Grants for Veterans in Rhode Island

There are over 63,000 veterans living in the state of Rhode Island. The state also has one of the highest costs of living in the country. This can make it different for veterans to make ends meet at times, especially if they are between jobs or are unable to find a job that pays a high enough salary. The good news is that there are grants for veterans in Rhode Island. The grants can help people with obtaining food, paying rent, getting cash assistance, and more.

Grants, unlike loans, never have to be paid back. They are essentially considered to be a gift. They are intended to help those in need when they are struggling financially. Some of the grants provide short term assistance, while others provide longer term help. Most of the popular grants for veterans in Rhode Island are federally funded.

Types of Grants for Veterans in Rhode Island

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Veterans in Rhode Island who need help paying their rent or locating affordable housing may qualify for assistance through HUD programs. The HUD programs will help pay rent, avoid foreclosure, pay for necessary home repairs, and help people locate affordable housing. They can also help you find Section 8 and public housing options within your area. To qualify for HUD programs, you have to meet the low income requirements. Applying for HUD in Rhode Island begins by having a discussion with one of their counselors, who will gather information about your current financial situation and housing needs. To apply, click here.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – There are food grants for veterans in Rhode Island. SNAP provides those who qualify with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food at the grocery store or farmer’s market. To qualify for SNAP, you need to meet the low income requirements, participate in an interview, provide four weeks of pay stubs or a letter from your employer, provide proof of residency, and show proof of identification. You also need to be a citizen or legal immigrant to get SNAP benefits. You can apply for SNAP in Rhode Island by mail, in person, or online. To apply, click here.

Cash Assistance – There is a Cash Assistance program available through the Rhode Island Works Program. The Cash Assistance program provides those who qualify with a cash grant that can be used toward living expenses. The grants can be used on housing, food, transportation, bills, and more. To qualify, you have to have a minor dependent child in the home, meet the low income requirements, meet the asset limit requirements, and meet the work requirements that the state requires. The cash grant amount depends upon your income and household size. A family of three, for example, receives $554 per month. This program is essentially the same as the nationwide one called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). You can apply online or in person. To apply, click here.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – There are energy grants for veterans in Rhode Island. Those who need help paying for their energy bill may qualify to get payment assistance through HEAP. If you are approved, the grant is paid directly to your utility provider, and your account is credited. The program also provides emergency assistance for those who have received a disconnect notice or are almost out of fuel. HEAP also provides weatherization assistance and will help people replace or repair their heating system. To qualify for the energy grant, you have to meet the low income requirements, and be the person responsible for paying the bill. You can apply online. To apply, click here.

Lifeline Assistance – Veterans who need assistance paying for their phone bill each month may qualify for a grant through Lifeline Assistance. The program helps those with a low income to have a phone by making it more affordable. Those approved for the program will only have to pay $9.25 per month for their phone, whether it is a cellular or land line, and a federal grant will pay the rest. To apply, click here.

Veterans in Rhode Island who are struggling to pay their bills may find some relief by applying for federal grant programs. The grants for veterans in Rhode Island have been designed to help those in need during difficult financial times. The give people the ability to pay their bills, while they strive toward becoming more self sufficient.