Native Americans who live in the state of New Jersey have several options they can explore if they are in need of financial assistance. The programs will help through periods of financial hardship by providing food grants, energy grants, cash assistance, and healthcare assistance. The programs are funded by the federal government, the state government, and some are also offered through nonprofit organizations. Most programs do require that you be a citizen or legal alien and that you are low income. There are some programs, such as those that provide free boxes of food and hot meals, which do not verify your income or residency. Check with each program to see what their eligibility requirements are and their application process, because they are different for each one.
Housing assistance for Native Americans:
Native Americans in the state of New Jersey who need housing assistance can turn to the federal program called HUD (Housing and Urban Development). The program has been designed to help people obtain affordable housing and help eliminate homelessness. The HUD program helps people in need with paying their rent, helping them purchase a home, make home repairs and improvements, and avoid foreclosure. Qualifications for the program include being a citizen or legal alien, having proof of identity, and meeting low income requirements. To apply, you first need to speak with a HUD counselor who will assess your situation and needs.
Energy grants for Native Americans:
The state of New Jersey offers Native Americans who are ages 65 and up (or 18-64 and receiving disability) with assistance paying their energy bill through the program called Lifeline Utility Assistance. The program is for those with low incomes who need assistance, and it provides an annual energy grant of $225 for those who qualify. To apply you have to call their free hotline at 800-792-9745. The state also offers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program, which helps people with low incomes to pay for their heating and cooling bills. They also provide emergency fuel assistance. You can apply for the program online. There is also a Universal Service Fund program that helps to make energy bills more affordable for those who have a low income. You can apply for that program by calling (800) 510-3102.
Food assistance for Native Americans:
Native Americans in the state of New Jersey who need food assistance have several options they can explore. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides those who qualify with a monthly grant they can use to purchase food. To qualify, you must be a citizen or legal alien, have proof of identity, and meet low income requirements. You can apply for the SNAP program online or mail in an application. Native Americans who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have children ages five and under may qualify for WIC (Women, Infant & Children). The program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant for purchasing specific healthy foods, such as cereal, milk, eggs, grains, etc. You can apply for WIC at your local WIC clinic. Those in need can find free boxes of food and free hot meals by contacting their local food bank. Look at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey map to find a location near you.
Cash grants for Native Americans:
Cash grants are available in the state of New Jersey through WorkFirst NJ, which is the state’s welfare program. The program is part of the federal program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Those who qualify will receive a monthly cash grant that they can use toward their living expenses. To qualify, you must be a citizen or legal alien, have a social security number and proof of identity, and meet low income requirements. The program does also offer cash grants to those without dependent children through the General Assistance program.
Healthcare assistance for Native Americans:
Native Americans who need healthcare assistance in New Jersey may qualify for the Medicaid program. The program helps pay for all medically necessary healthcare costs for those who qualify. Program requirements include being a resident of the state, being a citizen or legal alien, and meeting financial requirements. Additionally, the program offers help for pregnant women. You can apply online or print an application to mail in.
Links to assistance programs for Native Americans in New Jersey:
- Affordable healthcare for low income families
- Free transportation assistance
- Free food assistance
- Substance abuse assistance
- Childcare assistance
- Weatherization assistance
- Avoid utility shutoff in New Jersey
- Utility bill assistance in New Jersey
- Telephone bill assistance
- New Jersey education grants
- Prescription assistance
- Assistance programs for seniors