Free Legal Assistance for Native Americans

Native Americans in need of legal assistance may find it challenging to pay for. Legal assistance can usually be quite costly, especially if you are hiring an attorney for a divorce, lawsuit, or for a variety of other legal matters. Many people, including Native Americans, have a difficult time paying for legal assistance. The good news is that there is free legal assistance for Native Americans that is available around the country. It’s important to know what the options are, so that you can get the legal assistance you need, even if paying for it would be too challenging to do.

There are numerous options when it comes to free legal assistance for Native Americans, no matter where you live in the country you have options to explore. Here are some of the options that you can turn to if you are a Native American in need of free legal advice:

  • Legal Aid. Depending on the state and county that you live in, you should be able to find a Legal Aid, which provides free legal advice to those who need it. Native Americans may be able to receive the free legal advice that they need by contacting the Legal Aid organization in their state. Examples of some of the Legal Aid organizations around the state that provide free legal advice include: Wyoming Legal Aid, Legal Aid of Nebraska, Georgia Legal Aid, and Legal Aid of Southern Nevada. You can use the org site to find the Legal Aid organization in your area.
  • State Bar. Every state in the country has a State Bar, which is an organization that can provide you with information about attorney’s and legal resources in the state. By contacting your state bar, you can inquire about any attorney’s who offer pro bono services. Pro bono is another term for the services being free. Simply call your state bar to inquire about a pro bono attorney in your geographical area who is covering your type of cases, such as divorce, lawsuits, etc. Use the American Bar Association website to find your state bar association.
  • Indian Law Clinics. Available at some colleges around the country Indian Law Clinics are designed to give law students legal experience regarding Native American law issues. Native Americans can contact these clinics regarding their current situation to see if they can get assistance or free legal advice. Contact your local university that has a law school to inquire about whether or not they have an Indian Law Clinic. Some examples of them around the country include: UCLA American Indian Studies Center, Southwest Indian Law Clinic, Northern Plains Indian Law Center, and the Great Lakes Indigenous Law Center.
  • If you have general legal questions that you need answered, simply to get direction on an issue, you may want try posting your question to the Justia website. Attorneys from around the country contribute to the Justia website, by answering legal questions that Native Americans and others post. They answer the questions for free, and their service can helpful in helping you determine which direction you should take with your legal issue. You can visit the Justia site and post your question for free in the category that it happens to fall in, including family law, real estate law, criminal law, and more.
  • Native American Disability Law Center. Native Americans who have disabilities and feel they have been discriminated against because of their disability. The organization provides free legal guidance and provides people with information regarding their rights. Some of the situations they provide assistance on include discrimination, special education rights, abuse, neglect, and more. Contact the Native American Disability Law Center if you have a disability and feel you have been discriminated against due to that disability.

Native Americans who need legal assistance should be able to find the help they need through free options that are offered around the country. Start with the option you are the most comfortable and that seems to suit your needs the best, and move on to others as you need to. Free legal assistance for Native Americans is available in every state, making it easier for people to get the help they need.

Salvation Army Assistance Programs for Native Americans

Native Americans who need assistance have many programs they can turn to for help. Both federal and local governments around the country provide assistance programs that are open to Native Americans. The programs often require an in-depth application process that may take a month or more before the person gets assistance. There is a faster way to get help with a wide variety of financial issues, which is to contact your local Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army is a religious-based organization that has a mission to provide charitable services to those in need around the country. The organization was founded in 1865, and since then they have grown to serving 130 countries around the world, and help 25 million Americans each year. They are affiliated with the Christian Church and are motivated by the teaching of the Bible to do outreach work and help people in communities around the country and beyond.

The Salvation Army has numerous assistance programs that are open to Native Americans. Here are some of the Salvation Army assistance programs for Native Americans in need of financial help:

  • Disaster relief. Those who have experienced disaster conditions and need immediate assistance can contact the Salvation Army for help. Whether the disaster was the result of a natural occurrence, fire, or something else, they will provide the help people need.
  • Food assistance. Wherever the Salvation Army has a branch, they offer food assistance to Native Americans who may need it. Their programs provide free hot meals, as well as boxes of food. Every year, the Salvation Army serves up over 60 million meals to those in need of food assistance.
  • Shelter assistance. Native Americans who are in need of shelter and do not have the money to obtain it will be able to get help from the Salvation Army. They provide shelters around the country, giving people a place to warm up, as well as sleep overnight if they need it. Their assistance program also helps people in need to obtain long term housing, including families who need a home.
  • Employment assistance. The Salvation Army has an employment assistance program, which can help Native Americans with career coaching and even job placement. Those who want a job, or to be able to obtain a better one, may benefit from the Salvation Army employment assistance program.
  • Financial assistance. Some Salvation Army locations offer financial assistance to Native Americans who need help paying for utility bills, medical bills, or for other situations. Those chapters that do not offer utility bill payment assistance should be able to provide you with a list of local resources where you can get utility bill assistance. The Salvation Army offers the HeatShare program, which helps people pay for their heating bills in some states. In other states, they offer this assistance through programs called Share the Warmth and PeopleCare.
  • Pathway of Hope. The Salvation Army offers a program called Pathway to Hope that is open to Native Americans. The program helps people to break the cycle of poverty, by assisting them with obtaining housing, education, getting a job, and more. The goal of the program is to help people become self sufficient and stable.

The Salvation Army is an organization that has earned a lot of respect around the country and beyond. It’s one of the largest charities in the country. Each December, people around the country take to ringing the bell in order to get people to make a donation into the red kettle. The organization sets up outside of grocery stores and around other places. The ringing of the bell and dropping change into the red kettle has become an American tradition for many. Each year, the Salvation Army receives billions of dollars in donations. Those who donate each year know that their donation is put to good use helping people in need through a variety of assistance programs.

Native American who would like to learn more about the assistance programs offered by the Salvation Army should contact their local chapter. Each chapter offers a variety of assistance programs. Call them or stop by their office to see which ones are available in your area and that you may qualify for.

Local Church Assistance Programs for Native Americans

Native Americans who are experiencing financial difficulty or need help paying their bills may only need to go as far as some of the local churches in their area. There are many local church assistance programs across the country and they are all open to Native Americans. It’s estimated that there are over 300,000 churches across America. Many of those churches offer assistance programs to help people in need, or they can provide you with information about where you can get the help you need.

Local church assistance programs are in abundance and for good reason. The Bible tells people to help their neighbor. The religious message taking place behind those church doors is one that is motivating people to help others in the community. In doing so, the church creates assistance programs that are open to everyone, including Native Americans. Most local church assistance programs to not have strict eligibility requirements and do not have a complicated application system. You typically go there and explain that you need the help and then they try to provide you with it.

Here are some of the types of local church assistance programs for Native Americans that you will find across the country:

  • Catholic Charities USA. The ministry that is provided by the Catholic Church is one that offers a variety of assistance programs. They offer help with finding affordable housing, refugee services, obtaining food, disaster relief, and more. If there is something that a family is in need of, such as help paying a bill or obtaining food, Catholic Charities will help people by providing them with it.
  • Cook Native American Ministries Foundation. This organization’s mission is to help Native Americans by providing financial assistance to those in need. They do this by providing grants in the areas of education healthcare, among other areas. The grants they offer are given to local organizations, to further help with their mission of providing assistance programs for Native Americans. Organizations can apply for the grants so that they can help others in their local area.
  • Salt Lake City Mission. Serving the Salt Lake City area, they provide Native Americans with financial assistance programs. Their programs include offering people free daily meals, free boxes of food, free clothing, and more. Contact the Salt Lake City Mission to inquire about their financial assistance programs.
  • Ivanrest Church. Located in Grandville, Michigan, this church provides a ministry service that offers families in need help in a variety of ways. Their financial assistance programs help people to obtain food and other resources.
  • Shepherd Church. Located in the Los Angeles area, Shepherd Church offers a financial assistance program to help those in need. You simply fill out the application, submit it, and wait to see if you are approved for the financial aid. The financial assistance this church provides is short term, but can be used to help pay for living expenses.

Native Americans in need of assistance programs should contact and explore the options available at their local churches. They may find that they are able to get help obtaining food and clothing, get help paying utility bills, and obtain a variety of other helpful resources. You can ask around or search online to find those local churches that offer assistance programs you may qualify for. Many churches provide some type of financial assistance programs, and those that do not can usually provide you with the information on where you can obtain financial assistance in your area.

Local church assistance programs do not usually require that you be a member of that church or that you be a follower of that particular religion. Their mission is in keeping with the Bible written word, which is to help others in the community. If you need help paying the bills, obtaining food, need assistance paying for a utility bill, need clothing, or something else, there is a good chance that your local church programs can give you the help you need.

Organizations That Offer Free or Low-Cost Credit Counseling to Native Americans

Native Americans who find they are in credit card debt or have low credit scores have options, which include turning to credit counseling. Millions of people around the country are suffering from credit card debt that is rising with high interest rates. Many of those people, including countless Native Americans, are not sure what to do in order to get out of the credit card debt that they are in, especially as it continues to rise with large amounts of interest being added to the balance each month. Others need to know how to go about improving their credit score, so they can be approved for loans or jobs. The situation is frustrating and can create financial hardship.

The good news is that there are many organizations around the country that offer free or low-cost credit counseling, which will help get you back on track. Credit counseling can be an important step in order to help you determine the best route for getting your balances paid down, improving your credit score, strengthening your overall credit portfolio, and more. Having a professional assess your situation and help you make a successful plan to get back on track and strengthen your credit situation.

Here are some organizations that offer free or low-cost credit counseling to Native Americans:

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offers certified credit counselors to help Native Americans with their credit situation. The counselor will review your current credit situation. They will review your credit report, offer solutions regarding your situation, and help you develop a plan. Most people they provide this service to qualify to receive it for free, while others obtain the service a low cost. Their services cover counseling regarding credit and debt, bankruptcy, housing, credit card reviews, and debt management. The counseling sessions are available in person, online, and over the phone. To apply for the program, call them at 800-388-2227, or find a NFCC member agency online.

Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS)

Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) helps Native Americans by providing free or low-cost credit counseling. Certified credit counselors work with you in order to review your current credit situation and to devise a plan that will help you improve upon your situation. CCCS aims to help people reduce their monthly payments, lower interest rates, and create an affordable payment plan. The counselors will also help you create household budget that will help you to save money and reduce your amount of debt. To apply, contact them to speak with a credit counseling coach.

Debt Wave Credit Counseling

The mission of Debt Wave Credit Counseling is to teach you how to manage your credit card debt so that you can become debt free within 3-5 years. They offer low-cost credit counseling and provide a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. Their services include credit counseling sessions, a debt management plan, and a financial education program. To apply to use their services, contact them online or call 888-686-4040.

Catholic Charities USA

There are many helpful services offered to Native Americans through Catholic Charities USA, including free credit counseling. The organization has many chapters around the country, and many of the free service to help people gain a better understanding of consumer debt and to help them devise a plan to manage it and become debt free. The organization will work with people to devise a household budget, which will help get people on track, paying down debt, and on the right track to becoming debt free. To apply for their program, locate a Catholic Charities near you to see if they offer the service at that location.

Financial Counseling Association of America

The Financial Counseling Association of America offers Native Americans access to certified credit counselors for free or at a low cost. Their mission is to help debt-challenged families by providing them with counseling in the areas of financial education, credit report reviews, housing assistance, bankruptcy certificates, and more. For more information on their services, visit their site, where you can find one of their participating debt counselors in your area.

These are some options to help Native Americans who need free or low-cost credit counseling. You may find additional free or low-cost programs being offered through local nonprofit organizations, such as churches. Be sure to look for those additional programs in your specific area.

Financial Assistance Programs for Native Americans

Native Americans who are experiencing financial hardship may qualify for a variety of programs that will provide grants and assistance. The programs will help people during those difficult times, helping to pay your bills, provide you with cash grants to help with living expenses, and more. If you are struggling financially review the financial assistance programs below to see which ones you may qualify for. With some grants and assistance you will have an easier time getting back on your feet and in becoming more financially stable going forward.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The TANF program has been designed to give people who are in need cash grants that they can use to help with living expenses. The grants can be used for bills, transportation, food, clothing, or whatever other necessary living expenses you may have that you need help paying for. The program is funded by the federal government, is available across the country, and is open to everyone, including Native Americans. This financial assistance program is limited in the number of times that you can receive it over your adult life, which is typically 60 months. Some people may qualify for one-time cash grants from the TANF program. To qualify, you must meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply for financial assistance through TANF, find your state office where it is administered. You may be able to apply online or in person.

Unemployment Benefits

Across the country you may qualify for unemployment benefits if you have lost your job, or your hours or salary have been reduced. The unemployment benefit program provides resources to help you obtain financial assistance due to job loss, layoffs, or other related issues that have created a financial hardship in your life. If you are approved for unemployment benefits you will receive financial assistance for a designated period of time, or until you are able to obtain employment. Some people may also qualify for extended periods of unemployment benefits. To apply for unemployment benefits in your area, locate your state. You may be able to apply online or in person at your local unemployment office.

Financial Assistance and Social Services (FASS)

Native Americans who need help paying for bills and living expenses may qualify for Financial Assistance and Social Services provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The general assistance program provides those who qualify with cash assistance. The cash assistance can be used on living expenses, including paying bills, buying food or clothing, and paying for shelter. Each person who receives it must work with a social worker to create a Self Sufficiency Plan. Eligibility requirements for the program include being enrolled in a tribe, meeting low income requirements, and residing in an approved area. For more information on applying for FASS, visit your local tribal office, or contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs at 202-513-7622.

Catholic Charities

Native Americans may qualify for the financial assistance programs offered around the country by Catholic Charities USA. The organization helps people who need emergency assistance, as well as help with getting into affordable housing, paying for bills, obtaining food, and more. The organization also helps with providing disaster assistance aid to those in need. Catholic Charities does not have strict eligibility requirements, nor do they have a complicated application process. To apply, find a Catholic Charities location near you. You do not have to be affiliated with the Catholic religion or church in order to benefit from their financial assistance programs.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has locations all around the country, and they are a helpful resource for those in need. Their programs will provide financial assistance to Native Americans in need, including emergency help. The Salvation Army will help people who need financial assistance to help pay for bills, obtain food, and more. This organization does not typically have a strict application process or eligibility requirements. They play an important role in cities around the country, helping people to obtain financial assistance during disasters, when they are in need of food and shelter, or to help pay utility bills. Native Americans in need of financial assistance should find their local Salvation Army and visit them to see what programs they may qualify for.

Get Help with Buying Your Medications

If you are someone that has to have prescription medications on a regular basis, or even if you need to make a one-time purchase, they can be quite costly. In fact, one prescription could set you back hundreds, or in some cases even thousands, of dollars per year. Many people struggle to purchase the medications they need. The good news is that there is prescription medication assistance programs that are open to Native Americans who need help.

Here are some ways that you can get help with buying your medications:

Easy Drug Card

The Easy Drug Card program is a prescription discount card. Having one of the cards will help you get a discount on the prescriptions you need to buy. This can help make them a lot more affordable, reducing the costs as much as 80%. The prescription discount program is accepted at over 60,000 pharmacies around the country. The prescription discount card program is free, open to Native Americans, and provides you with the card instantly.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance

Open to Native Americans, Partnership for Prescription Assistance is an organization that will match you with programs you are eligible for that can provide you with assistance. They help people with buying the medications they need, so that the person gets the prescription free or nearly free. They provide access to 475 programs and will help match you with one or more that you qualify for, that will give you help buying your medications. Their service is free and you can apply online.

NeedyMeds

The NeedyMeds prescription drug card will help Native Americans when buying their medications. The program helps you obtain a substantial discount when purchasing prescription medications, helping to make them more affordable. The discount card is free and there are no eligibility requirements to get obtain it. You can get it instantly by applying online and printing the card. Once you print the discount prescription card you can take it to the pharmacy to obtain get help with buying your medications.

Medicaid

The federal Medicaid program is available around the country and is open to Native Americans. The program provides those who qualify with medical assistance, including paying for prescription medications. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal alien. You will need to apply for Medicaid the state you live in. To apply, contact your state office where the program is administered.

RxAssist

The RxAssist program provides Native Americans and others with resources that will help reduce your costs when buying medications. The companies in their program offer free or low cost access to medications. In order to qualify for the program you have to be a citizen or legal alien, not have any type of prescription insurance coverage, and meet the income guidelines. Use their database to find programs that may be open to you. There is no fee to use the RxAssist service.

RxHope

RxHope offers the Patient Assistance Programs, which helps people to affordably attain their critical medications. The program helps Native Americans and others to obtain medications free or at very low cost. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements. Their program is an information source that helps you to get help with buying your medications. You can apply for the program online.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities provides those in need with grants. The grants can be used to purchase necessary items, such as prescription medications. You will need to meet the low income guidelines in order to be eligible for a financial grant. Locate the Catholic Charities branch that is closest to you, and contact them regarding health-related grants and assistance that they offer.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The TANF program provides grants to those in need and is open to Native Americans. The grants can be used for living expenses, including helping to buy medications. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal alien.  To apply for TANF, find your state office to see where you apply. Most states offer online applications.

In addition to these programs to help you buy medications, you can also consult with your doctor. Your doctor’s office may be able to give you discount coupons, rebates, and additional way to help you save money on buying your medications. If you have a prescription medication that you take on a regular basis, you can also try contacting the pharmaceutical company directly and asking them if they will provide a discount card or other assistance to help you buy your medication more affordably.

Medical Bills Assistance Programs for Native Americans

Native Americans who have medical bills that they are having difficulty paying may be able to get financial assistance to help lift the burden. Medical bills are one of the most difficult things for people to keep up on paying, because they are often so large and take so much of your income. If you are a Native American who has medical bills that you are having trouble paying, the good news is that there are programs that may help you out. Review the programs below to see which ones you may qualify for and then contact them directly to apply for the assistance.

Medical Bills Assistance Programs for Native Americans

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) –

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is funded by the federal government and is available across the country. TANF provides people with a cash grant, which can be used for paying living expenses, including paying for medical bills. To be eligible, you have to meet the low income requirements. There is also a time limit on how many months in your adult life you can receive the grant. In addition to giving those who qualify the grant for up to 60 months, the program also offers one-time cash grants under special circumstances, such as for grandparents who took in their grandchildren. To apply for TANF, find your state office to see where you apply. Most states offer online applications. There are some tribal offices that offer TANF. There are at least 70 Tribal TANF programs that have been approved. Contact your local tribal office if you have one, to see if they offer they program.

Medicaid –

The federal program called Medicaid is available around the country. The program helps those who meet the eligibility requirements by paying for their medical bills. Some of the bills that Medicaid will help cover include doctor visits, hospital stays, dental care, and prescriptions. The Medicaid program is open to those who have low incomes, both individuals and pregnant women. Additionally, you have to be a resident of the state in which you are applying for Medicaid, and you need to be a citizen or legal permanent resident. To apply, contact your state office where the program is administered. Indian Health & Medicaid focuses on offering medical bill assistance program to Native Americans.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a nonprofit organization with chapters all around the country. They have numerous mission programs to help people in need, including ones that will provide people with cash assistance. The cash grants they provide can be used to help pay for medical bills. Additionally, they offer assistance programs to help with utility bills and give those in need free food. Getting assistance in those areas will help ease the burden of paying medical bills. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements. Contact a Salvation Army office in your area to see what type of medical bill assistance programs they may be able to help you with.

HealthWell Foundation

The HealthWell Foundation helps to reduce the financial burden of medical bills for those with chronic or life-altering diseases. They help to fill the gap when your insurance is not enough and you are left with medical bills. Their program helps to pay the medical bills for millions of people around the country. To qualify, you have to meet the income guidelines, be receiving treatment in the United States, be receiving treatment for a condition they help cover bills for, and you must have some type of insurance. For example, if you have Medicaid or another type of insurance and it doesn’t cover all of your medical bills, you may qualify for a grant from the HealthWell Foundation for assistance to pay for what your insurance doesn’t pay for. You can apply for the program online.

CancerCare

The CancerCare program helps provide medical bill assistance for Native Americans who have cancer. Not only do they help pay for the cancer-related costs, but they will assist you in finding other medical bill assistance programs that you may qualify for. Program eligibility includes meeting income guidelines, having a type of cancer that the program provides financial assistance for, and having some type of insurance that helps to cover some of the bills. You also have to be a resident of the country and be a citizen or legal alien. You can apply for the program online.

In addition to the above medical bill assistance programs for Native Americans you can also contact local organizations. Many local nonprofit organizations provide one-time grants that can be used toward medical bill payments. Also, you may qualify to take out a low interest loan where you can consolidate your medical bills and make one affordable payment per month for a specific amount of time.

Mortgage Assistance Programs for Native Americans

Native Americans around the country will find that there are several options available to them if they need a mortgage assistance program. This is comforting news to those who may be experiencing financial hardship, trying to avoid foreclosure, or would like to purchase a home and need some assistance. The more you know about mortgage assistance programs for Native Americans, the better you will feel in being able to find the help you are in need of.

Mortgage assistance programs explained

If you have a mortgage you may at times feel that you need some help, a little assistance, in order to keep up. Perhaps you have lost a job, took on additional bills, or something else has come into play that has made it more difficult for you to keep up on your mortgage. You don’t want to lose your home to foreclosure, so the best thing to do is find a mortgage assistance program that will give you the edge you need in order to make your payments more comfortable and help you keep your home.

Mortgage assistance programs for Native Americans

Programs that offer mortgage assistance are available through the federal and state governments. They provide the assistance that many homeowners need in order to stay in their home, and to help make it more affordable for them. Some mortgage assistance programs help guide people during the home purchasing period. Some of the things that a mortgage assistance program can do for a homeowner include providing loan counseling, foreclosure postponement, mortgage refinancing, mediation services, and more.

There are many mortgage assistance programs available around the country, with all of them open to Native Americans. Some are offered through banks and other lending institutions, while others are offered through nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Here are a few mortgage assistance programs for Native Americans to consider:

  • HFA Mortgage Assistance Programs – Freddie Mac, a federal home loan mortgage company, offers mortgage assistance programs. Some of the programs they offer include unemployment assistance to help those who have lost their job, a mortgage reinstatement program that offers a one-time grant to help people become current in their mortgage, and modification assistance programs, which help to make modifications to mortgages. They also offer a transition assistance program to help people make the move to more affordable housing.
  • Government Mortgage Relief Programs – There are several government funded programs that people can turn to for mortgage assistance. These include loan modification, loan refinancing, employment programs, principal reduction programs, foreclosure alternatives, and more.
  • Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) – Offered through the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the program helps homeowners who are underwater with their mortgage (they owe more than their home is worth). HARP can help homeowners get a lower interest rate, and adjust the terms of the mortgage. To be eligible for the program, you must be current on your mortgage with no 30+ late payments for the last six months. Plus, your current home loan has to be owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
  • Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – The federal government offers programs to help homeowners who may need assistance with their mortgage, including if they would like to avoid foreclosure. To get assistance, speak with a HUD counselor about your situation and needs.

Qualifying for mortgage assistance and how to apply

Mortgage assistance programs for Native Americans each vary in how you apply, as well as in what the eligibility requirements may by. Mortgage assistance programs may take such factors into consideration as how much you own on your mortgage, what your home value is, your household income, and more. Contact each of the programs you are interested in to see what the eligibility requirements are and how to go about applying for the programs.

Mortgage assistance programs will typically take numerous factors into account to determine what type of help you qualify for. Some programs may be able to help you refinance your mortgage, help you become current with the payments, help you purchase a home, or even help you avoid foreclosure. The good news is that there is most likely a program out there that can help everyone’s situation. You just need to reach out to them and get the process started.

Foreclosure Assistance Programs for Native Americans

Native Americans who may be fearing foreclosure have resources they can turn to for help. Foreclosure, which is losing your home for not making the mortgage payments, is a scary process that may leave many people unsure how to move forward to avoid it. The good news is that there are several foreclosure assistance programs for Native Americans, and those programs may be all you need to help keep your home.

When to get foreclosure assistance

If you are falling behind on your mortgage you may be receiving notices from your lender regarding foreclosure. When you have went too long without keeping up on your mortgage payments, then the bank or lender, has the right to legally remove you from the property and take it over. From there, they can sell it to get as much of the loan that is still owed to them as they can. When you first see that you are falling behind on your mortgage it is a good idea to contact places that provide foreclosure assistance programs for Native Americans.

 The sooner you contact the places regarding avoiding foreclosure, the better. That way the problem gets addressed right away, before the amount past due becomes too big of a hurdle to try and get over. There are numerous foreclosure assistance programs you can turn to. If you qualify for the programs, they will help you avoid foreclosure, and you will not have to pay the grant back that you received in order to save your home.

Foreclosure assistance programs you can trust

The federal government offers a program that helps people avoid foreclosure. The program is offered through HUD (Housing and Urban Development). The program they offer to help Native Americans avoid foreclosure is called the Making Home Affordable (MHA) program. The program includes several options to help people avoid foreclosure, including:

  • Home Affordable Modification Program – This program helps to lower your monthly mortgage payment to 31 percent of your monthly gross income, thus making it more affordable.
  • Principal Reduction Alternative – This program is for those who owe more than their home is valued at, by getting investors to reduce the amount that you owe on the home.
  • Second Lien Modification Program – This program helps those homeowners who have taken out a second mortgage on their home and are struggling to keep up with the payments.
  • Home Affordable Refinance Program – This program helps owners who may not otherwise be able to get their home refinance, due to a drop in value.

In addition to the HUD programs that are available to help you avoid foreclosure, there are other organizations that provide assistance. The NeighborWorks America organization provides foreclosure assistance, as does the Homeownership Preservation Foundation. There are other grant and assistance programs offered in many cities around the country that will help as well. They generally offer a one-time grant that can be used to help pay for your bills, which may be helpful in getting financially caught up. These programs are typically offered through places like the Salvation Army, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Catholic Charities, and your local housing authority.

Additional information

If you want to save your home then it is important to take steps right away to start obtaining foreclosure assistance. However, there may be some people who do not want to save their home, but yet want to avoid the foreclosure process. Perhaps you have equity in your home or you want to avoid the negative credit report that will be attached to losing a home to foreclosure. If that is the case, it is still important to work with a HUD counselor or other foreclosure assistance specialist, so they can guide you toward the best route to take. Foreclosure assistance specialists can provide you direction to help you find a way out of the home, without losing it to foreclosure.

How to apply for the foreclosure assistance programs

Native Americans who would like to apply for the foreclosure assistance programs should contact the program they are interested in applying for. You can call to speak with a HUD counselor about your current situation and needs. Additionally, you can contact other programs directly to see if you can apply online or in person.

Avoiding foreclosure scams

It’s important to note that there are many foreclosure scams. Be cautious about any programs that promise to help with foreclosure assistance if they are not tied to the federal government HUD programs. If a foreclosure assistance program wants you to invest money into, sign over your house to them, or it sounds too good to be true, then it may be a scam and worth further investigation.

Low Income Financial Assistance Programs for Native Americans

Native Americans who are in need of financial assistance will find that there are numerous programs they can apply for. This is true no matter what state they happen to live in. The federal government offers numerous low income financial assistance programs for Native Americans. Whether you need help paying for your utility bills, getting your rent paid, obtaining food, or you need cash assistance to help with living expenses, there are programs you can apply for. These low income financial assistance programs are available in every state around the country and are open to everyone, including Native Americans.

Housing assistance programs for low income Native Americans

Native Americans who need help paying for their rent or mortgage, or who need assistance finding affordable housing may qualify for the federally-funded program called HUD (Housing and Urban Development). The program’s mission is to help people find affordable housing and avoid homelessness. HUD will help those who qualify to pay for their rent or mortgage, as well as to avoid foreclosure, and obtain necessary home repairs. HUD offers rental assistance, housing location assistance, a Housing Choice Voucher Program, and help to purchase a home. The Housing Choice Voucher Program, otherwise known as Section 8, provides those who qualify with a grant that will be used each month to help pay for their rent. To qualify for the program, you must meet the low income requirements. Use the HUD website to get more information on the program in the state you live in. HUD also offers programs for Native Americans. You can call them for more information on the eligibility requirements and how to apply for them. Additionally, many state and city governments offer housing assistance programs through the housing authority. Be sure to check your local housing authority resources to see if they offer assistance programs.

Food assistance programs for low income Native Americans

Those who need assistance obtaining food may qualify for the federal food stamp program, called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food. To qualify, you have to meet low income requirement. Some non-citizens may be approved for SNAP, as long as they have been in the country for at least five years. To apply for Snap, you have to find the online application in your state, or you can contact your local SNAP office and apply in person. You have to apply for SNAP in the state that you live in. Native American women who are low income and pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have children ages five and under, may qualify for the federal program called WIC (Women, Infant & Children). The program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase healthy food items. WIC is available across the country. To apply, contact your local WIC clinic. Those who are approved typically receive the grant for up to a year and then can re-apply to for it again. Additionally, there are food banks around the country, where those in need can get free boxes of food and free meals. They do not usually have strict application or eligibility requirements. Use the Feeding America site to find a food bank near you.

Energy bill assistance programs for low income Native Americans

The federal government offers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help those who need help paying for their energy bills. The program helps pay for monthly energy bills, provides emergency assistance, and helps with weatherization and minor necessary home repairs. To qualify, you have to meet low income requirements, be responsible for paying the utility bill, and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, find a local low-income energy office in your state or tribal organization.

Cash assistance programs for low income Native Americans

Native Americans who need cash assistance to help with living expenses may qualify for the program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program helps those who meet the low income requirements, by giving them a grant that doesn’t need to be paid back. The grant can be used for general living expenses, including transportation, food, housing, etc. The grant is limited in the number of times that a person can receive it, which is typically 60 months. They do also offer one-time grants for individuals, grandparents, and for those in crisis situations. To apply, find the TANF office in your local area or tribal organization.

Healthcare assistance programs for low income Native Americans

The federal government offers a healthcare assistance program called Medicaid, to help those who are low income be able to obtain healthcare. The program helps to pay for many types of healthcare expenses, including doctor visits, hospital stay, prescription drugs, and dental care. To qualify, you have to be low income, be a citizen or legal alien, and have proof of identity. To apply, visit your local social services offices. Additionally, many states offer their own healthcare assistance programs, particularly to help provide children with healthcare. Contact your state and local health department to see what is offered in your area.