Several government assistance programs have been set up to help low-income families to pay rent and other bills. Most federal programs release assistance block grants to states, territories, tribal organizations, and non-profit agencies, such as the Salvation Army, which in turn release funding to those in need based on their own formulas.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This government program provides assistance with paying energy bills and energy crisis assistance to low-income households. More money is available in regions which have more severe hot or cold weather, but it is also used up more quickly.
To apply for LIHEAP assistance, you will need:
* proof of your employment income
* proof of any income from other sources, such as unemployment insurance or pension
* recent copies of your utility bills, including a termination notice, if applicable
* proof of your present address
* proof of the total number of persons living in your household (birth certificates or school records)
* Social Security numbers for all persons living in your household
* proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.
For further information, contact the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project at (toll-free) 1-866-674-6327 between 7 am and 5 pm Mountain Standard Time. You can also contact your state’s LIHEAP office directly. Apply early, because funds are limited.
HUD programs
HUD offers several different programs to assist low-income families with rent, security deposits, and mortgage payments. To apply for most HUD assistance, you will need:
* proof of your employment income
* proof of any income from other sources, such as unemployment insurance or pension
* proof of your present mortgage payments or rent, including an eviction or foreclosure notice, if applicable
* proof of the total number of persons living in your household (birth certificates or school records)
* Social Security numbers for all persons living in your household
* proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.
The Section 8 Rental Voucher Program assists low-income families with rent payments by providing HUD vouchers to cover part or all of the rent. In general, this program will pay the dfference between 30% of total family income and the Public Housing Authority (PHA)-determined payment standard, which is usually between 80-100% of the fair market rent. You can choose the rental unit to which you will apply the voucher.
To be eligible for assistance, your family income may not exceed 50% of the local median income. Families whose income does not exceed 30% of the local median income will be given preference, especially where more than half their income goes towards rent.
The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP) is a short-term program which provides assistance with paying rent to those who are at risk of eviction or otherwise becoming homeless. It is intended to provide short-term funding for those who would otherwise be in danger of becoming homeless.
For further information on any of these programs, check the HUD website. You can also contact your state’s local housing office directly.
Further information
This article lists the major bill-paying assistance programs. Other programs for low-income families are also available to assist with medical or food costs. Some additional assistance programs may also be open to veterans or other special interest groups. To discover which of these or other assistance programs you may be eligible for, visit the federal government website at Benefits.gov.