SNAP Recipients May Also Qualify for These 5 Programs
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Karen Doyle
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Rebekah Evans
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Financial struggles can be felt by anyone and when times get tough, it can be hard to make ends meet. Fortunately, there are programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, that can help. SNAP is one of the most widely known programs for needy families, but there are others that can also help.
Here are five other resources SNAP recipients may qualify for.
WIC
The WIC program, which stands for Women, Infants and Children, is a supplemental nutrition program specifically for pregnant women and parents with children up to age five. If you receive SNAP benefits and you are pregnant or have a child under five, you can also get WIC benefits. Since the income threshold for WIC is higher than that for SNAP, you may qualify for WIC even if you don’t qualify for SNAP.
In addition to providing nutritious food, WIC offers breastfeeding support and nutrition education. The WIC organization can also assist you in finding other resources in your community.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), provides assistance to families who are unable to meet their basic needs for shelter, food and other necessities. TANF grants are provided by the federal government to states, who then design their own programs to disburse the funds.
For example, the Family Assistance Division of the Alabama Department of Human Resources provides temporary cash assistance to families with children under age 18 (or 19 if a student) to help meet basic needs. Work and job training services are also available.
In Colorado, the Colorado Works program provides eligible families with children under 18 a monthly cash payment plus schooling, training and job assistance.
Each state’s program has different programs and qualifications. The Office of Family Assistance in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a listing of programs and contact information by state.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Office of Community Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, manages the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program helps low-income families manage energy costs, including weatherization and home improvements that help lower costs.
Consumers who have having trouble paying their home heating bills or who have been threatened with an energy shutoff, can apply for LIHEAP Heating Assistance through the Clearinghouse.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal program that provides low- or no-cost health insurance to low-income families and individuals. Eligibility is based on family size and income as a percentage of the federal poverty level. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Basic Health Program (BHP) may provide coverage for those who don’t qualify for Medicaid.
Contact your state Medicaid agency for information on eligibility and services in your state.
Head Start
Head Start provides services to children up to age five and their families, focusing on early learning, health and family well-being. The program is administered by the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Families at or below the poverty level, those who qualify for SNAP, TANF or SSI and children who are homeless or in foster care, are eligible for Head Start.
If your family needs help providing for its basic needs, consider these programs. You can also dial 211 for help determining what programs are available to you.
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