Welfare Benefits for Veterans

The United States has over 18 million veterans. Some of them may experience financial difficulty, including from being disabled, between jobs, unable to find a high enough paying job, or living in an area of the country has a higher cost of living. Veterans who are struggling to pay the bills each month may find the situation stressful and difficult to overcome without assistance. The good news is that there are welfare benefits for veterans, and they can make a huge difference in helping to make ends meet during these difficult times.

The welfare benefits for veterans come from programs that were created by the federal government. In order to help ensure that those with a low income still have their basic needs met, the government has created numerous welfare programs. The programs pay out benefits in a variety of ways, helping people to obtain food, pay rent, pay bills, get cash assistance, and more.

Types of Welfare Benefits for Veterans

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – One of the most popular welfare programs in the country, SNAP provides people with food assistance each month. Those who qualify will receive a debit-style card, where funds are electronically added each month. The card can then be used to pay for groceries at the store or farmer’s market. The amount of your monthly benefit depends on your income level and the number of people in your household that it will provide food for. It doesn’t provide you with all the food you need each month, but helps to supplement what you can obtain on your own. To qualify, you need to meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal immigrant. You can apply online or in person in your state. To apply, click here.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Those who need help paying for their energy bill may qualify for help through LIHEAP. The program helps pay for heating bills in all states, and for cooling bills in certain states. They make the payment directly to the energy provider on your behalf. Each state has an application window, and you will need to re-apply each year. You can apply online in some states and locally at your community action center. To apply, click here.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Veterans who need help paying their rent or finding affordable housing may receive assistance through HUD. The programs offered through HUD will help ease the burden of paying for housing. In addition to helping people pay rent, they will also help some people avoid foreclosure, and can help you find public housing in your area. To qualify for help, you have to meet the low income requirements. To apply, you first need to speak with a HUD counselor in your state, who will assess your financial situation and housing needs. To apply, click here.

Women, Infant and Children (WIC) – WIC is a welfare program that helps women obtain healthy food each month. To qualify, you have to be pregnant or have a child that is age five and under. In addition to providing healthy food, the program also helps with some medical exams and health services. To apply, you have to visit your local WIC clinic and have a health evaluation. You also need to be low income to qualify. To apply, click here.

 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Cash assistance is available through the TANF program. The program will provide a monthly cash welfare benefit for those who qualify. The amount of the benefit you receive depends on the number of dependents you have, and what your income level is. To be eligible for TANF, you have to have at least one minor dependent child in the home. If you do not have a child in the home, you may qualify for General Assistance (GA), which is offered in some states. You can apply online in most states and in person in all states. To apply, click here.

The help that is available to help veterans when they are struggling financially provides a good way to make ends meet, while striving to become self sufficient. The benefits never have to be paid back. They are essentially considered a gift to help those in need. The welfare benefits for veterans are available in every state in the country.