Where Families Can Turn for Financial Assistance on Food, Housing, and Utilities

The WIC is a different nutrition assistance program for pregnant and postpartum women with children under 5 years old. WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other resources. WIC eligibility is based on pregnancy or children up to 5 years old in your care, income, and a nutrition assessment performed by WIC staff. The income requirements for WIC vary from state to state.

Finding affordable housing is a struggle for many Americans. Programs like Section 8 are an option for low-income or struggling U.S. families. Section 8 is a rental assistance program that gives applicants a voucher that provides individual, safe housing and pays for a portion or all of the rent. Section 8 eligibility guidelines are for low-income families, seniors, or people with disabilities. Other eligibility guidelines are gross monthly income, household size, and citizenship status. Income status also varies between states due to cost-of-living differences.

A utility bill assistance program is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which can help you pay for your heating or cooling bills and, depending on the state you live in, can help with electric bills as well. This program eligibility requirement is based on income; however, every state has its own requirements. Contact your local LIHEAP office to find out if you are eligible.

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program is another option for low-income families. This program is a grant individual states receive to operate a state-run program to provide economic relief to low-income families needing help with utility bills, food, clothing, and child care. Each state runs its program differently and often goes by a different name. Finding your local state program and applying for the benefits they provide can help ease the financial strain many people are feeling.