How to Apply for Public Assistance

What if your unemployment benefits have run out and your family has no income to meet daily needs. Even if you are looking for work, you still might have difficulty finding a job. In that case, you'll need public assistance, but maybe you've never applied before. Here are some steps to guide you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A telephone where you can be reached
• Current address
• Social security number

1. Each state regulations and grant amount differ. You need to contact the agency in your local county that provides public assistance. Calling may save you time, and you may be able to set up an appointment ahead of time. This phone call is to find out if you must come in to apply, if the agency will mail you an application to fill out and bring in, or if you need to fill out the application at the time of your interview.
2. Things to bring with you for the interview might include your application completed according to instructions, birth certificates for each person for whom you are applying for aid, pay verifications or unemployment verifications and verification of all property listed on the form such as bank account statements, purchase receipts for property listed, car registration forms, drivers licenses, or identification cards, property tax statements and rent receipts. Remember, Public assistance is not interested in what you owe, but what you own and your income. Anything you list needs verification.
3. If your family also qualifies for food stamps, you will need to complete a second application and provide verifications. Food stamp applications may be completed at the same time and place in some places. However, you need to check to see if you will need to have a separate appointment in a different place. Again, each state handles things a little differently.

Tips & Warnings

• Being prepared with verifications makes your appointment go smoothly. Without verifications, you will be required to bring them in later, which could delay your case being processed.
• Processing an application takes some time depending on caseload. If you are prepared, things should move at a quicker pace. Remember, the application may be denied for lack of adequate proof, or because you are over the maximum income. The limits are not high and often people are disqualified. If you are denied, remember that the caseworker must follow regulations and it is not her fault if you do not qualify.