Cash Assistance for Native Americans

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.