SNAP – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps) gives you monthly funds on an EBT card that you can take to the grocery store to buy stuff to fill your fridge. The more people in your household, the more funds you can get.
• WIC – The Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) gives kids under five and women who are pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding nutritional essentials and educational resources, so they do not sabotage their health.
• NSLBP – The National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs (NSLBP) give kids free or reduced-cost lunches and breakfasts, so they never go hungry. Even better, they can get free meals when school is out over the summer.

Housing

If you are worried you will be homeless soon or currently live on the streets, get emergency housing assistance by calling 211. And to fix your housing issues in the long term, apply for a Housing Choice Voucher from the Section 8 program. It will ensure that you never pay over 30 percent of your income towards rent, and it may even cover some of your utility costs.

Bills

Are you barely keeping up with your utility bills? Before your lights get shut off or you lose Internet service, try the following government assistance programs:

• LIHEAP – The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) covers heating and cooling costs for those who qualify, and even handles repairs or replacements should your AC or heater break down.
• ACP – The Affordable Connectivity Program can result in free or low-cost Internet by giving you $30 towards your monthly bill.

Welfare

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is sometimes referred to as welfare. This temporary program can give you cash each month and help you with job training and child care so you can save money and eventually become financially independent.