Native Americans who are struggling financially have programs they can turn to for assistance. There is government financial help for Native Americans who qualify for the programs. The programs will help people to obtain food, pay for their rent, pay their utility bills, get healthcare, and more. It can be frustrating and stressful to experience financial hardship. But the good news is that there are government financial programs that will help Native Americans during these difficult financial times.
Whether you need help obtaining food, shelter, or you need cash to help with living expenses, there are government financial programs to provide you with the help you need. Government financial help for Native Americans is available around the country. Many programs can be applied for online, or by visiting your local Tribal Office, or local social services office. You will need to meet the low income requirements for the programs, and in most cases be a citizen or legal alien.
Government financial help for Native Americans include such programs as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides those who qualify with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food. There are millions of people who receive this monthly grant, which has been designed to help those who need free food help. Once approved, you will receive a card that looks like a debit card, where the grant is electronically added to the account each month. You can use that card at any store in the nation that takes food stamps, or the SNAP program, to pay for your groceries. Some famer’s markets in the country also accept SNAP payments. To apply for SNAP, find your state office and apply online or in person. You can also apply at your local Tribal Office.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Those who are in need of a cash grant to help with living expenses may qualify for financial help through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program gives those with low incomes cash assistance on a monthly basis, for up to 60 months. They also provide one-time cash assistance under some circumstances, such as to grandparents who are taking care of their grandchildren. To apply, visit your local Tribal Office, social services office, or find your state program and apply online.
- Women, Infant and Children (WIC). Native Americans who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have children ages five and under, may qualify for help through the government program called Women, Infant and Children (WIC). The program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase healthy foods. To apply, visit your local WIC clinic or Tribal Office.
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Those who need financial help paying for their rent, obtaining affordable housing, getting necessary home repairs, or avoiding foreclosure, may qualify for programs through the government program called Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program helps those with low incomes to be able to pay for their housing needs. It is available around the country and helps millions of people. To apply, you must first contact a HUD counselor in your state, who will discuss your financial situation and housing needs.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). There is government financial help for Native Americans who need help paying for their energy bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps ensure people have their heating, and sometimes cooling, bills paid throughout the year. The program is administered through different places in each state. To apply, you have to find where it I being administered in your state. To qualify, you have to be low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. They also offer emergency financial assistance for those who have received a shut-off notice.
Government financial help for Native Americans is available in all states and provinces. Those living on tribal land are also able to apply for the financial assistance. Explore each of the programs to see which ones you may qualify for, and then apply to see if you can get the help you need. The programs have been designed to help people who have struggling financially and have helped millions of people around the country.