How to Find Assistance for Food and Bills

Food stamps

Whether you are a single parent, recently lost your job or can't make ends meet with what you do earn, you are not alone. Local, state and federal assistance is available to many people, although you'll need to check the requirements with your particular qualifications. See Resources for links.

Instructions

1. Contact your local social services office to apply for food stamps, which provide a monthly food stipend, and Tanf, which is temporary assistance for needy families.

2. Apply for rental assistance through the Housing Choice Vouchers program. It helps very low-income families, the disabled and the elderly afford safe and sanitary housing.

3. Apply to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help with your heating bills. You can apply for this program through your social service office or contact your heating supplier for the phone number to the energy assistance program in your area.

4. Apply to the the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children -- better known as the WIC Program -- which helps safeguard the health of low-income women, infants and and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating and referrals to health care.

5. Check with the utility and energy companies in your area for financial assistance, grants and weatherization help.

6. Check with local food pantries and food banks about how to receive free food. Pantries and banks typically get food donations and supply the food to those in need.

Resources

• WIC Program
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Housing Choice Vouchers
• Welfare to Work Program
• FoodPantries.org