Benefits from government and public sources

[Fiona]

Good day,
Im inquiring for my sister who is moving to Texas. She currently lives in Minnesota and has a social worker who usually works with her on this stuff and am looking for one for her down here. She currently receives medical assistance in Minnesota and also receives SSI. She receives food stamps and WIC as well. I am curious as to who she can work with and get things setup here in Texas and what the qualifications are for public assistance and aid etc. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. She was in a bad car accident and has no family in Minnesota. All of us live down here in Texas now. Thanks in advance for your time and assistance.

[jrm57]

Hate to say it but good luck trying to get any help from the government. I tried calling the Intergovernmental Grants dept(St Clai County Community Agency for assistance within my state and the phone is disconnected since there have been cut backs.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Well, the job market is getting better so that is good news. We do not have jobs to offer, but we have information on finding part time work from home income, and also how to access free job training programs. A work from home job can bring in a few extra bucks, and great if your hours fluctuate too, as when home can make a few dollars. Here is info on work from home jobs. Be careful when signing up for one and do not pay fees up front without reading the fine print.

January 17th,2012 Me and my husband (disabled still awaiting social security determination) have been through alot of hardship hurdles,since 2009. I got a permanent layoff in the yr.2009 My husband re injured himself at work and this time it did him in. He worked till he just could not physically do it. Used my 401k to stay afloat with cobra, bills mortgage which eventually we had to stop. put our home for sale in hopes we could sell it. This did not happen. got foreclosed we decided to move back to our home town. I had a hard time finding work. I found a part-time job but the hours fluctuate so much i cant count on it for paying my bills. I would like to go to school but first i must find an additional job because i just can not make it. we really need some government or charity assistance with paying our bills. Please email me back at

[CarDon13]

January 17th,2012 Me and my husband (disabled still awaiting social security determination) have been through alot of hardship hurdles,since 2009. I got a permanent layoff in the yr.2009 My husband re injured himself at work and this time it did him in. He worked till he just could not physically do it. Used my 401k to stay afloat with cobra, bills mortgage which eventually we had to stop. put our home for sale in hopes we could sell it. This did not happen. got foreclosed we decided to move back to our home town. I had a hard time finding work. I found a part-time job but the hours fluctuate so much i cant count on it for paying my bills. I would like to go to school but first i must find an additional job because i just can not make it. we really need some government or charity assistance with paying our bills. Please email me back at

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Well, the goos news is your brother is working and trying to contribute. Sadly so many people just rely on government or public assistance and do not even make an attempt to work at all, and just cash their government checks. It is good that he has a sister too look out for him too. As far as some places to go to help in the Raleigh and Wake County NC area, those can be found here. Read about the various Wake County financial assistance programs, places to call for rent or housing help, and other financial aid and support. Dozens of agencies focus on helping people in these situations pay their bills and rent too. Have him call a professional if any thoughts of suicide.

Hello. I'm terribly worried about my brother. He's one of what they call the "working poor." He moved from Ohio, where I live, to Raleigh, NC with his fiancee. A couple of months ago she left him, with overdue rent and no vehicle. I just found out his electric has been off for awhile now and he owes back rent. The landlord has been letting him work some of the back rent off and he gives the landlord as much money he can every week. He's working 40 hours now and can't help the landlord as much as he used to. And I also discovered he doesn't have enough money for food. Plus, no electricity, no refrigerator. He's a very proud man and when I told him to try public assistance he resisted at first. Now he's desperate and wants me to help him find out if he qualifies for any assistance. I can't help him financially, I'm on disability. Can you help? I think if he got food stamps, his electricity turned back on and help with his rent he wouldn't be so depressed. He has talked of suicide in the past and I was able to get him psychological help here in Ohio. But I'm worried about him and can't get to him myself. Or just email me back and let me know what needs to be done. Maybe I can get him help via the Internet. Please let me know where I need to start. Thank you so much,

[JetSkier]

Hello. I'm terribly worried about my brother. He's one of what they call the "working poor." He moved from Ohio, where I live, to Raleigh, NC with his fiancee. A couple of months ago she left him, with overdue rent and no vehicle. I just found out his electric has been off for awhile now and he owes back rent. The landlord has been letting him work some of the back rent off and he gives the landlord as much money he can every week. He's working 40 hours now and can't help the landlord as much as he used to. And I also discovered he doesn't have enough money for food. Plus, no electricity, no refrigerator. He's a very proud man and when I told him to try public assistance he resisted at first. Now he's desperate and wants me to help him find out if he qualifies for any assistance. I can't help him financially, I'm on disability. Can you help? I think if he got food stamps, his electricity turned back on and help with his rent he wouldn't be so depressed. He has talked of suicide in the past and I was able to get him psychological help here in Ohio. But I'm worried about him and can't get to him myself. Or just email me back and let me know what needs to be done. Maybe I can get him help via the Internet. Please let me know where I need to start. Thank you so much,

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

What did the LIHEAP program tell her? Usually they can provide some type of cash aid or assistance, even for older heating and energy bills. That is great that also taking care of your grandmother too. Yes, you do need to take care of it before winter begins. Find Maryland assistance programs that can help with heating and other bills too.

I am writing on behalf of a friend who does not have a computer and is in need of help with bills. She takes care of her old disabled grandmother who lives with her in Maryland, and my friend has 3 young children too. She gets public government assistance and food stamps and LIHEAP to help with electric bill. The problem is she still owes several hundred dollars on heat bill from this past winter and does not have sufficient income to pay this bill and fuel oil company told her she can not get any more deliveries until bill is paid. She is very concerned because weather is getting chilly at night. Can you offer any assistance or advice to help her pay off heating bills? Thank you in advance for your assistance.

[Nealhannon]

I am writing on behalf of a friend who does not have a computer and is in need of help with bills. She takes care of her old disabled grandmother who lives with her in Maryland, and my friend has 3 young children too. She gets public government assistance and food stamps and LIHEAP to help with electric bill. The problem is she still owes several hundred dollars on heat bill from this past winter and does not have sufficient income to pay this bill and fuel oil company told her she can not get any more deliveries until bill is paid. She is very concerned because weather is getting chilly at night. Can you offer any assistance or advice to help her pay off heating bills? Thank you in advance for your assistance.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

We do have a comprehensive listing of low income and specifically government assistance programs. You can also decide to call your local community action agency in Detroit. You do want to pay the bills before power gets turned off, as then you need to pay a reconnection fee. Find an extensive listing of low income assistance programs, including funds for deposits for both rent and energy bills. Some car repair programs may also be provided.

Thank you for taking the time to read my plea and for help in finding assistance to those who are needy. I am 36 and am married for about 9 years. My husband and I have a 6 year old together, and he also has 3 other children from multiple marriages. About 6 months ago I lost my job due to my car breaking down and not having a ride to work. This was hard, because I have never been without a job for more than a couple of weeks since I turned 17 (with the exception of maternity leave). My husband lost his job about 8 weeks after-the new company he had found a good job with (or so we thought) had him at assistant manager and he was working about 70 hours a week with the overtime, (which made it okay that I lost my job so I could take care of our daughter) but was fined and shut down after they were caught with salesmen that were not licensed. For the first time in my life I have turned to the government assistance both state of Michigan, local Detroit, and federal, for help, we recently were granted food stamps. Every week has been a struggle to survive- every bill we have is double and usually gets turned off before we find someone (usually a family member) to help us get them turned back on. Monday is our cut off day for Power-they have noted that this time if it gets turned off, we will have to pay bot months bill and a $500.00 deposit-which would be impossible for us. At the same time my husband's son's mother is trying to take us to court about child support-but somehow we have been able to come up with just enough every month to keep that from happening. Child support papers were written in 1998-when my husband was making good money, had no wife and no other children. Trying to keep up with just that one $500.0/month payment +medical bills+his clothing (which she is taking him shopping every week and sending us receipts/bills for clothes out of spite-she knows we are financially struggling and it is written in papers that my husband pays half of clothing-no cap specified). We have already lost our car insurance, medical insurance, phone, television, and next is power. Not sure what to do-this is my last attempt to keep at least the power on for my precious little one. This is a very humbling experience and I pray that you can help us. Thanks for anything you can do. Sincerely,
Detroit Michigan

[Greene]

Thank you for taking the time to read my plea and for help in finding assistance to those who are needy. I am 36 and am married for about 9 years. My husband and I have a 6 year old together, and he also has 3 other children from multiple marriages. About 6 months ago I lost my job due to my car breaking down and not having a ride to work. This was hard, because I have never been without a job for more than a couple of weeks since I turned 17 (with the exception of maternity leave). My husband lost his job about 8 weeks after-the new company he had found a good job with (or so we thought) had him at assistant manager and he was working about 70 hours a week with the overtime, (which made it okay that I lost my job so I could take care of our daughter) but was fined and shut down after they were caught with salesmen that were not licensed. For the first time in my life I have turned to the government assistance both state of Michigan, local Detroit, and federal, for help, we recently were granted food stamps. Every week has been a struggle to survive- every bill we have is double and usually gets turned off before we find someone (usually a family member) to help us get them turned back on. Monday is our cut off day for Power-they have noted that this time if it gets turned off, we will have to pay bot months bill and a $500.00 deposit-which would be impossible for us. At the same time my husband's son's mother is trying to take us to court about child support-but somehow we have been able to come up with just enough every month to keep that from happening. Child support papers were written in 1998-when my husband was making good money, had no wife and no other children. Trying to keep up with just that one $500.0/month payment +medical bills+his clothing (which she is taking him shopping every week and sending us receipts/bills for clothes out of spite-she knows we are financially struggling and it is written in papers that my husband pays half of clothing-no cap specified). We have already lost our car insurance, medical insurance, phone, television, and next is power. Not sure what to do-this is my last attempt to keep at least the power on for my precious little one. This is a very humbling experience and I pray that you can help us. Thanks for anything you can do. Sincerely,
Detroit Michigan

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

What county in Ohio? So sounds like you are looking for some type of housing programs that may get you into a home or apartment? Maybe pay first months rent or a security deposit. Find Ohio assistance programs which can provide rent help too. Scroll mid way down and click on your county to find agencies and non-profits and government programs in Ohio.

I have a 1yr old daughter. i moved to ohio because i was being beat. i moved to better my life. i start school june 27 and im trying to get employed. i signed up for welfare and my case has not been accepted yet. i have also called the safe hotline for shelters and there are no openings. i have been here since march 23 2011. im not from ohio and im trying to the best of my abilty. i found an apartment for 40! a month. i start working nxt week for the noodle company in hyde park. but i dont get paid till the end of the month. i need someone to please take me and my daughter into consideration. i will continue to pay my rent on time. i am a responsible and reliable person. please give me a chance. i currently stay with a older lady i met and she lives in section 8 and everyone knows that if your not on that lease u cannot stay there. and that what is currently going on now. me and my daughter have to go and we have no where to go.

[Formydaughter]

I have a 1yr old daughter. i moved to ohio because i was being beat. i moved to better my life. i start school june 27 and im trying to get employed. i signed up for welfare and my case has not been accepted yet. i have also called the safe hotline for shelters and there are no openings. i have been here since march 23 2011. im not from ohio and im trying to the best of my abilty. i found an apartment for 40! a month. i start working nxt week for the noodle company in hyde park. but i dont get paid till the end of the month. i need someone to please take me and my daughter into consideration. i will continue to pay my rent on time. i am a responsible and reliable person. please give me a chance. i currently stay with a older lady i met and she lives in section 8 and everyone knows that if your not on that lease u cannot stay there. and that what is currently going on now. me and my daughter have to go and we have no where to go.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Did you want a comprehensive list of government low income programs? Then you have some to the right place. When the income is not coming in at a high enough level, which sounds like the case for you, you do have options and programs. There are job training programs, energy bill assistance, and other low income government programs. For example, one resource you may find useful are grants offered by your utility company to pay bills. After all they do not really want to turn off power. Bad publicity for them too, especially people with children.

My husband according to his unemployment filing on 5/22/2011 that he will be no longer be able to file claims nor receive any monies after 6/1/2011. I am currently working part time receiving 350 to 600 a month. Our rent is 850, electricity runs 125 to 200 a month, water is 40, my car insurance is 80.75 a month, and our land line phone is 19.99 a month. I am not able to provide enough money to keep myself ,son, daughter and husband housed and the useful utilities with my pay. I am the guardian of 4 siblings I am a 24yr old single parent of 2 girls one 3 and a unborn I am still currently employed with my job at ryla because i cannot afford to take a family leave. My siblings are currently receive SSI from my mother who recently passed in April of 2009. I am trying my very best to keep my family together and provide for them. The income we have coming in just isn't covering all the major bills plus i'm having to pay back student loans

[ParkerP]

My husband according to his unemployment filing on 5/22/2011 that he will be no longer be able to file claims nor receive any monies after 6/1/2011. I am currently working part time receiving 350 to 600 a month. Our rent is 850, electricity runs 125 to 200 a month, water is 40, my car insurance is 80.75 a month, and our land line phone is 19.99 a month. I am not able to provide enough money to keep myself ,son, daughter and husband housed and the useful utilities with my pay. I am the guardian of 4 siblings I am a 24yr old single parent of 2 girls one 3 and a unborn I am still currently employed with my job at ryla because i cannot afford to take a family leave. My siblings are currently receive SSI from my mother who recently passed in April of 2009. I am trying my very best to keep my family together and provide for them. The income we have coming in just isn't covering all the major bills plus i'm having to pay back student loans

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

There are both some government programs and non-profits in Dane County Wisconsin. They may have some funds for rent, and information on both state and federal government assistance programs. Some of the options may be CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF MADISON (608) 821-3100 and or the SALVATION ARMY (608) 256-2321). Both will from time to time have limited funding, and defintely information on various government and other assistance programs.

http://needhelppayingbills.com/html/dan ... ogram.html

Dane County, WI
I have recently lost my job. I am now part of the WIA program and is enrolled in school at MATC full time. I am married with two children, 8, & 6 who are in school. I receive Badgercare, Foodstamps, and reduced/free school lunches for the kids. I am not yet behind on my rent but I am having a real hard time coming up with next months rent. I wanted to know if there was a government program out to help me with my rent while I am going to school, as well as other government aid in addition to what I get now. Help is greatly appreciated.

[L14]

Dane County, WI
I have recently lost my job. I am now part of the WIA program and is enrolled in school at MATC full time. I am married with two children, 8, & 6 who are in school. I receive Badgercare, Foodstamps, and reduced/free school lunches for the kids. I am not yet behind on my rent but I am having a real hard time coming up with next months rent. I wanted to know if there was a government program out to help me with my rent while I am going to school, as well as other government aid in addition to what I get now. Help is greatly appreciated.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Here is a great place to find all government assistance programs, at the state level, federal government, county, town, and more. List of many local and national charities, and more. You will find all the aid you need here. If it exists, it is listed.
http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html ... progr.html

[Janice]

Yes, turn to the government aid plans now, when need help. Your tax dollars pay for them, so use them.

[GeorgeD]

I found this list on the main site government assistance programs that shows all aid, help, and assistance programs from the federal, state, and local governments. there is even a list of local charities.

[Loriarg]

What financial assistance does the goverment provide, whether federal, local, state, or county government. I need low income, food assistance, housing, or any thing that they can provide