Author: itcoll

There are millions of Native Americans who live in the country. Some of them may experience financial difficulties due to having a low income. There are programs that they can apply for to help with their financial needs, including paying bills, obtaining food, and getting healthcare paid for. There are numerous programs that offer low income assistance for Native Americans, including those funded by the federal government, as well as by nonprofit organizations.

Native Americans who need financial help can apply for the low income assistance. They may be approved for one or more of the programs, which will help to give them the additional financial help they need to make ends meet. Most of the programs that offer low income assistance do require that those applying be citizens or legal aliens, as well as meet the low income requirements for the program. Each program differs in what the low income requirement is, so be sure to look at their chart before applying.

Here are some low income assistance programs for Native Americans:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Native Americans who have a low income and need help obtaining food may qualify for the federal food stamp program, called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Those who are approved for the program receive a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food. The amount each family receives depends on the number of dependents in the home. To apply for SNAP low income assistance, you can apply online at your state’s office, or visit your state welfare or social service office. Native Americans can also apply at most Tribal Offices.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Low income assistance for Native Americans can also be obtained through the government program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The TANF program provides those who qualify with a monthly cash grant. The cash can be used to pay for a wide variety of living expenses, including housing, food, bills, and more. The program is limited to how long people can receive the grant, which is typically 60 months. Those interested in TANF can apply online, at their local social services office, or at their Tribal Office.
• Native Americans who have a low income may also qualify for Medicaid, which is a government program that helps pay for healthcare expenses. The Medicaid program will help pay for such bills as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and dental care. You can apply for Medicaid online or at your local social services office, as well as at most Tribal Office.
• Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Native Americans who are low income and need help paying for their rent or obtaining affordable housing may qualify for programs through the government program Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The federally funded program helps those who qualify with paying rent, avoiding foreclosure, obtaining affordable housing, and getting necessary home repairs paid for. To apply for the HUD program, you first need to call and speak to one of the HUD counselors in your state, who will assess your current situation and evaluate your housing needs.
• Women, Infant and Children (WIC). Native Americans who are low income and also pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have children under the ages of five, may qualify for food assistance through the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program. The program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant to purchase healthy foods. To apply, you have to visit your local WIC clinic.
• Nonprofit organizations. Many nonprofit organizations and churches around the country offer low income assistance for Native Americans. Check with local churches and programs such as the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities, to see what assistance they can provide. Some help by providing food, clothing, helping to pay bills, and more.

There are many Native Americans, as well as others, who receive low income assistance. Those who have a low income will find that the programs are a good way to help with getting bills paid, obtaining food, getting medical care, and more. The programs have been designed to provide short term financial assistance for those with low incomes, those who are in between jobs, or those who have issues that have lead to them needing temporary help. The financial assistance provided does not have to be paid back, making them that much more effective in helping people who need help.

Native Americans, like other families around the country, may have a difficult time paying for child care expenses. It’s estimated by the Economic Policy Institute that the average cost of infant child care is around $470 per month, while the average cost of child care for a 4-year old is around $406 per month. Those figures are from Alabama, too, where the cost of living is lower than in many states around the country. Other states, such as California, Florida, and New York, for example, have even higher average child care costs. The good news is that no matter what state you live in, there is child care assistance for Native Americans.

Child care assistance programs make it easier for Native Americans to afford paying for child care. Once children are in school, families typically don’t have as much of a child care cost. During elementary school they may have after school child care costs, but once kids are in middle school they are typically able to start caring for themselves for a couple of hours after they get out of school. However, the first four years of a child’s life can be an economically challenging one for those Native American families that need both parents to work and need to pay for child care.

Here are some child care assistance programs for Native Americans:

• Head Start. The Head Start program is a federally-funded child care option. The program offers free learning opportunities for children up to ages five. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements. There is a limited amount of funding for the program, so those who are interested need to contact the Head Start agency in their area to inquire about registering their child. Children who are approved for the Head Start program will typically attend a daycare-type setting, where there will also be an emphasis on learning.
• Tax Deduction. Anyone who pays for child care throughout the year will qualify for a tax credit when they go to file their taxes with the IRS. This tax credit, or tax deduction, will provide families with assistance when it comes to paying for their child care. Visit the IRS website for more information on this tax credit, and be sure to inquire about it when having your taxes prepared.
• State Programs. Most states offer child care assistance for Native Americans, as well as for others who have a low income. The programs typically pay for all or part of your child care expenses, so that parents can continue working during those first years. Contact your state welfare or social services office to inquire about and apply for child care assistance. You will need to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal alien in order to be eligible. Additionally, Native Americans can contact their local Tribal Office to inquire about child care assistance programs that they have information on. You may be able to apply for some assistance programs right at the Tribal Office.
• Pre-kindergarten Programs. There are many free child care programs around the state that are considered “pre-kindergarten.” These programs offer free preschool programs the year before they begin kindergarten. Most of these programs are open to everyone, regardless of their income, and serve the purpose of helping children to get a good start in education. Visit the Child Care Aware site to find a state-run pre-kindergarten program in your area.
• The YMCA has over 2,700 locations around the nation. They offer after school care programs and summer child care programs. Many people who cannot afford to pay for the child care can apply for a grant so that their child can attend for free. Visit your local YMCA to inquire about their after school program.
• Boys and Girls Club. With over 1,100 locations around the nation, many elementary school age children receive free after school care from the Boys and Girls Club. Contact the location in your area to inquire about free after school programs.

Native Americans who need assistance with paying for child care should be able to qualify for one more of the programs listed above. Additionally, they should inquire with local church preschool programs to see if any of them offer tuition discounts or scholarships for low income families. There are many child care assistance programs for Native Americans to explore, with them sure to find at least one that will work for their family.

There are housing grants for Native Americans that may be helpful for those who have a low income or are experiencing a financial change. Whether you have lost a job, you are struggling to keep your house out of foreclosure, or you would like to purchase a home and need help with the down payment, there are options available. The housing grants for Native Americans that are available can help keep you in your home, as well as help you buy a home.

The great thing about housing grants is that they are not loans. If you take out a loan you have to pay it back over a certain period of time. Housing grants are different in that they do not have to be paid back. They are essentially free money that can be used to help you move into a home, as well as keep your current home if you are struggling to pay for it. Housing grants are available through a variety of sources, both on a national and local level, depending on where you live. Many larger metropolitan areas have housing grant programs, so be sure to contact your local housing authority to inquire about it, if you live in a larger metropolitan area.

Here are some housing grants for Native Americans:

 Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program is the largest housing grant program in the nation. It’s a federally-funded program that helps people who have a low income. The program not only provides housing grants to help people get into affordable housing, but it also helps people avoid foreclosure, as well as to obtain necessary home repairs. Native Americans who need housing grant assistance should start by contacting HUD to see what programs they may qualify for. To eligibility requirements include meeting the low income requirements and being a citizen or legal alien. To apply for the HUD program, you first have to call a HUD counselor in your state, who will assess your current housing needs and financial situation.

• Tribal Offices. Native Americans who live on or near tribal reservations can contact their local Tribal Office to see what housing grants are available. They should have information about housing grant programs that are open to Native Americans, including those being funded by federal and state sources.
• Federal Housing Administration. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers special loans and grants for first time home buyers. The FHA loans essentially offer a grant by making it easier for first time home buyers to get a loan. They help people be able to purchase homes, and in exchange the homebuyer pays a small tax that is rolled into their monthly payment. That tax is then put into a fund that is used to help other people be able to purchase a home. Contact your local bank to inquire about FHA loans that can help you purchase a home in your area.
• Section 184. The program called Section 184, which is the Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program. This federally-funded program was founded in 1992 and has a mission of helping more Native Americans be able to purchase homes. Those who qualify for the Section 184 program will be able to have a very low down payment and get flexible mortgage terms. The special home purchase loan program can be used on single-family homes that have fixed rate mortgages for at least 30 years. Visit the website and use the map to find a Section 184 lender in your area where you can apply for the program.

There are many first time home buyer programs that are available. Some of them provide an outright housing grant to help Native Americans become home owners, while others provide special loan programs. The special loan programs are essentially providing people with housing grants, because they make it easier to purchase a home by providing discounts and special loans. There are also lenders that will help people purchase a home by providing grants or by offering special first-time buyer loans. Check with your local banks and lending institutions to see what programs they offer that will help you purchase a home. You can also contact some home builders directly to see if they offer grant programs, because some will offer special grants and rebates to help people purchase one of their homes.

Native Americans who have a low income may experience financial difficulties. One of the things they need help paying for once in a while is their rent. Paying for rent can become a challenge for some people, because it’s a large portion of a person’s income. Those who are having difficulties paying for their housing will find that there is rent assistance for Native Americans.

Being able to get rent assistance can be crucial for those who are struggling to pay their bills. Rent assistance can be the difference in being able to maintain having a place to live and ending up homeless. Many of the rent assistant options for Native Americans have been created to help people avoid homelessness, and help them get through the difficult financial times.

There are several rent assistance options for Native Americans, including:

• Housing and Urban Development. The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program is federally funded, with a mission of helping people to avoid homelessness and find affordable housing. HUD offers a range of services, including helping to pay rent, helping homeowners avoid foreclosure, helping to get necessary home repairs, and more. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal alien. The HUD programs can help you with paying your rent, even if you are in an emergency situation and have received an eviction notice. To apply for HUD, you first need to speak with one of their counselors who are with the HUD program in your state.
• Tribal HUD-VASH. The government offers a special program for Native Americans who have served in the military and are also at risk for homelessness. The program, called Tribal Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing, helps Native Americans who live on or near reservations. For more information about their programs, contact your local Tribal Office.
• State Programs. Many states around the country have their own rent assistance programs that are funded at the state level. Contact your state’s housing authority to inquiring about programs that may be available. Many larger cities in the country also have housing assistance programs that you can explore to see if you can get rent assistance. For example, the Chicago Housing Authority offers public housing assistance, as does the City of Los Angeles.
• Nonprofit organizations. If you need rent assistance to help you get caught up, you may be able to get it from nonprofit organizations. There are some nonprofit organizations that help people pay their bills, including rent, so that they are not left homeless. Contact the nonprofit organizations in your area to see what rent assistance options they can offer for Native Americans. Start by contacting the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. Both of these organizations have a variety of programs to help those in need.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The federal program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides those who qualify with a cash grant that can be used for living expenses, including paying rent. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, visit the TANF administer in your area or visit your local Tribal Office.
• NeighborWorks America. The NeighborWorks America program helps people to find affordable housing. They own and manage over 100,000 rental homes around the country. They also have a network of organizations t hey work with to help people find affordable housing. They can help people with rent assistance by assisting them in finding affordable housing options in their area.

Rent assistance programs are available, but they do have limits. It’s important to get your application in as soon as possible and try to meet the criterion that has been laid out in order to be approved. If you are approved for the rent assistance you will be able to use that help to maintain your current housing, while trying to get through the difficult financial time. Most programs do have limits on how long you can receive the assistance, so if you continue to have financial difficulties, you may want to explore more affordable housing options. You can also apply for other government welfare programs that will help to ease the burden of paying other bills, such as purchasing food, paying for healthcare, and more.

Native Americans who would like to go to college, but find the cost of tuition to be too costly, are not alone. The rising cost of tuition around the nation has many people looking for alternative ways to pay for college. A small percentage of the people can afford to pay for their tuition bill with cash out of their own pocket, or from family members. But others are turning to student loans and scholarships in order to fund their way through higher education.

Student loans are one option for Native Americans who want help paying for college tuition, but they will leave you with debt once you graduate or stop attending. Perhaps a better route for those in need is to apply for scholarships, or grants, that will help them pay for their tuition bills. The great thing about scholarships is that they do not have to be paid back. They are essentially free money that is given to people to help them pay their tuition bills. There are plenty of free scholarship opportunities for Native Americans who want help paying for college.

Here are some free scholarships for Native Americans:

• The National Action for Minorities in Engineering offers free scholarships for Native Americans who are going into the engineering field. They have already given scholarships to over 24,000 minority students who are studying in the areas of science, engineering, technology, and math. Eligibility requirements include maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5-2.8, pursuing a degree in engineering, and attending one of their preferred universities. You can apply for the scholarship online.
• McDonald’s. The McDonald’s company offers a free scholarship called the HACER National Scholarship. This is open to Native Americans who have at least one parent of Hispanic decent. They give away 30 scholarships per year, with the amounts ranging from $5,000-$100,000. Eligibility includes being a high school senior, a legal resident, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and that you will be attending an accredited institution. You can apply for the free scholarship online.
• Center for American Indian Health. The John Hopkins Center for American Indian Health offers free scholarships to Native Americans who will be attending the John Hopkins Center for American Indian Health. Native Americans who wish to go into health fields may qualify for the scholarships, which are awarded for both winter and summer semesters each year. Those who would like to learn more or apply for the free scholarships should contact the program liaison.
• Cobell Scholarship. Offered through Indigenous Education, Inc., the Cobell Scholarship is awarded to those who are seeking fellowship scholarships. You can apply for the free scholarship online.
• Indian Health Services. There is a scholarship program offered through Indian Health Services. The program is to help Native Americans who want to go into health-related fields. They offer three types of scholarships that people can apply for. The Preparatory Scholarship is for those taking undergraduate or preparatory courses in preparation to entering a health professions school. The Pre-Graduate Scholarship is for those working toward earning a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-podiatry, or another closely related approved health field. The Health Professions Scholarship is for those who are enrolled in a health professions degree program. Each of these free scholarship opportunities requires that the applicant be members or descendants of federally recognized Tribes or villages. You can apply for these free scholarships online.
• Udall Foundation. The Udall Foundation awards free scholarships to college sophomores and juniors. The program is for Native American students who are entering the fields of public service, public policy, and leadership. Those who want to help better Native American conditions or the environment may qualify for the free scholarships. The scholarship is also open to Native Americans who will be going into health-related fields. You can apply for the scholarship online.

There are many free scholarship opportunities available for Native Americans to explore. Depending on the field you want a career in, you may even find more opportunities being offered by corporate leaders within that field. There are additional places you can contact to inquire about free scholarships. These include your college’s financial aid office, your local Tribal Office, and your employer, if you work at a place like a hospital, law firm, bank, etc. Many companies offer scholarships to help students enter their field

Many Native Americans would like to go to college and earn a degree. The problem for many of them is the expense involved in paying for tuition. The options for most people are to take out student loans, pay cash for the tuition, or to get grants. The good news for Native Americans who may have a low income and can’t afford to pay for an education is that they may qualify for college grants.

It’s estimated that the average cost of attending a state or public college is nearly $10,000 per year. Most people who take out student loans to pay for their college education come away owing an average of $37,000. It’s tough to not only pay that much per year to attend college, but it’s also difficult to graduate from college being so far in debt with student loans. Those who have low incomes may qualify for college grants to help pay for their education.

A college grant is a great option to help people pay for their tuition. Grants will help people by paying all or part of the tuition, and the grant does not have to be paid back. This makes it easier for those in need to obtain a college education without getting hit with a bit expense to do so. There are numerous areas you can explore to begin getting information about college grants.

Here are some college grants for Native Americans:

• Tribal Offices. When looking for college grants, it can be helpful for Native Americans to stop by their local Tribal Offices. The office may have information about national and local college grant information. They may know which local companies or organizations offers grants, and may have the applications readily available for you to apply for them.
• Federal Pell Grants. The Federal Pell Grant program is one of the most popular options for those who can’t afford college tuition. The program provides grants to those who have a low income. The program is open to those who have not yet earned an undergraduate degree. There is a maximum amount that the grant offers per year, which is $6,095, but that is enough to pay for all or most of many state college tuition programs. The program will take your family income into account to determine if you qualify for the grant. You can apply for the Federal Pell Grant online.
• The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering has a program to help get more Native Americans to enter the engineering field. They scholarships help those Native Americans who will be getting a degree in engineering. Their program focuses on Native Americans so that it encourages more of them to enter the field. You can apply for those grants and scholarships online.
• College Financial Aid Offices. Most college financial aid offices have information about grants that are available on a national and local level. Make an appointment or stop by the financial aid office at the college or university you want to attend. This will give you an opportunity to inquire about what type of college grants for Native Americans are available. They may also have the applications there, making it convenient to get the process started. The financial aid office should also know of any grants that the college gives out, which are often funded by local donations to the institution. Some grants may be available to anyone, while others may be for those who wish to study a specific field, such as engineering, or education.

Native Americans who need grants to attend college should contact several places at once to inquire about the options. Once all of the options are gathered, then you can determine which one is the better route to take in order to get your college tuition paid for. The help is available for those who need assistance paying for college, but it will take a little effort on your part. You will need to contact the places, apply for the grants, and follow up to see if they are approved. Once they are approved you will be able to get your college tuition paid for and you won’t have to pay the grant back.

Millions of Native Americans live in the country, and at times, some of them may find they are having financial difficulties. During these challenging times, when they need some help paying the bills, it’s comforting to know that there are programs they can turn to for assistance. There are programs that will provide people with cash assistance if they are in need of help. The programs are available through government funding, as well as some through state funding, and nonprofit organizations.

Knowing which programs in the country provide cash assistance for Native Americans can make a world of difference for those in need. The cash assistance may be what someone needs to help pay the heat bill, pay their rent, or even purchase food for the family. In addition to the government programs that will provide grants to purchase food each month, there are also programs that will help provide cash assistance for those who demonstrate a real financial need.

Here are some cash assistance programs that are open to Native Americans:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The government program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is open to Native Americans and is available in every state. The program provides those who qualify with a cash grant that can be used to help with a wide variety of living expenses. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal alien. If you are approved for the cash grant program, you can only get it for up to 60 months throughout your adult life. In addition to the monthly cash grant program, they do also offer emergency assistance programs and a program that provides grandparents with a one-time cash grant if they have taken in their grandchildren. To apply for TANF, contact the administering office for it in your state.
• Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has locations around the nation. Their mission is to help people in need, and in doing so, they provide a wide range of helpful assistance programs. They do offer some cash assistance for those in need, depending on the circumstances for which the funds are needed. They do not typically have a strict application process. To apply, visit a Salvation Army near you to inquire about the cash assistance programs they offer.
• Catholic Charities. Similar to the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities has locations around the nation and they have a mission to help those in need. They seek to help reduce poverty around the country. Their programs are open to anyone who needs help, including Native Americans. Those who have a specific bill they need paid or who need cash assistance for a specific living expense may be able to get help through their programs. They also do not typically have a strict application process or strict eligibility requirements. Their programs are open to those who have a low income and need help. To apply, visit your local Catholic Charities to inquire about their assistance programs.
• Tribal Offices. Native Americans who live near a Tribal Office can contact them to inquire about cash assistance programs that are available. Many Tribal Offices administer TANF funds, making it easier for Native Americans to have access to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The local Tribal Offices may also have information they can provide regarding other area, state, and national cash assistance programs that are open to Native Americans.

Native Americans who are in need of cash assistance to help them through difficult financial times should start by exploring the programs listed above. By contacting these programs they may also be provided information about additional assistance options that are available to them. Applying for several of the programs will help those in need to get the cash assistance that they need. Whether you need the cash assistance to fix your car to get to work, buy groceries, or to pay your rent, there are programs that may help. Even non-cash assistance programs that are open to Native Americans can be helpful, because they help pay for other things, such as bills and food, which leaves additional cash to use for other living expenses.

Native Americans who would like to go to college or attend a postsecondary education program may find that it is expensive. For many people, the educational programs can be quite costly to pay for. The good news is that there are a variety of education grants for Native Americans. These education grants can help make it easier for Native Americans to attend college or the training programs that they would like to do. The grants can pay for the program in whole, or pay for a portion of it, depending on the grant and the person’s financial situation.

Education grants for Native Americans are worth exploring if you have interest in going to college, attending a trade program, or any other type of career training program that costs money to attend. Many people may shy away from taking an education or training program because they fear the costs involved. This can create a problem, because people who attend the programs will typically have more job opportunities and earn more money over the course of their career. It is almost always a good bet to get more education to be able to enter or further a career field.

Education grants are an important tool for Native Americans who would like to attend college or other educational training programs. Those who receive an education grant will have their account at the school or university credited with the payment. The grants can be used to pay for tuition, books, housing, and other school-related expenses. Here are some education grants for Native Americans to explore:

• Federal Pell Grants. The Federal Pell Grant is available to those who have low incomes. The grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a degree. Most Federal Pell Grants do not have to be paid back, unlike student loans, which do have to be paid back once the person finishes the program or stops attending college. The maximum one can receive for their Federal Pell Grant is $6,095 per year. The amount that the person is awarded for their grant depends on the financial status of their family, cost of the school or program you are attending, whether you are a full or part time student, and your education plans. You can apply for a Federal Pell Grant online.
• Tribal Offices. Many Tribal Offices around the country can provide information on education grants for Native Americans. They often know about the federal or national grants, but also the ones that are local. Many local organizations, businesses, and educational institutes offer grants to help those in need be able to get an education. Contact your local Tribal Office to inquire about what types of education grants they can give you information about.
• Sallie Mae. There are numerous education grants that are offered through Sallie Mae. They include TEACH grants, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, and more. Visit their site to learn more about each opportunity and how to apply.
• University and College Offices. Most colleges and universities have a financial aid office, or a person in charge of that at the institution. Those interested in attending that institution should contact that office to inquire about education grants for Native Americans. They will know about the federal and national grants, but they may also be able to provide information about private grants that they have the authority to administer. There are people who make donations to college so that the funds can be used to help pay for the tuition for those who come from low income families or who are in need of an education grant to attend.

If you would like to attend college, trade school, or a career program that costs money, don’t let the cost of it hold you back. There are options available that will help you pay for the program. When you finish the program you will most likely end up making more money in the long run, and you may find that you have more job openings available to you. Those who get an education beyond high school typically make more money per year, and they have a lower unemployment rate. Education grants have helped millions of people to reach their postsecondary education goals.

Native Americans who struggle financially may qualify to receive help paying the bills. In fact, they may need financial assistance to simply get by each month. The good news is that there are welfare benefits for Native Americans that will help them through the tough financial times. Not being able to pay the bills, or worrying about how you are going to do it each month, can be extremely stressful. During difficult financial times it’s important to consider applying for welfare benefits.

Native Americans, like others around the country, will find that it is easier to get through hard financial times when they receive help from government programs. There are numerous welfare programs that are in place to help people during times of need. The programs are not typically long term, but they are in place to help people get on their feet during difficult times. The times when welfare benefits may be especially helpful include when someone in your family has lost their job, someone becomes ill, or if there has been a death in the family. Additional times when welfare benefits can be especially helpful is if someone becomes injured or disabled, making it difficult for them to work. Welfare benefits for Native Americans can also be helpful for those who may be having difficulty finding employment and need financial assistance to get by.

There are several programs that Native Americans can apply to in order to receive some type of welfare benefits. These programs include:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Those who are in need of cash assistance may qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The TANF program is open to those who are low income, citizens or legal aliens, and who have minor children in the home. Those who are approved for the welfare benefit program receive a monthly cash grant that can be used on a wide variety of living expenses, including housing, clothing, food, healthcare, transportation, bills, and more. To apply, visit your local welfare benefits office, or find your state office and see if they allow online applications. You will need to have an appointment in their office for an interview. The program has a 60-month time limit. They also offer one-time cash grants in some situations, such as for grandparents who have taken in their grandchildren.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Those who need help obtaining food may be qualified to get a monthly grant through the welfare benefits program called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food. To qualify for the program, you have to meet low income requirements and be a citizen or legal alien. You can apply for SNAP welfare benefits online or at your local welfare office or Tribal Office.
• Government funded welfare benefits include Medicaid, which is a program that helps pay for healthcare expenses. Those who cannot afford healthcare costs may qualify to receive the assistance, which helps to pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and dental care. You have to meet low income requirements to qualify, as well as be a citizen or legal alien. You can apply for Medicaid by contacting your state office.
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Another welfare benefit program that Native Americans in need of assistance can apply for is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program helps people pay for their home heating and cooling bills to ensure they have energy. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements, be a citizen or legal alien, and you a have to be the person responsible for paying the bill. The grants are usually given one time per season and are designed to help people who are having financial difficulty. They do also offer emergency services for those who have received a disconnect notice.

Welfare benefits for Native Americans are available around the country. Every state offers welfare benefits for those who have a low income and are in need of financial assistance. In addition to contacting the individual programs listed above, Native Americans can also contact their local Tribal Office. Often times, people can apply for the welfare benefits programs right at their local Tribal Office.

Native Americans, like millions of other people in the country, may at times experience financial difficulties. When that happens, it becomes challenging to pay the bills, or even to obtain food to help feed the family. The good news is there are programs that can help during these difficult times. One of the programs that can help provide people with food is one funded by the government, called Women, Infant and Children (WIC). The WIC program for Native Americans helps to ensure that people who meet the criteria get the nutrition assistance that they need.

WIC is a program that is open to everyone, including Native Americans. It’s made possible through funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Those who are approved to receive WIC benefits will get a monthly grant that can be used to purchase healthy food items at grocery stores, farmer’s markets, or other places that accept WIC payments. The program helps low income people who are considered to be at a nutritional risk.

Here are some important things to keep in mind about WIC for Native Americans:

• To be eligible to receive WIC benefits, you have to meet the low income requirements. This is based on the number of people in your family. Your family household income must be at or below 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines.
• WIC is open to those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, non-breastfeeding postpartum women, or those who have children ages five and under.
• You must live in the state where you are applying for WIC. You may be asked to show proof of residency when applying for the program.
• The program is for those who are considered to be at a nutritional risk. This means that when you go to a WIC clinic to apply for the program, a nurse or clinician will evaluate you to see if you meet the criteria. There are two major types of nutritional risk that they screen for, which include a medically-based one (being underweight, anemic, having a history of pregnancy complications, etc.), and diet-based risks (inadequate pattern of eating).
• In addition to providing people with grants to purchase food each month, the WIC program for Native Americans also provides nutrition education and counseling, and screenings and referrals to other programs that may be of assistance.
• To apply for WIC, you need to make an appointment at your local WIC clinic. At the clinic, your health will be evaluated and you can apply for the benefit program. There are over 10,000 WIC clinic sites around the country, as well as 34 Tribal Organizations where it is available. Those who live on Tribal lands may be able to apply for the program through their local Tribal Office.
• WIC is considered a short term program. This means that those who are on it will graduate from it at the end of one certificate period. The time that most people are on it per certificate period is six months. Following the six month period you have to re-apply if you would like to continue receiving the benefit.
• WIC grants cannot be used to buy any type of food that you wish. Rather, it can only be used to purchase specific healthy foods. These include cereals, breads, milk, produce, infant cereal, infant formula, juice, yogurt, whole grains, and more. The produce can be frozen, fresh, canned, or dried. The program outlines specific food products that the benefit may be used to purchase.
• The WIC program is free for those who qualify, and the grants that people receive to purchase food do not have to be paid back.

Those who need assistance obtaining food may qualify for the help provided through the WIC program for Native Americans. To learn more, or to use the pre-screening tool to see if you are eligible for WIC, visit the USDA website. The pre-screening tool takes about 15 minutes to use, but it will let you know if you are eligible for the program. If you are, you will need to schedule an appointment at a WIC clinic near you, where you will apply and be evaluated to see if you meet the program guidelines.