Benefits

Choose the best Social Welfare Programs for you!

Are you wondering if you qualify for social welfare programs? Learn about government assistance available to U.S. residents and find out how to get help here. Read on!

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Find which social welfare program can help you today!


Select social welfare programs that can assist you and your family

Nutrition program for women
Money for food costs
Affordable healthcare nationwide
Help for housing costs
Financial help for families in need

Social welfare programs in the United States assist millions of low-income citizens each year. 

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In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common social welfare programs for U.S resident, so you can see if you’re eligible. Keep reading to learn more! 

Social welfare programs: what are they and how do they help?

Social welfare programs are government initiatives that aim to help low-income individuals and families have more quality of life. 

These programs can provide assistance with many things, such as housing, better food, medical care, higher monthly income, career guidance, and other basic needs. 

They receive governmental funds that are distributed to the states in the U.S territory.

Then the money is sent to the eligible recipients, according to each state’s requirements. 

Each program has its own eligibility requirements.

However, most social welfare programs are available to anyone who meets the standard income guidelines. 

In addition, the states have the autonomy to add extra funds to the program.

Also, they can improve and widen them so more needy people can get the benefits.

The idea is to assist American residents in making ends meet.

Plus, care for their health issues, so that they can live a more prosperous life and leave the poverty line. 

So, we will break down the most common types of social welfare programs available in the U.S: 

  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Housing Assistance
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Keep reading to learn more about each of them and how they may be helpful to you. 

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Medicaid 

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Find out how to get the health assistance you need. Keep reading! Source: Pexels

Firstly, Medicaid is a social welfare program that provides health insurance coverage and assistance to low-income residents in the U.S. 

Who is it for? Medicaid determines its eligibility by income and asset levels. The individuals and families can be:

  • Pregnant women 
  • Children 
  • Aged people
  • People with disability
  • Individuals or families receiving Supplemental Security Income

The program is jointly administered by the federal government and each state’s government, and both federal and state taxes fund it. 

The benefits include doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and more. 

In addition to health insurance coverage, Medicaid also provides long-term care services for seniors and people with disabilities. 

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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

One of the most well-known social welfare programs in the United States is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

SNAP provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them buy food at eligible retailers. 

The States decide who’s eligible for SNAP benefits.

However, applicants must meet certain income and asset criteria, such as having an income below the poverty line. 

Contact your local Department of Social Services office if you are interested in applying for SNAP benefits.

St. Marys - Circa April 2019: SNAP logo. SNAP offers nutrition assistance to eligible individuals and families VI

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Wondering if the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is right for you? Check out our guide to see who is eligible and how to apply. Read on!

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program receives federal funds.

It provides money assistance and other services to low-income families with children. 

The states administer this program, and each one has different eligibility requirements.

However, they must meet specific federal guidelines, such as assisting families with children under 18. 

In addition, states must also offer work programs and other services to help recipients become self-sufficient, get a job, and financially educate their kids. 

The TANF program has helped millions of families obtain the necessary resources to meet ends. 

So, for many families, TANF is a source of income that helps them avoid homelessness and hunger.

Still it helps citizens to get more qualified to have a better financial life. 

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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

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Housing Assistance

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Discover how you can get housing assistance. Read on! Source: Unsplash

Housing assistance is among the social welfare programs the one that provides financial support for people struggling to afford decent places to live by themselves.

So, recipients can use the money they receive for anything from covering the cost of housing, utilities, or other related expenses.

In addition, if you had significant financial losses due to the covid-19 pandemic and now find yourself needing housing assistance, this program can also help you.

Government agencies in every state provide housing assistance, so if you are having a hard time with housing and are eligible, reach them for further information. 

These are the most common types of government housing assistance in the U.S:

  • Emergency Rental Assistance Program: Provides financial aid for those struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program: Provides financial assistance for heating bills and electric costs.
  • Public Housing: Helps afford decent rental places for American low-income individuals and families, the elderly or disabled.
  • Housing Choice Voucher Program: Residents can find accommodations that suit their needs and budgets. The government pays for part of the rent with the voucher.  
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another social welfare program that provides financial assistance to children, the elderly, and the disabled. 

The SSI program provides a safety net for those who have low levels of income and assets. 

So, eligible people will receive monthly payments to cover basic needs like food, clothing, or housing.

In addition to that, SSI also provides the opportunity for federal Medicaid coverage if they’re blind or disabled.

Illustration Supplemment Security Income

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Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax credit for low- and moderate-income working families. 

The credit considers income and family size, which can reduce the amount of taxes owed or increase the refund you receive.

The larger the family, the higher the credit will be. 

To qualify, you must have earned income from employment or self-employment. The credit is available to both taxpayers who file as single and those who file joint returns.

There is specific income information that the states consider. So, if you think you could fit the profile for EITC, visit their website, and you’ll find your state agency contact. 

Social welfare programs are an important safety net for many Americans and then play a vital role in helping people meet their basic needs.

So, if you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach a state agency and find the help you need to live a more healthy, comfortable, and quality life.

EITC Earned income tax credit calculations on the page.

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About the author  /  Suzana Brito

I'm a Language Studies graduate and have always been interested in writing and sharing knowledge. By creating content about finances and related products, I believe in contributing to people achieving financial freedom and their goals in life.

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