How Can I Get Welfare?

Families need assistance when times are hard.

Welfare gives financial help to families who have a low income. The United States government set up the welfare system to assist people that are needy or who have lost everything. A loss of a job, extensive medical bills and having young children while trying to make ends meet are all reasons for needing welfare.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of income
• Proof of identification
• Social Security card
• Birth certificate
• Proof of expenses
• Family members names and dates of birth
• bank statements

Instructions

1. Contact the Department of Health and Human Services and set up an appointment to apply for welfare. The Department of Health and Human Services representative will give you a time and a date that you need to appear at the department to start the application process.

2. Place information that you will need for the appointment in a file. The information will include picture identification cards for everyone in the family, birth certificates for all family members, social security cards and social security numbers, dates of birth for everyone in the family, all proof of income for family members, proof of family expenses such as rent, utilities and medical expenses, and bank account information.

3. Bring the file of information to your appointment. The Department of Health and Human Services representative will collect all the information and make copies. He will ask you questions regarding your current family situation. Answer the questions honestly or tell the representative that you do not know and will research the answer. At the end of the interview, there will be a list of additional information you will need to submit.

4. Follow up by sending in all additional information that the Department of Health and Human Services requested. Wait for the results of the interview, as it can take up to 30 days for the Department of Health and Human Services to process your information.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a copy of everything you turn into the Department of Health and Human Services. This way if they cannot find one copy, you have another to give them.

• Do not give out your original documentation. Let the Department of Health and Human Services make copies of the originals.

References

• Welfare Info
• U.S. Department for Health and Human Services: Office of Family Assistance