Financial wellness is a journey, and Benefits.gov provides information and help. From their Benefits Bulletin:
January marks Financial Wellness Month, a time for everyone to reflect on our financial health and take proactive steps towards achieving financial stability. In the spirit of this month, we’re highlighting a variety of government financial assistance programs that can serve as lifelines during challenging times.
Unemployment Benefits
Losing a job can be a challenging experience. Unemployment benefit programs provide a financial safety net by helping individuals and their families meet basic needs during a job search.
- The Unemployment Insurance (UI) program provides temporary financial assistance to eligible individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own.
- American Job Centers offer a range of free services to job seekers including training, career planning, and connections to job openings and local hiring events.
- The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is another option for unemployed or underemployed households. TANF provides grant funds to states to provide families with financial assistance and support services.
Housing Assistance
For those facing difficulties in meeting housing-related expenses, there are several government programs that can help.
- The Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants program provides loans to eligible, low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. For people aged 62 and older, this program also offers grants that can be used to remove health and safety hazards from homes.
- The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) provides rental assistance to eligible, low-income families. Through this program, participants receive vouchers that subsidize a portion of their rent, making the cost of housing more affordable.
- The Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can assist eligible, low-income households with their energy bills, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs. By helping cover costs such as heating and cooling, LIHEAP ensures that participants can maintain a comfortable and safe living environment.
Healthcare and Medical Assistance
Healthcare assistance programs, like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), ensure that individuals and their families have access to essential medical services. These programs help ease the financial burden of medical expenses, allowing people to prioritize their health without the fear of unmanageable costs.