Author: Aries Smith
As a result of poverty, several families need financial assistance from the government. For that reason, the government works on many welfare or safety net programs to help low-income families.
Additionally, the welfare programs range from education, health, security, and growth to food subsidies.
Primarily, these programs are created to ensure the basic needs of low-income families in America are met.
Let us take a closer look at a few of the government health and financial aid programs:
1. Medicaid
Medicaid is a government program that manages public health insurance for low-income Americans.
The health program is managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services division. Under this health program, pregnant women, children, people with disabilities, kids, adults, and seniors, receive free or low-cost health benefits to limit out-of-pocket costs.
2. Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Under the SNAP program, qualified low-income Americans receive food vouchers. With that, they can save money on buying food. In connection with the SNAP program, the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children offer vouchers and food to beneficiaries.
3. Supplementary Security Income Program (SSI)
The Supplementary Security Income Program is dedicated to aiding low-income families and people with disabilities. Under this federal program, qualified people can buy clothing, food, and shelter without any financial worries. On average, low-income Americans can receive $536 per month under the SSI program.
4. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Children’s Health Insurance Program helps uninsured children until age 19. The program provides free or low-cost medical and dental care.
Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services runs the CHIP and covers preventive health care, including eye exams and regular check-ups. With this program, there is no need for low-income families not to prioritize their health.
5. Housing Assistance
Housing assistance work as it sounds. Low-income families, including people with disabilities, can get highly affordable government-owned or private-owned rentals.
The recipients of this program shouldn’t pay more than 30 percent of their income, while the program covers the rest.
6. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
As the name suggests, it is temporary help. The program is managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Under this federal program, low-income families can receive cash assistance for a limited time.
Besides that, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families also offers non-cash benefits, including job training and child care.
With this program, a family of three can get up to $447 a month. Since it is only a time-limited help, families need to work on improving their life by getting a job or seeking other solutions within two years.
Takeaway
While life can be much more challenging for being part of a low-income family, the federal government makes an effort to provide solutions with different programs that can help. These programs are no doubt outstanding initiatives that are making the life of average Americans better. As an unemployed or low-income earner, the programs mentioned in this article can aid your finances and help you live a more convenient life.