How to Apply for Government Benefits As a Native American

Many Native Americans may find that they experience periods of economic hardship. During these times they need assistance paying the bills, obtaining food, getting help with paying their rent, and paying for medical care. During these times, there are government benefits programs that you can turn to that may be of assistance in helping you to get caught up. The government benefits programs offer Native Americans, and others, the help they need in order to get by during times that they are having financial difficulties.

There are numerous government benefits programs that Native Americans can apply for. These programs will help in variety of ways, so that people obtain the essential things they need in order to make ends meet throughout the month. Whether you need help obtaining free food or you need help with getting your heating bill paid, there is a government benefits program that will provide you with the help, as long as you qualify. The eligibility requirements for most government benefits programs include meeting low income requirements and being a citizen or legal alien. There are, however, some, programs that will still provide you with some level assistance if you don’t meet the income requirements or if you are not a legal citizen.

Here are some of the most popular government benefits programs that Native Americans can apply for, and how to go about applying:

• This government benefits program helps people to pay for healthcare costs. It helps cover the cost of visiting the doctor, hospital stays, prescription medications, and dental care. You can apply for Medicaid by contacting the office in your state where it is administered, usually through the social services office. Use the map to find your local office. You can usually apply online, or by making an appointment with their office.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Those who need government benefits in the form of cash may qualify for the program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program provides those in need with a monthly cash grant, for up to 60 months, which can be used for living expenses. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and have children that you care for that are ages 18 and under (or 19 and in school full time). To apply, locate your local office where it is administered. The program is usually administered through your local social services office or your Tribal Office. You can usually apply online, by mail, or in person.
• Women, Infant and Children (WIC). Native Americans who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have children ages five and under, can apply for the government benefits program called Women, Infant and Children (WIC). The program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase healthy food. To apply, you have to visit your local WIC clinic.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government benefits program that is open to Native Americans in need. The program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant that is used to purchase food. To qualify, you have to meet low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, you have to find the local office where it is administered, typically through the social services office or Tribal Office. They usually allow you to apply online, as well as in person.
• Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Those who need assistance paying for their rent, mortgage, avoiding foreclosure, or obtaining necessary home repairs, may qualify for the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program. You have to meet low income requirements to apply. To apply for the program, you first have to call and speak with a HUD counselor in your state.
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This government benefits program provides Native Americans with help paying their home energy bills. To qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, you have to meet low income requirements and be the person responsible for paying the bill. To apply, you have to contact the place where the LIHEAP program is administered in your state.

Applying for government benefits as a Native American is simple. Often times, you can apply online. Other programs require you to make an appointment or allow you to print the application and mail it into them. Don’t forget to explore local government benefit programs as well. There are many state-funded benefits programs that will help people in need. You can get information about state-run government benefits programs by contacting your local Tribal Office or social services office.