Many people across the country rely on government assistance to help with paying off debt and covering utility bills. There are numerous Federal Government Programs that are available that can help eligible applicants pay for food, childcare costs, medical expenses and more. 

There are some programs that can even help cover the cost of heating or air conditioning bills during colder or hotter times of the year. Government services are providing assistance that include both pandemic and non-pandemic-related purposes.

The eligibility requirements for most government assistance programs will vary depending on where you live. Most of these Federal Government Programs allocate funds to local agencies to distribute to the local community. Some of the most popular programs include:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides money in order to help low-income households pay off their debt and achieve financial self-sufficiency.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – This program was designed to provide fast and direct financial assistance from the government to American workers, families, small businesses, and other industries.

Unemployment Benefits – Eligible applicants can receive regular state unemployment benefits in addition to supplemental pandemic unemployment provisions offered in response to COVID-19.

The Lifeline Program – This is a federal program that offers free or reduced-rate cell phone plans in order to help more people access these tools when they do not have much disposable income to spare. This program can help to reduce the landline, cell phone, and data charges for eligible participants.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamps program, offers eligible individuals and households assistance in paying for their monthly food costs.

Medicaid – A Federal Program that provides health insurance coverage to millions of Americans. Low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with certain disabilities may be eligible for healthcare coverage through this program.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – A Federal Government Program that provides monthly payments to adults and children who have low-income and resources, who are blind, or living with a disability. The cash assistance from this program can be used to pay for basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program is also funded by the federal government in order to assist low-income families afford the cost for heating, cooling, and general electric services. Typically, this program is for emergency assistance during times of hardship.

Continue on to learn more about popular charitable organizations and other non-profit groups that can help you with utility bills and to pay off debt.