Money Saving Tips: low income assistance - billeater.com

Financial Resources for the Cash-Strapped

Jessica Bosari — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

In today's slow economy, many people struggle to meet their expenses on a daily basis. Fathers worry about how they will keep the utilities paid. Mothers clip coupons and cook frugally to stretch the food budget further. Kids wonder if they will be able to get new shoes, much less go to summer camp or on the yearly family vacation. What's a family to do?Read the rest...

How to Apply for Food Stamps

billeater — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 21:53:54 +0000

Trying to find out how to apply for food stamps? We'll do our best to help. While many people still call them "food stamps", the benefits are no longer handed out as paper certificates, rather, they are loaded onto a plastic "EBT Card" that works like a debit card. EBT stands for "Electronic Balance Transfer", and the food stamp program itself is officially called "SNAP", short for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Do I qualify for Food Stamps?

A good first step to take before you apply for Food Stamps is to find out if you qualify. Your eligibility for food stamps will be determined based on your total household income, as well as other factorsRead the rest...

Do You Qualify for $10 a Month Internet Access?

Mallory Hall — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Comcast, the nation’s leading cable and Internet provider, is launching a plan known as “Internet Essentials,” a discounted Internet access plan for families who must meet certain income eligibility requirements. Internet Essentials will be available for families in the 39 state where Comcast currently offers their Internet services. Comcast has also started websites in both English and Spanish to help spread awareness about the program.Read the rest...

11 Answers to Your Low Income Housing Questions

Jessica Bosari — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Low income apartments are becoming harder and harder to get as the numbers of people needing help are on the rise and the fund available to help them are decreasing. The number of people paying more than half their incomes towards housing is at an all time high. One third of those making between $14,500 and $30,000 per year are facing a hard time finding a place to live that they can afford. In most cases, they need to find Section 8 Apartments. The best way to secure one is to understand how they work. To help you do that, we have compiled a list of important questions and answers about low income and Section 8 housing.Read the rest...

Who Gets Unemployment?

Fletcher Martin — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:20:00 +0000

There are two ideas about unemployment and those who do not know the facts tend to believe. Some people tend to think unemployment is available for anyone that has been to a job and received at least one paycheck. Others believe, unless you were not fired from your job you can receive unemployment. The truth is that both of these ideas are incorrect. The economy is still in turmoil and knowing the facts about who is available to receive unemployment and who is not available, could be the difference from a family being able to keep a roof over their heads or having to move in with relatives.Read the rest...

How to Get More Money Every Month from Social Security

Jessica Bosari — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:11:06 +0000

What would you say if someone told you to give back all the Social Security checks that you have received thus far? You might tell them to go pound sand, or you might consider what advantage you could gain from re-filing for Social Security benefits at an older age. For some retirees, this can be a way to get more money every month from their Social Security payments.

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Free money for bills ?

billeater — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:53:28 +0000

Searching for Free money for bills or Free money to pay bills? There is a little truth behind websites and tv commercials that pitch the idea of Government Grants providing money, but it's not as great as they make it out to be, and there's no need to buy anything to find it.

Information on government grants or other sources of money is pretty readily accessible. If you found this article by searching Google, you are probably hoping to hear the pitch from a gentleman named Matthew Lesko. He's famous for selling a book titled "Free Money to Pay Your Bills", where he claims that there are "billions in hidden dollars" to be found.Read the rest...

In a serious personal financial crisis? Assistance pointers.

Jessica Bosari — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:28:43 +0000

A big part of saving money is knowing how to access resources that may help you. At some point, once you’ve pinched every penny, discontinued every non-essential service, sold the second car, spent the savings and even moved into cheaper house, if you still can’t make ends meet, it’s time to ask for help. This is probably the most uncomfortable money saving topic you can address. But if you are one of the many thinking about looking for financial assistance to save money, it helps to know where to go, who to ask and what to expect. Read the rest...

Low Income Help with your Home Phone

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:21:40 +0000

Everyone is looking to cut costs these days. Many people are giving up landline phones and going exclusively to a cell plan. This seems logical enough, until you lose power for a week and can't charge your cell phone, or the battery happens to go dead right when you have an emergency.

The cost of phone service has risen in recent years with new add-on features and bundling with other services, such as Internet access and cable TV. With so many people out of work in today’s economy, there is help for people who qualify for low-income assistance.Read the rest...

How to apply for a Georgia Compass EBT Card (Food Stamps)

billeater — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:42:42 +0000

In Georgia, eligible families can receive the Georgia Compass Card, an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer), or essentially, an electronic version of food stamps. When your card is used at approved grocery stores, the amount is automatically deducted from a monthly allowance.

The Georgia Food Stamp Program provides these benefits to low-income households to help pay for the cost of food. Additionally, the program provides education and information to families that receive food stamps to promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyles as well as employment and training opportunities for single childless adults. They also provide outreach activities to promote the Food Stamp Program to communities and low-income individuals.

To ApplyRead the rest...

How to Apply for the Access Card in Pennsylvania for EBT Food Benefits

billeater — Sun, 17 May 2009 12:44:39 +0000

In the state of Pennsylvania, eligible families and individuals can receive the Pennsylvania Access Card, an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer), or food stamp card. When the card is used at approved grocery stores, the amount is automatically deducted from the monthly allowance.

These cards can be used at any store that displays the "Pennsylvania Access" sticker in their storefront. When making purchases, use your card like a debit card, enter your unique PIN number afterward. On your receipt, the remaining balance for that month will be stated.

To ApplyRead the rest...

FAFSA Grants and Loans for College

Tyra — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:55:45 +0000

Yes, its true, school is expensive. With tuition, books, the cost of dorm living, travel, and other necessities, the bill for getting a higher education stacks up. Its unfortunate to see those with lower incomes give up on their dreams because of a financial brick wall. Uncle Sam wants you to go to school, there are so many resources out there for anybody with dreams of a higher education.Read the rest...

WIC: Receiving food assistance

Tyra — Tue, 05 May 2009 23:12:24 +0000

In simple terms, the WIC program provides free staple items like milk, bread, baby formula, yogurt, cereal, and cheese, and other food to pregnant women and new mothers. Want to know how to apply for WIC assistance? Read on...

Officially, The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (commonly known as WIC) is an assistance program regulated by the federal government under Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), a division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).Their stated mission is "To safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care."

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How to apply for the Ohio Direction Card (Food Stamps)

Tyra — Sat, 02 May 2009 15:10:58 +0000

In the state of Ohio, eligible families and individuals can receive the Ohio Direction Card, an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer), or food stamp card. When the card is used at approved grocery stores, the amount is automatically deducted from the monthly allowance. These cards can be used at any store that displays the "Ohio DIRECTION" sticker in their storefront. When making purchases, use your card like a debit card, enter your unique PIN number afterward. On your receipt, the remaining balance for that month will be stated.

To ApplyRead the rest...

Entertaining Children for $2 or Less

Brandi — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:28:20 +0000

Do you have nieces and nephews coming over to play? Are you stuck inside with your kids on a snow day? Entertaining the little troops indoors takes some creativity, indeed, but it doesn’t have to cost a bundle. The next time you need something to entertain little ones, try out these ideas, all of which cost $2 or less.

Construction Paper Hands

Trace little hands and cut out a few of the outlines. There are a surprising number of things you can do with construction paper hands. Children can color each of the fingers on them to make peacocks. They also can put stickers on them and glue little jewels from craft sets on them. Construction paper hands also make great turkeys for Thanksgiving, or you can put many of them together to make a wreath at Christmas.
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How to Apply for the Bridge Card in Michigan for EBT Food Benefits

billeater — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:57:54 +0000

The Bridge card in Michigan, or Michigan EBT card, is used for for both Food Stamps (FAP) and cash benefit programs, under the general umbrella of the Bridges program. Families that qualify can apply for and receive a card for use with either of these programs. The card works just like a debit card for qualified purchases.

The Michigan Assistance and Referral Service ( MARS ) can help you find out if you qualify for the card.

To obtain and use the Michigan Bridge EBT card, you should take the following steps:Read the rest...

How to apply for the California Golden State Advantage EBT card for food assistance

billeater — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 04:02:41 +0000

The Golden State Advantage card in California is used for two types of assistance programs: Food Stamps, as well as various cash benefit programs. The amount of your benefit will depend on your current income and expenses, as well as the total number of people in your household. The EBT card replaces older paper food stamps, and works just like a normal debit card. Your purchases can be paid for at the checkout line with a card swipe, and there's no worries about being embarrased.

Families that qualify can apply for and receive a card for use with either of these programs. To obtain and use the Golden State Advantage EBT card, you should take the following steps:Read the rest...

How to Apply for a Quest Card (Food Stamp Program) in Colorado

Nomad27 — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:47:43 +0000

The Colorado Quest Card ( State Food Stamps Program ) helps individuals and families with low incomes to buy food. It is an electronic benefits transfer, or EBT card, that is the modern replacement for food stamps.

You can apply with your county’s department of social services, where you will be interviewed to determine what level of benefits you are eligible for. If you are eligible, you will be given a Quest card, which works like a credit card to buy groceries at grocery stores and other participating retailers.

Who qualifies?Read the rest...

How to apply for the Florida EBT card for SNAP or ACCESS Florida low-income benefits

billeater — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:57:18 +0000

The EBT card in Florida, also known as the Access Florida Card is used for two programs: Florida Food Stamps, as well as the temporary cash assistance program. Families that qualify under the income guidelines can apply for and receive these cards in either of these programs. Note that the Food Stamp Program has changed it's name to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) effective October 2008. The food stamp and other assistance programs are also known more generally as "ACCESS Florida".

If you happen to qualify, and EBT card can provide a great deal of relief, assuring that you can provide for your families' basic food needs, even if you are having trouble paying bills on time. The card functions just like a regular debit card, and can be used at participating grocery stores and other participating retail locations. To apply for and use the Florida EBT card, follow these steps:Read the rest...

Can I use my EBT card in another state?

billeater — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:00:00 +0000

Many people who use an EBT card for food stamp benefits, such as the Lone Star Card in Texas, the Illinois Link Card, or the Florida EBT card have wondered if they can use their card when they are out of state. Since it's such a popular question, we visited the the EBT websites of several U.S. States and found out what they had to say. You might be surprised at the answer:Read the rest...

Applying for a Medical Card...Who can apply...and how...

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:36:08 +0000

The medical card enables low-income or zero-income families to receive the health care they need through government programs. Each region has different income qualifications, but the card does enable recipients to get the health care necessary for day-to-day life.
A medical card provides a variety of benefits for low-income families. The medical card provides health care and prescriptions either at no cost or wither very low per-visit copayments.Read the rest...

Free Student Loans for Low Income

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:07:45 +0000

Your level of income should not prevent you from getting the education that you desire. Fortunately, free student loans are available to needy students throughout the United States. Most schools offer some type of government financial-assistance program so their students can afford an education. There are several government programs you can apply to to help supplement the cost of your college education.

Free student loans enable students with low incomes to pay for the cost of their college education. These loans are provided by the government and are based on the student's income. Interested parties must apply through their designated college or via the Internet.
............................................................Read the rest...

How to apply for the Lone Star Card in Texas for Food Assistance

billeater — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000

The Lone Star Card in Texas is used for two programs: Food Stamps, as well as the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) program. Families that qualify can apply for and receive a card in conjunction with either of these programs. To obtain and use the Lone Star Card, follow these steps:Read the rest...

How to Apply for the Illinois Link Card and Get Assistance with Food

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:35:46 +0000

The Illinois LINK card provides lower income families, single mothers, and the unemployed with assitance for food purchases. The LINK card is an EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer card. It's basically the electronic replacement for the paper-based food stamps program. The LINK card works just like a debit card and can be used at most grocery stores to buy food. Each household is given a set amount that is deposited onto their LINK card each month to help purchase food for their family. Read the rest...

How to apply for the EBT card in New York for Food Benefits

billeater — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:46:51 +0000

The EBT card in New York is used for it's Food Stamp Program. It's an electronic card that functions much like a credit card to allow you to make purchases of food and other qualifying items. To obtain and use the New York EBT card, follow these steps: Contact your local New York Social Services Office to obtain an application for food stamp services and the EBT card.Read the rest...

Managing a Household Budget on Low Income

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:00:39 +0000

Living on a limited amount of money each week for your family can be difficult. Add in a failing economy or a jobs shortage and it becomes doubly so. Trying to decide how to get your family by on a limited budget isn't easy. While life can present these hardships to you, do be aware that there are help and resources available to you. These resources can either heRead the rest...

Apply for Federal Weatherization Program and Save Money on your Utility Bills

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:30:33 +0000

If you are a low income family or individual and you qualify under the state guidelines, you can apply for the weatherization program. Once you have been approved, you can get improvements to your home that will weatherize it to cut down the costs of your heating bills. Contractors can fix or replace old and broken furnaces, repair or put in new windows, add insulation, caulking, and more.

Update: President Obama's stimulus program, now passed by Congress, is set to pump an additional $5 billion into this program. That can mean up to ten times more spent this year versus in year's past, especially in the colder weather states like Oregon, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, etc. Minnesota, for example, usually weatherizes about 3500 homes each year, and with the additional funding could raise that to almost 35,000.Read the rest...

Get assistance with your heating bill if you need it

billeater — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:41:20 +0000

There is a federal program available for low income families and elderly called LIHEAP. LIHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. To find out if you qualify, call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project at 1-866-674-6327. You can also see more detail about the program on the U.S. Department of Health's Website If you do not meet the qualifications for LIHEAP,Read the rest...