Low Income Financial Assistance Programs for Women

If you are a woman who qualifies as low-income, there are many assistance programs that can help you to pay for your basic necessities. Here is a collection of the largest and most helpful.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is a program that aims to help children get the best start at life through proper nutrition. It does so by providing pregnant women, and mothers of young children, with education and financial assistance. You can get support with breastfeeding, learn about proper nutrition, and get vouchers for purchasing healthy food. You can qualify if your child is five years old or younger.

Learn more and see if you qualify here.

Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher Program)

Section 8 is the federal government’s main program for helping people who can’t afford decent, sanitary housing. Those who qualify can have their rent subsidized.

How does it work? After applying and being approved, an individual can go out a search for a home of their liking. The landlord must be willing to accept housing choice vouchers. If they are, the program will provide a voucher directly to the landlord each month which covers a portion of the rent. The renter only pays the difference.

To find out more and apply, contact your local public housing agency (PHA). Find it here.

Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Medicaid and CHIP are funded by both state and the federal governments and are administered by the states according to federal requirements. They are health coverage programs for people who can not afford to pay for their own health care. In 2017, 9.4 million children were enrolled in CHIP.

If you need healthcare for yourself or a family member, you should apply. Each state has its own requirements, so find your state here and contact it to apply and learn more. There’s no reason to let your health detiorate! Help is out there.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)

This program can help you to pay for food at farmers markets and grocery stores. While the common way to get discounts in the past was through food stamps, the system has been upgraded. Now, if you qualify, you can get a benefit card which looks like a debit card. It is discrete so no one will be able to easily tell that you are on the program.

To get SNAP benefits, you will need to apply in your state. You can use this pre-screening tool to see if you qualify. If you do, find a local SNAP office near you using this page. Learn more about the SNAP program here.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help eligible low-income households to pay for their energy costs. This can include assistance with paying bills, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, repairs, and more.

To qualify, you must be able to prove that you need the help by meeting the maximum income requirements for your household size. To find out if you qualify, you should contact the LIHEAP office in your state. Find it here or learn more about the program here.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF is the new program which replaces the old welfare program and offers benefits to those in need. The benefits include income support, child care, work-related activities, and more. However, to receive the benefits, you must participate in work.

To learn more and apply, click here.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a federal program designed to pay benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited resources and income. It is also available to individuals 65 and older who meet the financial requirements. If you or a family member have a qualifying disability, you may be able to get help. Learn more here.

Get the support you need when you need it most!

If you are in the low-income bracket and are having trouble funding your basic needs, these programs may be able to help you. Follow the links above to learn about the requirements and find out how to apply. The government is working to promote self-sufficiency and prevent homelessness so if you happen to be in a place where you need a helping hand, support is available!