Government Resources 

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These government programs offer grants, subsidies, and training to help individuals and families looking for emergency money assistance. Whether you need to pay medical bills right away or find emergency rental assistance, these financial hardship assistance programs may help. 

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GOVERNMENT FOOD PROGRAMS:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): provides each state with grants to operate its TANF program. The eligibility requirements and programs vary from state to state, but they generally help with basic necessities like food, housing, and more.

 

GOVERNMENT HELP WITH UTILITIES:

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): a federal program that helps people regulate the temperature in their homes during the summer and winter. LIHEAP can also help with low-cost repairs to heating and air conditioning systems.

 

GOVERNMENT HELP WITH HOUSING:

• The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): a housing program aimed at securing affordable housing for low-income families and individuals. Those who meet the eligibility requirements work with public housing agencies (PHAs) to find housing, and then pay a portion of the cost.

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): a low-income housing program that offers other forms of subsidized housing, including grants. 

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GOVERNMENT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE:

• The Medicare Savings Programs: offer four different ways for low-income families and individuals to pay for premiums, copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other medical expenses.

 

Non-Profit Financial Assistance Resources

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In addition to government programs, there are also numerous nonprofit programs and grants that aim to help people with everything from food and housing to out of pocket medical expenses and child care assistance. You might even try reaching out to a local religious organization, as there are many churches that help families in need. 

 

NONPROFIT FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:

• Feeding America: is a nonprofit that provides emergency food assistance through their network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs across the country. The organization also helps those in need find long-term assistance through government programs, even helping with the application process. 

 

HELP WITH UTILITIES FROM NONPROFITS:

• 2-1-1: is a program through United Way that helps those in need with a broad range of services, including help with utilities. Trained professionals are available to help around the clock when you call 2-1-1.

• Modest Needs: provides financial assistance for an array of needs, with a special focus on short-term needs, like help with housing costs and utility bills. The organization offers what they call “self-sufficiency grants” to help those struggling to get back on their feet.

 

NONPROFIT HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR MORTGAGE/RENT COSTS:

• Community Action Partnership: helps more than 148,000 families gain safe and affordable housing every year. It also provides training and referrals to other government resources so impoverished communities can find financial relief.

• Volunteers of America: believes that home is more than just a shelter—it’s a cornerstone of stability and security. The nonprofit houses over 25,000 seniors, veterans, families, and others in need each year.

 

HELP WITH MEDICAL COSTS FROM NONPROFITS:

• The HealthWell Foundation: is a nonprofit that helps the underinsured pay premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs and find alternatives to simply dealing with medical debt. Eligibility criteria include income level, medical condition, and health insurance coverage status.

• The National Association of & Charitable Clinics (NAFC): believes that everyone has the right to affordable health care. Whether it’s providing financial help for pregnant women or helping with financial surgery assistance, the NAFC has 1,200 clinics across the US where low-income individuals and families can seek medical care.

 

Virginia Residents Resources

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VIRGINIA MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE AND FORECLOSURE AID:

Virginia offers mortgage and foreclosure relief as well as government assistance programs for those homeowners who need help. Resources are available at the local town and county level too. Find mortgage help in Virginia.

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Find a listing of non-profit government approved HUD counseling agencies as well. Many of these locations can help Virginia homeowners who are faced with a foreclosure or who need advice on their mortgage. Click here: HUD foreclosure counseling in Virginia.

 

VIRGINIA FAMILY ACCESS TO MEDICAL INSURANCE SECURITY:

This is a low cost or free health insurance plan for families in Virginia with children. This aid program has two options to help with paying health care expenses, and they are managed healthcare organization or fee-for-service. Find additional free health care. 1-866-87FAMIS

 

MEDICAID AND FAMIS:

The Medical Assistance program was established to enable local communities to provide health care for public assistance recipients who need attention. Support is also offered for medically needy persons, which are defined as persons of low income who can meet their maintenance needs but they may have insufficient income to provide for the cost of medical care.

 

GENERAL RELIEF (GR):

The GR Program is a local program that was created to provide a variety of assistance, either emergency or maintenance, which can’t be provided by any other means. The GR Program is financed through local grants and federal government assistance as well as state funding. Components of the GR Program may include assistance for dental or medical bills, burial expenses, assistance for unattached children and also interim financial aid. Call 1-(800) 552-3431. 

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TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES:

The TANF grant program will provide eligible families with a monthly cash payment to meet their basic needs.

 

LOW-INCOME HOUSING:

The state of Virginia VHSP is a partnership of nonprofits and the Department of Social Services. Funds are used to pay for housing needs, such as water or heating bills, rent, lease application fees, and deposits. VHSP also helps tenants sustain their current apartment so it offers case management. Read more Virginia VHSP housing programs.

 

SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE:

Vouchers and government financial aid can help low income families in Virginia pay for their child or day care expenses. The applicant needs to be working, in job training or attending school. There may be free care too. More on child care programs in Virginia.

 

DEBT, HOUSING, AND CREDIT COUNSELING:

A number of nationally based non-profit credit counseling organizations have local branches in Virginia. Find a listing of local credit and housing counselors. Locate free credit counseling in Virginia.

 

VIRGINIA LEGAL PROGRAMS:

Lawyers throughout the state offer free legal assistance and consultations. This service is for low income residents and seniors as part of various non-profit law firms in Virginia. Read more free legal aid from Virginia attorneys.

 

SOCIAL SERVICES, GOVERNMENT AND CASH ASSISTANCE:

The state of Virginia offers low income residents a number of programs that can provide cash assistance for medical bills, food, energy bills, and other expenses. This public aid is offered with case management and longer term self-sufficiency. More on Virginia public assistance.

 

FOOD STAMPS:

Food Stamps in Virginia can be used just the same as cash to buy eligible groceries, perishable goods, and food items from authorized retailers. (800) 552-3431. 

 

HELP FROM A CHURCH:

Virginia is served by many churches and faith based groups. The charities will offer emergency support to the low income and families living in poverty, regardless of their religious background. Programs can help with paying bills, transportation costs, or coordinate housing or shelter. Find emergency help from churches.

 

PHONE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS IN VIRGINIA:

There are discounts from Lifeline as well as financial aid programs. Most of the assistance from the state and government goes to seniors or the disabled, but families in poverty may benefit too. Find more details on Virginia telephone bill assistance programs.

 

VIRGINIA STATE EMPLOYEE LOAN PROGRAM:

This loan program is a unique partnership that provides low interest loans to over 100,000 state employees. The Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund and the Virginia Credit Union partnered together to create this program. More on low cost loans in Virginia.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:

This state organization helps coordinate various grant programs for housing needs. Everything from transitional housing for the low income to assistance for veterans and the disabled is available, including funds to pay rental or deposit expenses and free legal aid to stop evictions. Continue with the Virginia Department of Housing.

 

FREE MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND HEALTHCARE:

• Numerous community clinics operate across Virginia and they provide the low income and uninsured with free health care and other medical services. Some agencies, such as in Fairfax, Virginia, offer free prescription discount cards for buying medications. They are in addition to the clinics you will find at the county level per the links below. More on Virginia free community clinics.

• While some of the locations above may offer dental care, click here for a comprehensive listing of centers that focus on offering qualified patients free or low cost dental assistance. Locate free dental clinics in Virginia.

• Families who are either underinsured, or who lack health insurance, have several programs available to them. Virginia coordinates government and non-profit resources, including Medicaid, free medications, and health check ups for the uninsured. Read medical care for uninsured in Virginia.

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ASSISTANCE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE:

Several benefits and resources are provided for Virginia residents with a disability. The state offers them home care, limited financial aid, respite for caregivers, medical care, and assistance for their family members as well. Read more on Virginia disability programs.

 

VIRGINIA EVICTION AND HOMELESS PREVENTION SERVICES:

Non-profits, churches and charities work with the Department of Housing and Community Development to provide emergency rent or energy bill help. The homeless may qualify for short term, low income housing and grants to pay a security deposit as well as other support. More on homeless prevention programs in Virginia.

 

JOB PROGRAMS, FINANCIAL COUNSELING, AND GOVERNMENT GRANTS:

Those services, and much more, are offered from your local community action agency. Dozens of these non-profits operate across Virginia, and they offer employment services, grants for paying bills, help for seniors and children, and other aid. Click community action agencies in Virginia.

 

RENTAL VOUCHERS:

Housing and Urban Development as well as public housing authorities offer section 8 housing choice vouchers in Virginia. The program can help pay for the monthly rent expenses on low income housing for the very low income, seniors, and the disabled. find more information on section 8 housing vouchers in Virginia.

 

SENIOR SUPPORT AND AID:

The elderly, older adults, and individuals age 60 and older have access to services that focus on them. The state and non-profits coordinate medical bill assistance, food programs, and much more for seniors. More on Virginia agency on aging.

 

ENERGY AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE IN VIRGINIA:

Find a wide variety of programs offered by utility companies in Virginia that offer financial assistance and/or grants. Read more on Virginia utility bill assistance.

 

FOOD BANKS AND PANTRIES:

Several food banks and pantries provide food to families in need throughout Virginia. They work with local non-profits as well. Read more free food pantries in Virginia.

 

FINANCIAL AID, SOCIAL SERVICES, AND CASE MANAGEMENT:

One of the leading non-profit agencies to call in Virginia for help is the Salvation Army. The agency offers low income families and others who may be struggling with a number of resources. While some programs can help pay bills and expenses in an emergency, many others provide referrals and other aid such as food, eviction prevention programs or clothing. Learn more on Salvation Army assistance in Virginia.