Prices keep rising, and with the economy struggling, families struggle too. When you run out of things to cut from the budget and you're making as much money as possible, the only way to bridge this gap is by getting assistance. There are multiple assistance programs for low-income families.
Medicaid
If you don't have health insurance, Medicaid insurance is mostly free for low-income families. The logistics vary from state to state, as some states cover the co-pays and others cover a portion or none. Medicaid is generally accepted at all major hospitals and varies at private practices; it also covers vision and dental care. Families can apply at the local hospital or at the county health and human services office.
Food and Nutrition Programs
Every state has a food stamp program for eligible low-income families that meet the income threshold. In New Jersey, for example, the gross income needs to be under $2,000 for the month and the benefit is usually a few hundred dollars a month, based on the number of people sharing the food. The funds are placed on a debit-like card that is accepted at most grocery stores. There are also government programs for children in schools to receive a free or reduced-price lunch, breakfast and milk.
Energy Assistance
Energy assistance programs for low-income families exist in every state. They are based on income and offer assistance to pay for heating and cooling costs with your local energy provider. This is in the form of a direct credit to your energy bill, or as an annual stipend credit. They do not send a check to you.
These programs vary from state to state and applicants should apply at their local human services department for their county. Some states such as Delaware and Connecticut offer Weatherization programs for low-income families to help bring down the cost of their energy bills such as assisting with insulation.
Childcare
Head Start is a federally funded childcare program that is state-run for children not yet in kindergarten. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and the household income must be very low; for example, you cannot make more than $22,000 annually for a family of three. Benefit determination varies state to state. According to the Government Benefits website you should still contact your local Head Start program if you are under-employed or if your child has a disability, because you may still qualify.
Free Cell Phone
Now you can get a free cell phone with 200 free minutes a month by Assurance and Virgin Mobile for low-income people as long as you are on one other government assisted program, such as food stamps or Social Security.
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