Grants for Veterans in Massachusetts

There are around 328,000 veterans living in the state of Massachusetts. At times, veterans may experience financial difficulties. This can happen because they are between jobs, experiencing a medical situation, or because they find it difficult to find a job that pays well enough to keep pace with the rising cost of living. No matter what the reason that veterans may need help paying the bills, the good news is that there are grant programs in place that will help.

There are numerous federally funded grants for veterans in Massachusetts. The grants will help pay for rent, buy groceries, pay for utility bills, and more. Veterans in Massachusetts who need help paying the bills should consider these grant programs, because they can be helpful when money is tight. Plus, unlike loans, grants do not have to ever be paid back. It’s essentially considered a gift to help people during times of need.

Types of Grants for Veterans in Massachusetts

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Formerly known as food stamps, this program provides a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food. To qualify for SNAP in Massachusetts, you have to meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal noncitizen. Those who are approved for the program will be given a debit-style card, and each month funds are electronically added to the card. The card can then be used to pay for groceries at the store or farmer’s market. You can apply for the SNAP program in Massachusetts online. To apply, click here.

Economic Assistance – The state of Massachusetts offers those in need a cash grant through their Economic Assistance program. The program will provide a cash grant to help struggling families and to provide emergency aid to those who are elderly, disabled, or who have minor children. You can receive the cash benefit for two months. The cash grant is intended to help you get back on your feet during a difficult time. To qualify, you must be a resident of the state, be a citizen or legal immigrant, and meet the asset and income limits. You have to apply in person. To apply, click here.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Those who need help paying for their utility bill may qualify for a grant through LIHEAP. The program, also called Fuel Assistance, will help pay the heating bill for those who qualify. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements and be the person responsible for the bill. New applicants have to meet for an interview. You have to re-apply for the grant each year. The program runs from November 1 to April 30 each year. You can apply for LIHEAP online. To apply, click here.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Those having difficulty paying rent may qualify for housing grants for veterans in Massachusetts. The HUD program helps those who qualify by paying rent, helping to avoid foreclosure, and helping people get necessary home repairs. They will also help you find affordable housing options. To qualify for the HUD programs, you have to meet the low income requirements. To apply for the programs you first need to speak with a HUD counselor in Massachusetts, who will assess your current situation and housing needs. To apply, click here.

Lifeline Assistance – There are phone grants for veterans in Massachusetts. Having a phone is considered by most people to be essential, but it can be a costly bill for those who are struggling financially. The Lifeline Assistance program, which is federally funded, will help pay for your phone bill if you qualify. Those who are approved for the program only have to pay $9.25 per month for their phone, whether a land line or cellular, and the government will pay the rest with a grant. To apply, click here.

It can be comforting for people to know there are grants for veterans in Massachusetts. The grants provide a safety net to help during difficult financial times. There is no limit to how many grants you can apply for or receive funds from, so apply for multiple grants to see which ones you may be approved for. These grants are an important tool that can help you pay the bills while you strive to become self sufficient.