The National Center for Children in Poverty reports that the number of U.S. children living in low-income families has been on the rise since the year 2000. If you are knowledgeable about programs available to assist low-income families, you may be able to help a family achieve independence and self-reliance. Programs available to low-income families include affordable housing assistance, medical assistance, food stamps, childcare subsidies and the low-income home energy assistance program, or LIHEAP. Application processes and eligibility requirements vary from state to state.
In addition to state-sponsored support, many nonprofit organizations offer programs that provide housing assistance, food banks, free or low cost health care or dental services, and employment assistance or job training services to needy families in the community.
Step 1
Refer needy families in your community to your area's public welfare office, where the head of household can apply for food stamp benefits, medical assistance and other programs to help low-income families. Explain that, even if the family is not eligible to receive cash benefits or food stamps, parents can still apply for medical assistance and get health insurance coverage for their children. Low-income adults with serious medical problems can also apply for medical assistance.
Step 2
Explain that the family will need to provide proof of identity and citizenship when applying for public assistance benefits. Required documents may include birth certificates and state ID cards or driver's licenses. For many benefits, individuals may also need to supply proof of income, copies of household bills and expenses, and social security cards for all members in the household. Some assistance programs may request copies of bank account information, car insurance coverage and other documents as well.
Step 3
Direct families to the local housing authority office, where low-income families can apply for public housing, subsidized private housing or rental vouchers funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Subsidized housing is housing in which the families pay rent based on household annual income. Some counties also offer assistance to low-income families who want to purchase their own home.
Step 4
Visit the LIHEAP Clearinghouse website to help low-income families locate information about benefits in their local area. LIHEAP provides assistance to low-income families and individuals who struggle to pay their heating and cooling costs. Those who qualify receive a grant, which is sent to the utility provider to help cover the cost of heating fuel or electricity. Families in danger of having their heating service turned off as a result of not being able to pay their bill can also apply for emergency cash grants.
Step 5
Consult the website for your state's Department of Public Welfare or Department of Health and Human Services. Many states have interactive websites, which allow families to apply or begin the application process for welfare programs on line. This can make it easier and faster for families to receive the benefits they need. Cash assistance, food stamps, medical assistance and other programs may be available on the state's public welfare website.
Step 6
Inform a family that subsidized childcare services may be available while one or both parents are working or attending college. Childcare subsidies can help so that parents can go to college and earn a degree for a better career. Childcare services also make it possible for parents to be able to work a full-time job so that they can provide for their families.
Although most states offer programs to help cover the cost of childcare at state-approved providers, programs can vary from state to state. Contact your state's Department of Public Welfare to find out if a family meets the income guidelines. Information including family size and maximum annual family income must be provided.
