As of 2020, approximately 37.25 million individuals remained under the poverty line. When people are going through financial struggles, it can be a challenge to get basic needs. This includes groceries, shelter, and so on. In the case that they are lucky enough to get these things, it can still be difficult to stay on top of the bills that follow these basic needs. There is a way that some people believe it is possible to overcome this widespread issue, which is with Universal Basic Income (UBI). On the other hand, not everyone knows about UBI and how it can help them out! If you are one of the people who are unfamiliar with UBI, then maybe you can understand more from this article!

What to Know About Universal Basic Income (UBI)

Universal Basic Income is a program available thanks to the government. It regularly provides every adult citizen with a specific amount of funds. The aim of this program is to support people in poverty. It also serves as a replacement for other need-based welfare programs from the government, which might require more government intervention. Do not be surprised, though; this is not a new idea! Only recently has UBI been highlighted across America. The idea of UBI has existed for more than a hundred years. There are financial support options in the United States like the TANF program, SSI program, and so on, however, the UBI has not been one of them.

Feedback on the UBI Idea

There are a lot of people that think UBI is a good idea. However, there are also a lot of people that think otherwise. During the 2020 presidential campaign, a candidate, Andrew Yang, offered to provide all Americans that are over the age of 18 with a monthly payment of $1,000. This means that Americans would receive $12,000 per year! However, this was only an idea since he did not make it far in the race for the presidency.

As mentioned above, there are people that do not think that UBI is a good idea. The issue is that it would be expensive to offer this type of financial relief to Americans. If you consider Yang’s plan as an example, the government would spend about $2.8 trillion per year on UBI. However, there are ways to afford this type of relief. For instance, Andrew Yang offered to reduce the costs of other welfare programs, along with taxes for businesses and carbon emissions. Despite that solution, it still would not be enough to provide total coverage for the UBI.

Other than the cost issue, there was another reason that individuals were against UBI, which is because of the negative influence UBI would have on the workforce. When individuals are receiving free money, they will probably not be eager or willing to work. To counter this argument, it is near impossible for someone to live off of $12,000 per year so the money would only help complement people’s earnings.

Is There Anywhere That Offers UBI in the United States?

Currently, there are no national programs that offer UBI in the United States. However, there are places that provide a guaranteed income to eligible people. These areas include:

• Tacoma, Washington
• Oakland, California
• Columbia, South Carolina

Similar to other government support options, these opportunities are only available for those that are eligible. For instance, in Tacoma, Washington, there are only 110 who can receive monthly $500 for one year. This program will not be a permanent solution and actually expires in December 2022. This means you might need to look into alternative assistance options that are available in your area. You never know what you might find!

Alternative Assistance Programs

UBI might not be available in the United States, but there are other assistance programs that can help people who are financially struggling. Some assistance programs that you should look into are:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Housing Choice Voucher Program

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

One of the most popular assistance programs for people who are going through financial hardship is the TANF program. TANF is an assistance program that offers grants to state governments and territories to provide financial relief and support services to families who qualify. This means that each state has its own version of the TANF program. On the other hand, generally, people can expect to find support with employment, finances, child care, and so on.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

In terms of food assistance, one of the best options is the SNAP program. SNAP is a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income Americans through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The program deposits money into the EBT card for recipients to use in participating stores. It is important to remember that the card can only buy eligible items such as groceries (dairy, fruit, vegetables, poultry, fish, meat, and so on). How much you receive from the EBT card depends on different aspects such as your state, how much you earn, and your household size.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

When people go through poverty, they find themselves in a tight spot. They might earn too much to be eligible for Medicaid yet not earn enough to handle private health insurance expenses. This is where CHIP plays a part. CHIP is a healthcare assistance option that supports families. With CHIP, kids that are up to the age of 19 can receive low-cost healthcare. However, each program differs based on the state that administers it.

Housing Choice Voucher Program 

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a housing support option for low-income Americans. A lot of people know it as Section 8. This option offers support through housing vouchers to those that are eligible. In terms of eligibility, it depends on several aspects like income, eviction background, household size, and more. How much these vouchers cover will be based on these eligibility conditions.

Recipients have the option of using these vouchers on properties that allow them as payment! Additionally, those that receive assistance can choose their own home. However, it might be a challenge to find a home that accepts vouchers as payment. Section 8 also has waitlists that can last from months to years, so you might not receive housing support as fast as you hoped.

Overall

UBI is a government program that regularly offers every American adult a specific amount of money. The aim of this kind of support option is to help people in poverty and substitute other needs-based welfare programs from the government. Currently, there is no UBI in the United States, but there are local options that can provide a set income. Additionally, there are other government assistance options that can support paying for basic needs. This includes TANF, SNAP, CHIP, and Section 8. It would not hurt to check them out; they might help you out!

A lot of people want a fresh start when it comes to their financial situation. As a matter of fact, the United States has debt in taxes worth approximately $527 billion. Fortunately, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognizes that a lot of people are facing debt. This is why they have the Fresh Start Program, which offers support in helping people with debt. Let us take a look at how the Fresh Start Program might be able to help your finances.

Understanding The Fresh Start Program

When individuals consider the Fresh Start Program, they might think of only one debt relief option. The Fresh Start Program is actually a general term for a wide range of IRS debt relief assistance. The main idea of this program is to offer support to taxpayers in managing their debt and penalties while abiding by the law. There is a wide range of options out there for people to handle their debt. The most suitable way to work on the debt will differ based on the current situation. The IRS issued this program in 2011 because they wanted taxpayers to get in good financial condition through debt relief options. This offers taxpayers a chance to manage their tax debt without worrying about penalties such as:

• Wage Garnishments
• Liens and Levies
• Time in Jail

The most suitable way to manage your debt can differ. It is important to contact an expert in taxes for you to understand your best option. Debt relief opportunities that belong to this program include the following:

• Currently Non-Collectible (CNC)
• Installment Agreement (IA)
• Offer in Compromise (OIC)
• Penalty Abatement

Currently Non-Collectible (CNC)

Individuals tend to avoid the IRS as a way to solve any issues with their taxes. Avoiding is not the right call and it will not help you out of your situation, either. Rather, a CNC status might be the most suitable option for you. The CNC tax program prevents your tax debt from collecting. This is a great debt relief opportunity for individuals that need to pay off money to the IRS and cannot pay it back. A taxpayer will be recognized by the IRS/State if their gross income per month is less than their allowable expenses based on national standards. When you reach that limit, your financial background will prove that you cannot pay what you owe without struggling financially. This is why the program puts a hold on your tax debt collection.

What are the Advantages of the CNC Program?

Many advantages are associated with this relief option. The greatest advantage is the fact that taxpayers can receive support for their huge tax bills. There is no need for anxiety about tax debt collection. Other than that advantage, another benefit to the CNC program is that the IRS or any other state taxing authority will prevent penalties for taxpayers. This includes bank levies, the seizing of assets, and more.

Another advantage of this program is that there is a possibility that you will not need to repay your tax debt once you participate in the CNC program. When you have a CNC status, the statute of limitation on your tax debt will still go on. Better known as the IRS Expiration of Statutes (CSED), the IRS considers your debt as disqualified for collection, in the case that the debt extends until the 10-year statute on your back taxes.

Installment Agreement (IA)

Sometimes, at the end of the year, individuals owe taxes that they might not be able to pay in full. If they are unable to make payments, they might find themselves dealing with fees, penalties, and maybe an arrest. This is where an IRS Installment Agreement plays a role. Typically, the IRS and state taxing authorities can offer taxpayers the chance to repay their debt in installments and payment plans. This offers taxpayers the opportunity with more time to pay off their debt.

How To Qualify for an Installment Agreement

If you cannot repay your tax debt, then you might gain a lot from this opportunity. However, to benefit, you need to:

• Stay on top of your filed tax returns
• Offer disclosure on your cash and assets
• Provide evidence that you cannot repay the amount you owe
• Provide evidence that you are unable to borrow the amount you need to pay from a lender

Offer in Compromise (OIC)

The OIC program can offer support to people that are interested in settling their delinquent taxes for a lower expense than they actually owe. If you are interested in decreasing the amount you owe, then this might be the right option for you! It is important to keep in mind that not anyone can gain from this program. You need to fill out an application. Unfortunately, even if you are eligible, the IRS only allows less than half the amount of applicants per year.

What You Should Know About the OIC Program

When you are filling out your application, you should consider the help of a tax expert. They can guide people in the right direction and make sure that your application has a greater chance of getting accepted. If you are interested in benefiting from this program, then you can only receive approval if you have completely followed through with all your old tax returns. Typically, the IRS looks through a background of six years.

When you fill out your application, then you will need to send it. Once you send in your application, the IRS looks through your current finances to understand whether you can pay off your tax debt or not. You might need to offer additional information about yourself.

Penalty Abatement

The IRS is known for its penalties and consequences. Taxpayers will automatically receive penalties through their digital system. People need to be careful since penalties can accumulate faster than they think. Additionally, it can lead from a high tax debt to an even higher tax debt. In the case that you are looking at penalties from the IRS, you could gain a lot from penalty abatement. This could be a challenge, which is why you should consider contacting a tax expert, similar to other options in this article. On the other hand, it is incredibly important to consider professional support because the penalty abatement application could include IRS terminology, codes, and processes that could be challenging to understand.

The Importance of Reasonable Cause

When recognizing the penalties, you should provide evidence of reasonable cause that results in you not being able to manage your tax debt. Popular examples of reasonable cause are:

• Natural disasters
• Disturbances
• Lack of ability to obtain records
• Death of a taxpayer’s family member
• Serious medical conditions of the taxpayer or of a taxpayer’s family member

No matter what the reasonable cause is that resulted in the lack of managing tax debt, you should present documents to prove it.

How to Qualify and Apply for the IRS Fresh Start Program

Now that you understand the different relief opportunities under the IRS Fresh Start Program, it is important that you know how to qualify. Each option focuses on helping a different target group. This means that you can probably find an option to help out with your finances. You should contact a tax expert that will know which option fits your financial needs best.

The IRS set eligibility requirements to create a trusting relationship with taxpayers and to hold them accountable. Some of these requirements include the following:

• Single filers cannot make more than $100,000 per year
• Joint filers cannot make more than $200,000 per year
• Self-employed individuals need to offer evidence of a 25% drop in net income
• A person’s tax balance must be lower than $50,000 before the year ends

If you are interested in applying for this program, you should look for the right eligibility form. Each relief opportunity under the Fresh Start Program will have its own version of forms. When filling out eligibility forms, you need to make sure that you provide accurate and honest information.

Overall

If you are a taxpayer that is currently going through tax debt, then you might be able to gain a lot from the Fresh Start Program. There is a wide range of different debt relief options through this program, such as:

• Currently Non-Collectible (CNC)
• Installment Agreement (IA)
• Offer in Compromise (OIC)
• Penalty Abatement

If you are interested in looking for the best debt relief opportunity to help your situation, then you should contact a tax expert. These experts can guide you in the right direction and help you with your application. Generally, you should start working on the application process as soon as possible. This can make it easy for you to get around dealing with any consequences when you are managing your tax situation.

There’s plenty of important information that’s important to keep in mind with Medicare. One specific benefit is a flex card. These cards can be super helpful but many people have no idea that these cards are available. However, it’s important to understand these cards because they may be a great opportunity for what you’re dealing with! 

What Are Medicare Flex Cards?

People usually think that Medicare flex cards are similar to regular debit cards. However, they can only be used to purchase eligible medical products like medical equipment. In general, these cards work with flexible spending accounts and are accepted by all eligible health plans across the country. It is the private insurance companies that issue these cards. 

It is crucial to remember that these plans usually differ depending on the plan and the carrier. For instance, the spending cap for one plan may be different from the spending cap for a different plan that a different carrier provides. Moreover, since private insurance companies issue flex cards, they are a part of Medicare Advantage plans.

Using a Flex Card

Eligible holders of flex cards can only use them to pay for qualifying medical expenses. The qualifications will be outlined in the particular plan. However, a few examples of acceptable goods are:

• Co-payments
• Deductibles
• Dental care
• Diagnostic devices
• Hearing care
• Vision care
• Medical equipment
• Prescriptions
• OTC medications
• Other medically necessary expenses

How Can I Get a Flex Card? 

Medicare comes in two main types: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Only Medicare Advantage Plans may offer these cards, therefore the difference is significant. Even though these cards are not offered by all Medicare Advantage plans, they may be available for some plans offered by particular carriers. If you want to receive one of those cards, you have to be living in an area where at least one of these plans is available. You must enroll in your Medicare Advantage Plan within an appropriate Medicare enrollment period if there is a plan you are interested in!

The fact that applicants to Medicare Advantage plans are exempt from answering health underwriting questions is one of its advantages. Because these questions are not mandatory, people will not be denied coverage if they have a pre-existing condition. Nonetheless, there are still rules that people must follow. This involves following the terms of the plan, which may include strict networks and higher out-of-pocket costs. As a result, it is critical to ensure that the plan you choose can offer the services you need.

How Many Benefits Can Flex Cards Offer?

Depending on the plan, a flex card can offer a range of different amounts. In 2022, the average flex card typically offered $500. The card has this amount already loaded onto it.

What Is the Difference Between Flex Cards and Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medigap plans, also referred to as Medicare Supplement Plans, are different from Medicare Advantage Plans as they do not provide flex cards. Medigap is available through private insurance providers. Regardless, it is still an extension of Original Medicare. By filling in the gaps in Original Medicare, Medigap Plans can assist beneficiaries in reducing their out-of-pocket expenses.

How Do Medicare Advantage Plans Differ From Original Medicare?

It is crucial to know this difference because flex cards are only available through Medicare Advantage Plans (as we mentioned earlier). You should thoroughly understand the many components of Medicare before understanding the various plans. There are 4 parts: A, B, C, and D. Part C refers to Medicare Advantage Plans, which we will have a closer look at later in this article! Parts A, B, and D are as follows:

Hospital Insurance (Part A) refers to the insurance that provides coverage for the majority of medically essential inpatient hospital care. It also includes hospice care, home health care, and skilled nursing facility (SNF) care.

Medical Insurance (Part B) refers to the coverage that includes:

• The majority of doctor visits that are medically necessary, 
• Preventative care, 
• Durable medical equipment (DME), 
• Hospital outpatient care, 
• X-rays,
• Laboratory tests, 
• Mental health services, and more.

Prescription drug coverage is provided by Medicare under Part D of the Medicare program. If you have Original Medicare, you can get this part through a private company as a standalone plan, or if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can purchase this part as a collection of benefits.

Part C in a Word

Knowing the components of Medicare can help you understand how Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans differ. Original Medicare is a term used to describe a fee-for-service health plan that consists of Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage Plans, on the other hand, are an alternative plan choice that can offer Part A and Part B coverage (and Part D coverage for the most part). This plan, known as Part C, is available through private companies that have received approval from Medicare and must abide by the standards and regulations that Medicare establishes. They can offer flex cards because they can come with extra perks based on the plan.

Bottom Line

Medicare consists of some essential components. Because of this, it might be tricky to understand all the details and advantages. Flex cards are one perk in particular. These cards work similarly to debit cards except that they are pre-loaded with money that can only be used to purchase eligible medical items, such as:

• Co-payments
• Deductibles
• Dental care
• Diagnostic devices
• Hearing care
• Vision care
• Medical equipment
• Prescriptions
• OTC medications
• Other medically necessary expenses

It is crucial to remember that the precise conditions will change depending on the plan and provider. However, the typical pre-loaded value for flex cards in 2022 is $500. They can only be obtained via Medicare Advantage Plans. You should visit the medicare.gov website if you want to know more details or have any questions about these cards. They will have all of the necessary information you might need. You cannot imagine how much assistance these cards can offer you! Who knows, you may be in for an unexpected surprise.

Saving money can be easier than you think. By making changes to your daily life, you can save a lot of money! While habits can be hard to change, you will find that it becomes easier with time. That is why this article is going to go over some tips that may be able to help you. 

Habits to Let Go of to Save Money 

When it comes to saving money, there are some things that you may be able to do in order to see significant improvements to your savings. You will want to make sure to avoid the following daily habits when trying to make the most out of your money:

• Getting Coffee Daily 
• Regularly Ordering Take-Out and Eating at a Restaurant  
• Not Following a Daily Budget
• Not Taking Advantage of Your Groceries
• Keeping Electronic Devices Plugged In When You Are Not Using Them
• Not Saving Your Chunk of Change
• Purchasing More Than the Essentials

Going Out For Coffee On the Daily

Many people feel like they can’t start their mornings without buying a cup of coffee. There are many coffee chains available such as Starbucks, Dunkin, and more. In fact, Americans spend approximately $1,100 per year on buying coffee! That means Americans are spending approximately $92 per month on just coffee. However, making coffee at home is easier and much more budget-friendly. You can even buy the ingredients needed to create your perfect cup-o-joe! As an example, if you normally ask for a caramel iced coffee with whipped cream, you can instead gather the ingredients for this drink. That way, you only pay a fraction of the total cost that you would’ve spent at a coffee shop.

Regularly Ordering Take-Out and Eating at a Restaurant

Many people do not like to cook. Other than that, there are a lot of people who do not know how to cook or dislike the cleaning process that comes after cooking. No matter what the reason may be, regularly eating out or ordering take out can cost you a lot of money. It is so cost-effective to cook! While going out every once in a while can be good for you, eating at home almost every day should be your main goal. For instance, on average, a meal that you cook at home costs about $4 worth of groceries. Let’s say that you go out to dine at a restaurant, which would cost about $13. That meal is about 325% more expensive! You can figure out just how much you can save by simply using the groceries you buy.

Not Following a Daily Budget

If you are not following a daily budget, then you should start to. A daily budget can help you stay on top of your finances and make sure that you are meeting financial goals. There are many free tools online that can help you make a budget that you can update daily. One tool, in particular, is accessible through Google Sheets! There is a template for a daily budget that you can create and use each day. All you need to do is add when you receive your paycheck and when you spend money. You can even set goals for yourself in this tool. The best part is the fact that it is easy to see your progress and make sure you are meeting your expectations for the month.

Not Taking Advantage of Your Groceries

You should make sure that you are taking advantage of your groceries as much as possible. When you are shopping for groceries, you might want to consider using any coupons you have. As a matter of fact, coupons are very important to the typical American family, since they could save $1,465 per year. Furthermore, once you buy your groceries, you need to make sure that you do not waste any of the food you buy. Properly storing your groceries and using them when you need to is a healthy habit to start. A great way to do that is by planning your meals for the week. Meal prep can help you know what groceries you will use and when, so they do not end up spoiled!

Keeping Electronic Devices Plugged In When You Are Not Using Them

Many people think that shutting electronic devices off saves them a lot of money. That is not always the case! Electronic devices consume energy even if they are shut off but are still plugged in. You can save a lot of money when you unplug your devices. You can also think about getting a surge protector. Typically, a surge protector will help to cut off all of the energy that the electronic devices do not use.

Not Saving Your Chunk of Change

Oftentimes, people think that the change they have isn’t worth much so they don’t end up saving it how they should. This change can actually accumulate with time! At the end of each day, you should take all of the change you have and put it aside. Once you have a good amount of change, you can go to a coin counter to exchange it for actual dollars.

Purchasing More Than the Essentials

While it can be tempting to spend money on the latest fashion trends, going to the hair salon or nail salon, the truth is that it is not good for your budget. You should focus on purchasing what you need over what you want. If you already have a lot of clothes, then you do not need to purchase more. If you buy your groceries for the week ahead and have food at home, then there is no point in going out. You need to be stricter with your needs versus your wants!

The Final Verdict

There are many ways to save money. There are daily habits that you can get rid of to help you save in the long term. Some of these habits include:

• Going Out For Coffee on the Daily
• Regularly Ordering Take-Out and Eating at a Restaurant
• Not Following a Daily Budget
• Not Taking Advantage of Your Groceries
• Keeping Electronic Devices Plugged In When You Are Not Using Them
• Not Saving Your Chunk of Change
• Purchasing More Than the Essentials

No matter how you decide to save money, it is important to be consistent. If you want extra support to find out the best way to manage your finances, then you may benefit from contacting a professional.

Groceries are an important expense that households need to deal with in one way or another. However, when you are facing financial issues, you might find that purchasing food is more difficult than usual. Many American households prefer to pay for housing and other bills instead of groceries.  The federal government created a food assistance program to support low-income households and people. The program that can offer nutritional support is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Things to Know About SNAP

SNAP is also commonly known as food stamps. This program can offer nutritional assistance to eligible low-income families and people. However, a majority of people who get benefits are households with kids. This is an assistance option that the federal government funds to help low-income families. The federal government distributes the funds to states since states are in charge of operating the program.

If you get approval to receive SNAP benefits, then you will get an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that gets deposited funds each month. Recipients get these funds and use them in locations that allow this type of payment. You also want to keep in mind that funds can only go towards eligible items! This article will tell you everything about SNAP. 

Qualifying for SNAP

Various American households appreciate the help they get from SNAP. SNAP benefits make it easier for American households to deal with groceries. Generally, you need to know that eligibility requirements and benefit levels are widely standardized across America. States have the chance to update sections of the program since they are in charge of its operation. If you want to figure out whether or not you are eligible, then you will need to get in touch with your state agency and submit an application. They decide whether or not you qualify to get SNAP benefits.

These applications are free of charge, so you do not need to worry about wasting money. If you were able to get approval for benefits, then you can get benefits back from the date that you presented your application. You need to apply as soon as you can! The state defines eligibility criteria. You will find that the program prioritizes recipients based on their needs.

There are also some ineligibility criteria to keep in mind. That’s because some people may think they are eligible but actually aren’t. Higher education students, some legal immigrants, and people on strike cannot get food assistance, no matter what their income level. However, you should apply, even if you believe that you might not be eligible!

The application is free of charge and the worst that can happen is that you will be ineligible to get benefits. In that case, you will just move on to another assistance program. To keep it simple, you will not lose any money or any sleep!

SNAP Limitations: What are They?

Similar to other federal assistance opportunities, there are limitations on the benefits you will get from SNAP. However, every person’s situation is different, which is something that SNAP takes into consideration. One restriction that you might come across is that people who do not have kids can get up to three months of benefits. The only exception is that you need to work at least 20 hours per week or take part in qualifying assistance programs. In addition, states can decide to add other restrictions on SNAP benefits which include employment requirements, regulations, and so on.

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits

As we mentioned before, SNAP is a program that the federal government funds. In addition, the state is responsible for operating SNAP. That’s important to keep in mind because states will have their own application process. You should apply for SNAP in your current state. To begin the application process, you will need to get in touch with your state agency. There are different ways that you can contact your state agency, which include:

• Making an appointment with your local SNAP office
• Visiting your state agency’s website online
• Making a phone call on your state’s SNAP toll-free number

Depending on your state, you can fill out an online application. Once you send in your application, you can find out whether or not you are generally eligible within 30 days. During the time the program processes your application, you will need to attend an eligibility interview and confirm your income level. This will ensure that all the details and documents you present on your application are clear and verified. The protocol for the interview depends on each state. Usually, you can attend interviews on the phone or in person.

What Can You Purchase With Food Stamps?

Not every grocery item can be bought with SNAP funds. The grocery items that you can buy are as follows:

• Meat, Poultry, Fish
• Bread and Cereal
• Snack foods
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Dairy products
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and/or plants that make food for the family to consume.
• Other foods that are similar to the ones listed above

Keep in mind that SNAP payments are not accepted to buy any and every kind of groceries. There are so many items that you are not allowed to purchase which includes:

• Live animals (with certain exceptions)
• Vitamins, medications, supplements
• Alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, liquor
• Tobacco products such as cigarettes
• Non-food products

Bottom Line

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a popular food assistance opportunity that many individuals can gain from. If you are going through financial struggles, then you should consider applying for SNAP. It is a federally-funded program, but states are in charge of operating the program. This means that you will need to get in touch with your state’s agency when you begin your application. After presenting your application, you can expect to figure out your application status within 30 days. If the program accepts your application, then you will receive a certain amount of money per month on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. This card will automatically be refilled each month until your benefits expire.

The amount of benefits you get is based on several factors. This could include your family size, your income level, or more. If you have any questions, you should get in touch with your state’s agency. They can answer all of your questions and tell you about any limitations on SNAP benefits! 

Dealing with bills is difficult for many people in the U.S. If you are struggling with paying bills, you are not alone! The federal government created the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Many folks do not know about this program, however, this article can provide some useful information on this program and guide you in the right direction if you want to take advantage of it!

What is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?

LIHEAP is a government program that aims to assist qualified low-income Americans. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is in charge of this assistance program. However, the management and administration of the program is the responsibility of local and state LIHEAP offices. This program can help people who qualify with:

• Payment of bills
• The cost of energy used towards heating
• The cost of energy used towards cooling
• Energy-related home repairs
• Assistance with the energy crisis

Keep in mind this program does not normally assist with water or sewer bills. There may, however, be exceptions. When water is used for air conditioning, for instance, that might be an exception. In this scenario, LIHEAP funding could be used to pay water bills.

Who is Eligible for LIHEAP?

It should be clear that this program is not for everyone to benefit from. Instead, only individuals who meet certain criteria are eligible for assistance. There are multiple ways in which a person may be able to qualify for LIHEAP. A person, for example, may automatically qualify for LIHEAP if they also participate in other government programs such as:

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income) 

You can qualify even if you are not a participant in any of the qualifying programs. You only need to make sure that you meet other eligibility criteria. This includes making sure that your income is not too high. You must keep your annual household income within certain limitations. It is critical to keep in mind that the following limits apply are pre-tax income:

• $21,870 is the maximum yearly income for a one-person household.
• $29,580 is the maximum yearly income for a two-person household.
• $37,290 is the maximum yearly income for a three-person household.
• $45,000 is the maximum yearly income for a four-person household.
• $52,710 is the maximum yearly income for a five-person household.
• $60,420 is the maximum yearly income for a six-person household.
• $68,130 is the maximum yearly income for a seven-person household.
• $75,840 is the maximum yearly income for an eight-person household.
• An extra $7,710 per additional person is available for households with more than 8 members.

While the list above is a fantastic place to start when it comes to information, you should check with the managing agency of this program in your locality to ensure you have the most correct and up-to-date information.

How Do I Get LIHEAP?

Each state will have a different application process if you want to participate in this program. For further details, you should get in touch with your local LIHEAP office. You can also get in touch with the LIHEAP office in your state if you are having trouble reaching someone at your local LIHEAP office.

Questions and Answers About LIHEAP

People usually have questions when they hear about a support program. These frequently asked questions could provide you with some context if you are in the same situation.

Can LIHEAP Cover the Full Cost of Your Utility Bill?

This program most likely will not be able to cover all of your energy bills. That is because LIHEAP was never intended to do so.  Generally, consumers can only receive assistance from their main heating source. Therefore, if gas was your main source of heating, this program might be able to assist with your gas bill but not your electricity bill.

How Can LIHEAP Save On Your Future Energy Bills?

This program might be able to assist beneficiaries cut their energy costs in the future through energy-related home repairs (also known as weatherization). The following are some typical repairs:

• Repairing leaky doors
• Installing insulation
• Repairing leaky windows
• Repairing damaged or inefficient heating and cooling systems
• Replacing malfunctioning or insufficient heating and cooling systems

Other Programs That Might Help

Other than LIHEAP, other programs may be able to help. We will talk about some of the programs that could make you immediately eligible for LIHEAP. These kinds of programs include:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The states and territories that participate in this program receive funding to run their own versions of it. No matter where the program is located, its objective is to assist low-income families with children achieve economic self-sufficiency. It is able to help with this goal by providing financial aid, child care assistance, employment assistance, and other forms of support. 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

People frequently struggle with the expenses of groceries every day. For this reason, the government also provides this opportunity for assistance with getting food. Recipients who meet the requirements can get an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card through SNAP. This card will get funds each month that can be used to purchase eligible foods at stores that accept these cards as payment.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Those who meet the program’s requirements, who may have little or no income/resources, may get assistance. This applies to those with disabilities, people who are blind, or seniors. The assistance provided by this program can include financial aid to give beneficiaries enough money to pay for necessities like food, housing, and clothing.

In Conclusion

You have a wide range of options to think about when it comes to different opportunities of support. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one of those options. With the aid of this program, beneficiaries may be eligible for:

• Payment of bills
• The cost of energy used towards heating
• The cost of energy used towards cooling
• Energy-related home repairs
• Assistance with the energy crisis

You must contact the LIHEAP office in your immediate area if you are interested in this program. If you are having trouble contacting that office, you can get in touch with the LIHEAP office in your state. It is critical to remember that each state will have different requirements for the application process, rules, program eligibility, and other things. You might be eligible for benefits from programs other than LIHEAP such as:

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income) 

You just need to know where to start looking to find support possibilities to consider!

The information in this article is not up-to-date. Check out our new article for the latest details!

American citizens occasionally have to deal with various expenses, whether it’s housing, food, utilities, or anything else. The price of the internet is another regular expense that consumers need to deal with. Actually, during the country’s lockdowns, many people noticed how their internet was unable to keep up with needs such as education, employment, healthcare, and more. The government recognized that certain people may require assistance in accessing this service. That is why the Affordable Connectivity Program was created.

Understanding the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides ACP as one of its supportive programs for people in need. This program provides households that meet the requirements with a monthly internet subscription savings of up to $30. Families that live on qualified tribal lands are eligible for a discount of up to $75 per month, which is an even greater savings opportunity. 

Households can earn a one-time discount of up to $100 towards the purchase of an electronic item such as a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer in addition to the monthly discount. It is important to remember that you must buy the electronics from participating vendors (so long as they contribute more than $10 but less than $50 to the cost of the purchase). Only one device discount and one monthly service discount are available per household.

ACP Eligibility

Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to qualify for this program. Each year, the Federal Poverty Guidelines might change. Nonetheless, the income limits for households in the 48 contiguous states, D.C., and Territories in 2023 would be as follows:

• $29,160 for a household of one
• $39,440 for a two-person family
• $49,720 for a family of 3
• $60,000 for a family of 4
• $70,280 for a family of 5
• $80,560 for a family of 6
• $90,840 for a family of 7
• $101,120 for a family of 8
• Another $10,280 for each additional individual

The income limits for households in Hawaii and Alaska are different though. The Alaska income limits in 2023 are:

• $36,420 for a household of one
• $49,280 for a two-person family
• $62,140 for a family of 3
• $75,000 for a family of 4
• $87,860 for a family of 5
• $100,720 for a family of 6
• $113,580 for a family of 7
• $126,440 for a family of 8
• An additional $12,860 for every additional individual

On the other hand, the Hawaii income limits in 2023 are:

• $33,540 for a household of one
• $45,360 for a two-person family
• $57,180 for a family of 3
• $69,000 for a family of 4
• $80,820 for a family of 5
• $92,640 for a family of 6
• $104,460 for a family of 7
• $116,280 for a family of 8
• An additional $11,820 for every additional individual

What Else?

Additionally, households can be eligible if one of the following applies to a member of their family:

• During the current award year, received a Federal Pell Grant.
• Meets the requirements for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program.
• Have received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Public Housing, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), the Veterans Pension, the Survivor Benefits, or Lifeline.
• Receives benefits from the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or (income-based) Tribal Head Start.

How to Apply for ACP?

The federal website AffordableConnectivity.gov is where you should go if you want to take advantage of this assistance option. On this website, you may apply. You can also choose to print out an application and mail it in.

To apply the discount to your plan, your provider (if they are participating) might ask you to fill out a different application. To choose a service plan, you must both apply for the program and get in touch with a participating provider.

Other ACP Benefits to Remember

In addition to affordable services, the program provides participants with other benefits. These benefits include the following:

• Finding a service package for clients that satisfies both their needs and their budget.
• Make sure that clients may be able to get internet services regardless of their credit history.
• Ensuring that service providers cannot stop clients from benefiting from this program, even if they have unpaid bills.
• Protecting clients from being forced to purchase pricey, poor plans to receive ACP benefits.
• Ensuring that early termination fees are not the responsibility of the client.
• Financial support through discounts reduces the chance of financial difficulty.
• Allowing clients to switch service providers or plans.
• Being able to file a complaint about ACP with the FCC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consumers typically have questions after hearing about ACP. Here are answers to some questions that you could also have.

Which Service Providers Participate in the ACP?

ACP has a large number of service providers. There will be many operators in each location. As a result, you may find that multiple participating providers are available in some areas. Reach out to local service providers for further information. Furthermore, a list of participating providers is available on this government website, sorted by state and territory.

Will I Receive the Discount Funds Directly Each Month?

Not exactly! Households who participate in this program will not receive the discount funds directly. Alternatively, the participating service provider would get those funds. The service that the household receives can then be applied by the provider.

How Many Households Are Eligible For ACP Benefits?

Millions of households benefit from the ACP. There were more than 10 million participating households as of February 2023. Even though there are millions of participants right now, there are still a lot of individuals who may be able to use this option for aid but do not even know about it.

Where Can I Find More Details About This Program?

You can visit this government website to check out additional commonly asked questions. It has a ton of resources and can give you a lot of information. You may also contact the ACP Support Center by calling 877-384-2575 if you need to speak with someone.

Bottom Line

Finding an internet service that satisfies your requirements and budget can be a challenge for many people. Therefore,  check to see whether you are eligible for programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Applying for and meeting the requirements of this program may be easy if you currently get government assistance or are low income. You should get in touch with your local service providers for more information on your possibilities. On the other hand, there is so much information available online or by calling the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575.