Maybe you don’t know it, but you’re missing the chance to receive money directly from the government just because you’re not aware of the programs you’re entitled to.
Don’t worry, because it happens to you and to thousands of people in the United States, but here we are to give you a summary of the tax benefits you can access (as long as you meet the requirements). They range from educational grants to tax credits, and there are five key ways to access this help. So, if you’re in a tough situation, these benefits can make a real difference in your household economy. The only thing you need is to know where, and we’re here to tell you.
Claim unclaimed funds
This is the first way to receive money from the government. Many people don’t claim the money that belongs to them. Every year, millions of checks from insurance, utility deposits, or tax refunds go unclaimed. So, if you think you might be eligible for any of these credits, check your State’s portal, enter your information, and claim what’s yours.
Support for dependents
Tax Season Tip: How Long Should You Really Keep Your Tax Return Records?
Whether we’re talking about elderly people, children, or people with disabilities, this help is usually given in the form of tax credits or direct payments to bank accounts, and it mainly serves to cover essential services for these people, such as caregivers, daycare, aides…
Federal Pell Grants
Intended for education, Pell Grants are one of the most direct ways to receive money for education. You don’t have to pay it back, and you can receive several thousand dollars if you’re enrolled in college as an undergraduate student.
LIHEAP: to pay for electricity and heating
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps cover energy costs in low-income households. If your heating or air conditioning bills are through the roof, this program could help reduce them each month.
Section 8 housing vouchers and state programs
The federal subsidized housing program Section 8 provides vouchers to reduce the monthly rent payment, making it more affordable to access decent housing.
State Housing Assistance Programs
In addition to the one mentioned above, most states have their own assistance programs, not only for renting but also for buying homes or paying utility bills. These kinds of programs are very useful for states where the cost of living is much higher than in other places.
Emergency rental assistance programs
These are usually managed at the local or state level and offer funds to renters who, for various reasons, have run out of money to pay rent.
Healthcare assistance
Medicaid and CHIP also provide free or very low-cost medical coverage for families with low or moderate income, so staying healthy is not a financial burden.
SNAP Program
It provides monthly funds to families in vulnerable situations so they can do their grocery shopping each month with fresh and quality products.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Financial support for people and families who, despite working, receive a low or moderate salary.
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
For all families, the state offers this credit for each child who meets the conditions (being under 18, not having worked, being a resident in the country and having citizenship…)
The key
The most important thing to receive this kind of help is, above all, knowing that it exists. Many Americans don’t know that there are so many programs that can make life easier if you’re going through a rough patch. The best part is that many of them are just one click away from you.
And no, it’s not about “living off the system” but about the state offering you a hand during the most difficult times.
