Welfare Benefits for Native Americans

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.