February 2009 Topic - Government Help & Grants

01.  Government Help & Grants
02.  Food Stamps & Medicaid
03.  Women, Infants and Children & Child Care Assistance
04.  Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
       & Cash Assistance

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1.Government Help

Where do you want to be when you are 55? What do you want to accomplish? How much do you want to have invested? These are all questions I am sure most of us have pondered from time to time. The conflict now is worrying about tomorrow. Our unemployment rate has reached a record high. Americans are losing their investments, retirement savings and homes more than ever. Everyday Americans are struggling just to financially survive.

Our President has put into place a $787 Billion Stimulus package that will give some relief. Included in this package is a $25 a week increase in unemployment benefits, as well as some tax breaks that will be available to those people who qualify. He has also designated a large amount of TARP money into infrastructures, which will produce more jobs. Will this be the answer to our economic crisis? Only time will tell. Unfortunately, while waiting for any positive effects we still have bills piling up and expenses that need to be paid.

Many people do not realize how much government help is available. Federally funded programs are available in your area; however, individuals that need the aid the most are not utilizing it. I encourage all of you to look in your communities to see what your city and state offers as well. You can find out through the Internet what programs are out there. Check out your states website for social services that they provide.

The majority of the time they are not publicized, however with a little research you may be astonished as to what you find. In this newsletter we will go over helpful assistance that is nationally available to those who qualify.

2. Government Grants

What are Grants?

A Grant is money given to someone for a specific purpose and does not require repayment.

How many grants can I apply for?

Any US citizen has the right to apply for as many grants as they choose. There is no limit as to the amount of help you may receive, however all grants have certain qualifications that must me met.

How do I find out what grants are available to me?

Your best search tool is the Internet. Some websites that include helpful information are www.govbenefits.gov, www.usa.gov, www.cfda.gov and www.grants.gov. You will need to narrow down your search criteria to a specific area.

What is my next step after finding grants I am interested in?

Research the qualifications for the grant. The majority of grant programs will accept many applicants, however there is a limited amount of funding. You want to be sure to prove that you are the best candidate for this donation. An abundance of applications will be submitted and yours needs to detail why you surpass the other respondents.

If I am approved what happens next?

It all depends on the type of grant you are receiving. It is possible that the money will be sent directly to what you were applying for, such as school. However, in some cases the grant holders will send a check to you in the mail.

2. Food Stamps & Medicaid

What are food stamps?

They are funds that are put onto a bankcard that can be used to buy food. These funds are given to people who qualify and the funds are disbursed monthly.

Who can qualify for food stamps?

The qualifications are as follows:

Must have a social security number

Must be a US citizen, or qualified alien.

Financial situation

What are the work requirements for receiving food stamps?

Depending on how old you are you may be required to fulfill a work requirement. This requirement will limit the amount of time you are eligible to receive food stamps. There are exemptions from this for instance if you are pregnant, caring for a child, or unable to work due to a disability or other medical problem.

How do I receive my food stamps?

These funds are given electronically through an Electronics Benefits Transfer card, which is like a credit card, each month. You are given a pin number to use at the grocery store. If all of your funds are not used in one month they can carry over, however some will expire after 60 days.

What can I buy with the food stamps?

You can buy food or plants and seeds to grow your own food. There is no sales tax on food purchased with these funds. It is important to tell the cashier that you are using these funds so that she can separate the items accordingly.

What can I not buy with food stamps?

Alcohol beverages or tobacco

Prepared hot food

Pet supplies or food

Soap detergent or cleaning supplies

Paper products

Medicaid

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a state program that makes payments to your health care provider if you qualify. Each state sets its own guidelines for qualifications.

If I qualify do I have to pay anything toward it?

Some states require that you pay co payments toward doctor visits and hospital stays. It will all depend on the state guidelines where you reside.

Are children eligible for Medicaid?

Yes, even if you are not eligible for Medicaid. If you have a child living with you that is not your own that child may be eligible. The state will not look at your income or resources for that child.

What assets does Medicaid look at to consider eligibility?

They will look at all liquid assets. These include but are not limited to real estate, bank accounts, trust funds, personal property, vehicles and stocks or bonds.

Am I allowed to keep my home and vehicle?

Yes as long as the applicant, legal spouse of the applicant or the children occupy the home. The applicant is also allowed to keep one vehicle.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a program funded by the Federal Government. This program is designed for people with disabilities or elderly people 65 or older. Medicaid is state administered and designed for people who cannot afford health insurance. Also this program does not give you money directly instead it sends it directly to your health care provider.

3. Women, Infants and Children & Child Care Assistance

What is WIC?

WIC stands for women, infant and children. WIC provides federal grants to states to fund this program. This program provides food, health care referrals and nutrition education for low-income mothers.

Who is eligible for WIC?

Low-income women who are pregnant, breast feeding and non-breast feeding post partum women. This program is also available to infants and children up to age 5.

What is nutrition risk?

There are 2 types of nutrition risk that WIC looks at:

1. Medically based risks such as underweight or overweight, or medical problems such as anemia.

2. Failure to meet the nutritional guidelines.

How long can I receive WIC for?

WIC is generally a short-term program depending on your situation. The terms range from 6 months to one year. After your term has expired you must reapply if you are still interested in receiving the benefits.

How many people receive WIC?

8 million people currently receive WIC benefits each month.

Who gets first priority for WIC benefits?

WIC does not have an endless supply of funds therefore there is an order that is followed for benefits which is listed below

Pregnant women, breast feeding women, and infants under 6 months of age with serious medical problems and that are at nutritional risk.

Children up to age 5 with medical problems and at nutrition risk.

Pregnant women, breast feeding women and infants under 6 months of age at nutrition risk because of a poor diet.

Children up to age 5 at nutrition risk because of a poor diet.

Women who are not breast feeding with any nutrition risk.

How do I apply?

There are phone numbers on the site below for each state
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Contacts/tollfreenumbers.htm

3.Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) & Cash Assistance

How do I know if my state offers children care assistance?

Each state offers assistance with paying for childcare through Child Care Development Fund (CCDF).

How do I know if I would qualify?

You want to contact your local state or local agency. Some guidelines are followed by every state and they are listed below.


• You must need childcare to work or go to school.
• Your income must meet state guidelines
• Your child must be younger than 13

Where can I get more information?

To find out detailed information on your states guidelines please go to http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/statedata/dirs/display.cfm?title=ccdf

If I qualify will I get to choose where my child attends day care?

All states will allow you to choose from various places like childcare centers, friends and relatives.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

What is LIHEAP?

It is a federal program designed to help lower income families with their utility bills such as heating and cooling their homes.

How do I know if I am eligible for assistance?

Visit the following website and click on the state that you reside in http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/grantees/states.html

If I already receive government help such as Medicaid and food stamps do I receive this help as well?

No, you must apply for help through LIHEAP, however LIHEAP does have the option to automatically qualify you but they are not required to.

I received LIHEAP and now my income has changed. What do I do?

If your income increases you are not required to inform the agency unless you are expected to receive more benefits this year.

Is there a phone number to call to get more information or apply?

Yes, you may contact 866-674-6327.

Cash Assistance

What is cash assistance?

This is a state and federally funded program that provides low-income families with financial help on a monthly basis.

Who does this program provide assistance to?

This program is designed for families with children and pregnant women who have low or no income.

What are the requirements?

This is a federally funded program, however the state that you reside in has the determination on final guidelines.

The federal guidelines are as follows:


• Must be pregnant or have a child under 18
• Meet income and asset limits
• Be a US citizen or legal alien

In order to qualify for any government program does my family have to be poverty level?

No, each program offered to citizens sets their own criteria and usually poverty level is not required.

What is considered poverty level in 2009?
People in Family	Poverty Guideline
1.	$10,830
2.	$14,750
3.	$18,310
4.	$22,050
5.	$25,790
6.	$29,530
7.	$33,270
8.	$37,010

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Got a question? Then contact our Education Team on 561-883-2398 Ex.310 United conducts regular seminars on financial education, including "How to Budget", come along and join us. To reserve your seat contact our Education Team on 561-883-2398 Ex.310

Newsletter 01
Rev.1
January, 2008