Nevada public assistance.
The state of Nevada offers public and cash assistance to qualified low income families for a number of needs. Families and individuals may be able to receive help for paying bills. In addition, most of the government funded programs (including from Nevada Department of Health and Human Services or DHHS) will also help people gain self-sufficiency over the long term by helping them find a job, gain new skills or increase their income. Find how to apply for public aid in Nevada below, including by County, including for Spanish speakers.
Temporary cash aid for bills from Nevada public assistance programs
Nevada Temporary Assistance for Needy Families can provide cash and job finding services to qualified families. The program, also known as TANF, is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance. Low income women with children or who are pregnant may be able to qualify for cash grants to pay for basic living needs such as housing, food, medicines, and utilities.
A key of the public funded TANF program though is helping people keep and find a job, and clients will be able to work with a case worker to help make that happen. There are other cash type benefits available for low income residents, ranging from NEON to the Needy Family Service. Find a list of Nevada cash assistance programs.
The Nevada Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is made up of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as well as Nevada’s Universal Energy Charge (UEC). This service offers a government paid supplement to assist qualifying low-income Nevadans, including families with children, seniors, and the disabled, pay for the cost of home energy and cooling bills.
Funding for the EAP program begins in July of each year, and it runs until June. Only a limited number of people can receive help, so apply early. If you apply and are found to be eligible, then you may be able to receive an annual, one-time cash assistance benefit or grant to use towards paying energy bills.
Early Head Start and the Head Start government run programs promote school readiness, health and nutrition for economically disadvantaged and low income children. Social services can enhance people’s cognitive and educational development. Resources can help address the health, educational, nutritional, social and other services of children in Nevada. The Head Start programs engage parents in their children's learning and can also help children in making progress toward their employment, educational, and literacy goals. Non-profit agencies in town and counties across Nevada run it, even though it is paid for by federal government funds.
- Head Start programs serve children ages 3-5 and their families.
- Early Head Start programs serve pregnant women and children birth to 3 and their families.
The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Child Care Subsidy Program can help families that are currently receiving temporary public assistance, low income families, and people who are transitioning off of public and cash assistance. Child care subsidies can help Nevada residents in obtaining and paying for child care so they can work or attend job training. Click more information on Nevada child care assistance programs.
Access both referrals and resources for seeking affordable and high quality child care services in Nevada from DHHS. Also get information on the various aspects of quality child care. Note that these referral services are available to all Nevada families at no cost to them, regardless of income or background.
Nevada Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC) is federal government funded. The resource is a short-term health and nutrition program that is operated across the state by the Nevada State Health Division. Specifically the Bureau of Family Health Services runs WIC. Residents who meet WIC eligibility requirements, including pregnant, postpartum and breast feeding women, children under age 5, and infants can apply for free or low cost nutritious foods and groceries from this public assistance program.
Specifically get one or more of the following. Information on immunizations, prenatal care, and family planning; Food at no cost; Nutrition and breastfeeding education; and free information about other non-profit family support services available in their community. Also you may be put in touch with a social worker for job finding and training programs.
Free federal and state income tax return preparation by volunteers is offered in Nevada from the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) as well as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Both services can provide free tax help for taxpayers who qualify for aid.
IRS-trained and certified volunteers provide free basic federal and state of Nevada income tax return preparation to qualified individuals as part of the VITA Program. Not only can you get your tax return completed, but you can also learn about savings and tax credits such as Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled, Earned Income Tax Credit, as well as Child Tax Credit.
The TCE Program helps seniors over 60, and can offer them free income tax preparation. Specialists that are also trained by the IRS offer free tax help, advice, and filings. The volunteers do specialize in questions about retirement issues as well as pensions and other financial matters that are unique to seniors.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sometimes referred to as Nevada food stamps, provides assistance, support and other public assistance to thousands of families every month. The program is currently run by the Nevada State Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.
Free public health care resources
Health Care and Medical Bill Assistance Programs are offered by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, or DHHS. A number of public health care plans are provided for lower income and uninsured individuals and families, and there are even state officials who advocate for patients so their needs are met.
Some examples of the services provided may include dental care, doctor visits, prescriptions, eye exams and glasses and therapies, to name but a few. Pricing may vary, and some of the medical care may have a minimal cost, and much of it is free to patients. More details are below, or find details on medical billing advocates to ensure cost effective care is given.
Nevada Check Up, otherwise known as Children’s Health Insurance Program, can offer comprehensive, yet low-cost, public health care coverage to working poor and low income uninsured children who are not covered by government services such as Medicaid or private insurance.
Prescription medication can be obtained from Senior Rx or Nevada Disability RX. The senior program helps the elderly in Nevada with paying for the cost of prescription medicine Medicare Part D expenses. The government funded service provides up to $5,100 in financial assistance and cash benefits per year depending on the patients situation. The Disability public benefit helps qualified individuals with disabilities pay for prescription medicines. Or find other disability assistance programs in NV.
Assistance from Cities and Counties in Nevada
Each and every city and county has a local office to contact for applications to public assistance. Select it below. Or dial (775) 684-4400 to reach the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services or DHHS for your region..
Clark County
Lyons County
Washoe County
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