Cash assistance programs in Nevada.
Nevada has several different cash assistance programs for very low income families as well as those living in poverty. No matter which benefit is used, the programs require employment, self-sufficiency, and other goals to be met. Find how to apply for cash below both online and over the phone, the average amounts paid out per month, and how to calculate the monthly benefit.
No matter which program is used, they all provide funds to pay for everyday needs. The different bills that can be paid in Nevada include: housing (rent, mortgage, or utility bills); medical (prescriptions, equipment for the sick, health care); employment (transportation such as gasoline, clothes, child care); food and household supplies; and more. The Division of Welfare and Supportive Service, or DWSS, can approve other bills to be paid as well.
Versions of cash programs in Nevada
There 4 grant-based programs and 1 loan program. Each of them is focused on a different scenario. Some of the cash benefits are for households with children while others are for single adults. Another resource is for short term emergencies, such as help to pay for car repairs or housing to prevent homelessness. Nevada even has a cash-based loan program that has very low (if not zero) interest charged to the borrower. More information on each of these is below.
All the benefits, which are part of the federal government TANF welfare program, require the client to agree to personal responsibility goals. This means the applicant needs to work or be in job training, have their kids immunized, work towards a stable two parent household, or get their citizenship if they are not Americans yet. There may be other requirements as well, but if met, then the applicant can be given cash to pay their bills and living expenses.
The average amount paid out in Nevada is about $345, but this depends on family size and their income. The applicant needs to be very low income, and even be living in poverty. In addition, the funds are paid out monthly using an EBT card…the money is not just handed to the client.
Emergency cash-based programs in Nevada – There are two. They include the TEMP program as well as Self-Sufficiency Grants. The time that these will help the family range from one to four months, so they are very short term in nature.
Both do not necessarily count against the TANF guidelines, which put into place a lifetime maximum benefit of 60 months. The emergency TANF programs can provide financial assistance to pay for items lost from a fire; earthquake, or disaster. This is a focus of TEMP.
Or if the primary bread winner in the household got sick and misses work, or if a onetime financial crisis comes up, the Nevada emergency cash assistance can help pay the bills until the situation has been resolved. The funds from SSG grants may pay for their food, electricity, and other critical expenses for up to 4 months.
Nevada families with children, or that care for someone else, can apply to the NEON program or the Nevada TANF child option. NEON is the more common of the two, and this is the main federal government created temporary assistance for Needy Family program that people are accustomed too. The applicant needs to agree to self-sufficiency plans as well as have a child under the age of 19. In order to get cash for paying their bills, they also need to participate in job training, be working, or be actively seeking a job.
Caregivers can get financial help in Nevada from Temporary Assistance for Needy Family Child only. Examples of this may be if a grandparent is caring for the children, or maybe an aunt, uncle, or other relative. The state welfare benefit will help them pay for the expenses involved in raising the kid, whether it is for their medical or dental needs, clothing, food, housing, and more.
Loans are also part of the Nevada TANF program. These also tend to be for emergency expenses. Small amounts of money are given to the applicant if they have a future source of income to pay off the loan. It is a stop-gap measure, and not only does it provide financial relief, but it helps the household build up their credit scores. Residents have other options too, and find emergency loans.
Applying for government cash in Nevada
There are a few ways. One is to do it only at ACCESS Nevada, and the process is interactive and straightforward. Applications can also be done in person at a local DWSS office, and there are locations in both Northern and Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas. A third way to apply is by dialing 211 and asking for intake.
All applications are reviewed within 45 days. During this process a case worker will need proof of income, age, residency, and more. They will calculate the total benefit amount as well as go over all the terms and conditions to each of the TANF programs in Nevada.
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