Sometimes, the challenges of life force us to seek help. Either disease, unemployment, lack of housing or natural disasters, social services agencies can help. It is important to seek this help because these social problems can often negatively affect your health. There are government and charitable agencies at federal, state and local levels designed to provide medical and financial assistance. Most government agencies have local offices. Non -governmental agencies can also help. These include pantries of local food, churches and other beneficial organizations in their own backyard.
Way to improved well -being
These common federal assistance programs can help people and families that qualify as low income. The low -income criteria change from time to time, so do not let that prevent you from determining your eligibility:
- Supplementary nutritional assistance program (BREAK) SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety network. It offers nutritional assistance to millions of eligible and low -income families and families.
- Disease insurance: Health insurance is expensive. Access to affordable health insurance is possible to qualify for Disease insurance.
- Temporary assistance for needy families (Tanf) This program links people and families with programs in their state or territory for their aid.
- Start Head: Designed to promote school preparation of children under 5 years, Start Start He attends low -income families through education, health, social services and other services.
- Low -income energy assistance program (Liheap) Keeping your public services at home is important throughout the stations. Liheap can help families that qualify for help.
- Women, babies and children (WIC) Food and Nutrition: WIC grants federal subsidies to states for supplementary foods, medical care and nutritional education references. This is designed to serve postpartum pregnant women with low -income, breastfeeding and non -joking. Includes babies and children up to 5 years old who are at nutritional risk.
- County Health Clinics: Almost all communities have Community Health Centers that provide affordable basic medical care services. These centers can often provide references to specialized care. This includes mental health, substance abuse and HIV/AIDS, among other things.
- Internet: Consult your local Internet provider. Some will provide lower prices to people who meet certain income and/or disabled criteria.
- Call 211: Mark 211 on your phone to know the resources in your area that can help pay bills, find food and direct it to other sources of help.
Common sources of charitable donations at the local level:
- Goodwill: This non -profit organization provides job assistance for needy people. As part of that, Goodwill Opera retailers throughout the country. These low -price recycled treasures help many families pay clothes and household items.
- Churches: Contact the churches of all religions in your community. Many offer assistance to needy families.
- Food pantries: Look for a list of food pantries in your community on the Internet. These provide families in need with non -perishable foods (canned, box). Sometimes, families can also access perishable foods (meat, products).
- The Salvation Army, the American Red Cross: The Salvation Army and The American Red Cross They are more useful when you or your family are affected by a natural disaster. These organizations provide food, refuge and another assistance to those in need.
- Security network hospitals: These medical centers and hospitals are found in various communities. They provide medical care and other health -related services to patients with little or no insurance or with Medicaid.
- Library: If you cannot pay the Internet service, the Public Library is a good source for limited use. See your local library for more details. The library often also has information about other local resources.
Things to consider
There are a number of resources to help people with financial and health assistance. There are some things to consider.
- Be prepared to demonstrate your income level. This includes its work history and their family members when requesting. In addition, you must request each service. There is no «unique size» application. Some of these agencies carry out annual reviews of their income and situation, so it is likely to be asked to complete the review documents every year.
- Waiting time Social Services Agencies are busy request for assistance. Be sure to ask how fast you can access the services once you qualify.
- Bureaucracy/Paper. Some people call it «bureaucracy.» But it is really just paperwork. The paperwork can be overwhelming sometimes. Pasteing with it can provide relief.
- Taxable benefits. Ask the staff if you will be taxed by the benefits you receive.
- Social services agencies take this seriously. If you are lying on your circumstances, you are committing fraud. They will eventually catch you.
- Rules and restrictions. Each social service has rules and restrictions. For example, you may not be allowed to buy unhealthy foods (sweets) with SNAP. Not all medical care is covered by Medicaid or community health centers. Understand what you can and cannot do with the services you receive.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Where can I find social services to help my family?
- What healthy foods are better to buy for my family?
- Can I get help in paperwork/application completely?
- Does child support count as income?
Resources
Health.gov
United Way 211: Get help with essential community services
Department of Health and Human Services of the United States: Social Services
USA.gov: Government benefits
