Architectural Barriers Act Enforcement
Program Description
This program assists individuals subject to discrimination on the basis of disability within the domain of Federally assisted programs.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must claim that you have been denied housing or financial assistance due to discrimination.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Casualties, Disasters, and Theft
Program Description
The program offers tax relief for casualty losses that result from the destruction of, or damage to your property from any sudden, unexpected, or unusual event such as a flood, hurricane, tornado, fire, earthquake or even volcanic eruption.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a victim of a Presidentially declared disaster and you must be a taxpayer who is interested in receiving tax information and preparation assistance.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Program Description
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) plays a vital role in improving the quality of day care and making it more affordable for many low-income families. The CACFP provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks served to children and adults in day care facilities. Participants in the Program also receive nutrition education materials and training in planning and serving safe, nutritious meals to those in their care. Each day, 3.3 million children receive nutritious meals and snacks through CACFP. The program also provides meals and snacks to 120,000 adults who receive care in nonresidential adult day care centers. CACFP reaches even further to provide meals to children and youth residing in emergency shelters or participating in eligible afterschool care programs.General Program Requirements
Independent centers and sponsoring organizations enter into agreements with their administering State agencies to assume administrative and financial responsibility for CACFP operations. In centers and certain day care homes, participants from households with incomes at or below 130 percent of poverty are eligible for free meals. Participants in centers with household incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of poverty are eligible for meals at a reduced price. Institutions must determine each enrolled participant's eligibility for free and reduced price meals served in centers. Participants in day care homes located in low-income areas or operated by low-income providers are automatically eligible for free meals.Children whose families receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or State programs funded through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or who are enrolled in Head Start or Even Start are automatically eligible for free meals, without further application or eligibility determination. Foster children who are the responsibility of the State or placed by the court, and children who are experiencing homelessness are also automatically eligible for free meals. Adult participants who receive SNAP, FDPIR, Social Security Income (SSI), or Medicaid benefits are also automatically eligible for free meals.
Maximum income limits for eligibility are available at:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Governance/notices/iegs/IEGs.htm
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) - Transition Incentives Program (TIP)
Program Description
The Transition Incentive Program (TIP) provides annual payments for an additional two years beyond the expiration of a CRP contract to participants who sell their land to a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher.General Program Requirements
To be eligible for TIP, an owner must be a retired or retiring farmer or rancher on land enrolled in an expiring CRP contract. The owner must agree to sell, or agree to lease long-term the land enrolled in an expiring CRP contract to a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Equal Opportunity in Housing
Program Description
The objective of this program is to support fair housing throughout the United States and provide an administrative enforcement system that is subject to judicial review.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must claim that you have been denied housing or financial assistance due to discrimination.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.FEMA Housing Portal
Program Description
The FEMA Housing Portal is intended to help individuals and families who have been displaced by a disaster find a place to live. The portal consolidates rental resources to help individuals and families find available rental units in their area. Rental resources are identified and provided by federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Veterans Affairs, as well as by private organizations and individuals.General Program Requirements
Anyone with access to the Internet can view the housing resource information in the Housing Portal. In the advanced search criteria users can search for properties that meet their living needs and/or accept specific assistance programs. The relevant advanced search criteria are listed below:- Children accepted
- Pets accepted
- Section 8
- Accessible
- FEMA Direct Payment
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) Education and Outreach Initiative
Program Description
The purpose of the program is to develop, implement, carry out, or coordinate education and outreach programs designed to inform the public concerning rights and obligations under the Fair Housing Act.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a non-profit fair housing organization that to conducts enforcement activities to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) Private Enforcement Initiative
Program Description
The purpose of the program is to develop, implement, carry out, or coordinate programs or activities designed to obtain enforcement of the rights granted by the Fair Housing Act or by substantially equivalent state and local fair housing law.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a non-profit fair housing organization that to conducts enforcement activities to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Fair Housing Initiatives and Administrative Enforcement Initiative Program
Program Description
The purpose of the program is to develop, implement, carry out, or coordinate programs or activities designed to obtain enforcement of the rights granted by the Fair Housing Act or by substantially equivalent state and local fair housing laws.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a non-profit fair housing organization that conducts enforcement activities to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Fair Housing Initiatives and Fair Housing Organizations Initiative Program
Program Description
The program's objective is to develop or expand the ability of existing eligible organizations to provide fair housing enforcement and to establish new fair housing enforcement organizations.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a non-profit fair housing organization that conducts enforcement activities to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Former Worker Medical Screening Program (FWP)
Program Description
The Former Worker Program (FWP) identifies, notifies, and makes medical screening services available, at no cost, to the more than 600,000 former employees who have worked in the weapons complex during the past 60-plus years for the Department of Energy (DOE) or its predecessor agencies (the Atomic Energy Commission and the Energy Research and Development Administration). DOE funds external teams of health experts to independently offer medical screening to former workers for potential adverse health outcomes related to occupational exposures to such conditions as radiation, noise, beryllium, asbestos, lasers, silica, and other occupational exposures. The FWP was first established following the issuance of the Fiscal Year 1993 Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 102-484), which called for DOE to assist workers with determining whether they had health issues related to their prior work with DOE.General Program Requirements
Workers eligible for this program include all former DOE Federal, contractor, and subcontractor employees from all DOE sites.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)
Program Description
The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary conservation program that emphasizes support for working grazing operations, enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity, and protection of grassland under threat of conversion to other uses.General Program Requirements
Participants voluntarily limit future development and cropping uses of the land while retaining the right to conduct common grazing practices and operations related to the production of forage and seeding, subject to certain restrictions during nesting seasons of bird species that are in significant decline or are protected under Federal or state law. A grazing management plan is required for participants.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Home and Property Disaster Loans
Program Description
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is responsible for providing affordable, timely and accessible financial assistance to homeowners and renters located in a declared disaster area. Financial assistance is available in the form of low-interest, long-term loans for losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other recoveries.Homeowners may apply for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence to its pre-disaster condition. The loan may not be used to upgrade the home or make additions to it, unless as required by building authority/code. In some cases, SBA may be able to refinance all or part of a previous mortgage (not to exceed $200,000) when the applicant does not have credit available elsewhere, has suffered substantial disaster damage not covered by insurance, and intends to repair the damage. SBA considers refinancing when processing each application. Loans may also be increased by as much as 20 percent of the verified losses (not to exceed $200,000) to protect the damaged real property from possible future disasters of the same kind. Secondary homes or vacation properties are not eligible for home disaster loans; however, qualified rental properties may be eligible for assistance under the business disaster loan program.
Renters and homeowners alike may borrow up to $40,000 to replace damaged or destroyed personal property such as clothing, furniture, appliances, automobiles, etc. As a rule of thumb, personal property is anything that is not considered real estate or a part of the actual structure. This loan may not be used replace extraordinarily expensive or irreplaceable items, such as antiques, collections, pleasure boats, recreational vehicles, fur coats, etc.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, homeowners and renters must have sustained physical damage and be located in a disaster declared county.Loan Terms
Disaster survivors must repay SBA disaster loans. SBA can only approve loans to applicants with a reasonable ability to repay the loan and other obligations from earnings. The terms of each loan are established in accordance with each borrower's ability to repay. The law gives SBA several powerful tools to make disaster loans affordable: low fixed interest rates, long-terms (up to 30 years), and refinancing of prior real estate liens (in some cases). As required by law, the interest rate for each loan is based on SBA's determination of whether an applicant has the ability to borrow or use their own resources to overcome the disaster.The SBA can provide up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to help repair or replace personal property. There are no upfront fees or early payment penalties charged by SBA.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project (HVRP)
Program Description
The HVRP provides employment and training services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force and to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex problems facing homeless veterans. The program is employment-focused and homeless veterans receive customized employment and training services to assist them in successfully transitioning into the labor force.General Program Requirements
HVRP funds are awarded to eligible entities through a competitive grant process outlined in the annual Solicitation for Grants Application (SGA).Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Individuals and Households Program (IHP) - Other Needs Assistance
Program Description
The Individuals and Households Program provides assistance to individuals and households affected by a disaster to enable them to address necessary expenses and serious needs, which cannot be met through other forms of disaster assistance or insurance. Forms of other needs assistance under IHP include personal property, medical, dental and funeral.General Program Requirements
In order to be eligible for this program, you must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien, and:- You must have losses in an area that has been declared a disaster by the President of the United States
- You have disaster-related necessary expenses or serious needs
- The disaster-caused need cannot be met through other forms of disaster assistance or insurance, including a disaster assistance loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration
- You have insufficient or no insurance.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Program Description
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, and, if the state chooses, to weatherize homes.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must need financial assistance for home energy costs.A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or certain needs-tested Veterans benefits may be automatically eligible.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Manufactured Home Loan Insurance
Program Description
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures mortgage loans made by private lending institutions to finance the purchase of a new or used manufactured home.General Program Requirements
All buyers who meet credit requirements and plan to use the manufactured home as their principal place of residence are eligible for the program.Loan Terms
Please contact an FHA-approved lender for loan term information. To find an approved lender, please visit:http://www.hud.gov/ll/code/llslcrit.cfm
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Medicaid Program
Program Description
The Medicaid Program provides medical benefits to low-income people who have no medical insurance or have inadequate medical insurance. The Federal government establishes general guidelines for the administration of Medicaid benefits. However, specific eligibility requirements to receive Medicaid benefits, as well as the type and scope of services provided, are determined by each individual state. Thus, a person who is eligible for Medicaid in one state may not qualify in another state. You must check with the Medicaid office in the state you live in to confirm your eligibility to receive benefits.Medicaid is a joint Federal/state program administered by each individual state. Each state develops its own rules related to eligibility and coverage within broad Federal guidelines.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income. You must also be either pregnant, have a child(ren) with a disability, or be responsible for children under 19 years of age.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
Program Description
Starting January 1, 2006, new Medicare prescription drug coverage will be available to everyone with Medicare. Everyone with Medicare can get this coverage that may help lower prescription drug costs and help protect against higher costs in the future. Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage is insurance. You choose the drug plan and pay a monthly premium.There are two types of Medicare plans that provide insurance coverage for prescription drugs. There will be prescription drug coverage that is a part of Medicare Advantage Plans and other Medicare Health Plans. You would get all of your Medicare health care through these plans. There will also be Medicare prescription drug coverage that adds coverage to the Original Medicare Plan, and some Medicare Cost Plans and Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans. These plans will be offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.
Like other insurance, if you join a plan offering Medicare drug coverage there is a monthly premium. If you have limited income and resources, you may get extra help to cover prescription drugs for little or no cost. The amount of the monthly premium is not affected by your health status or how many prescriptions you need. You will also pay a share of the cost of your prescriptions. All drug plans will have to provide coverage at least as good as the standard coverage, which Medicare has set. However, some plans might also offer more coverage and additional drugs for a higher monthly premium.
If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get help with drug plan costs.
Starting November 15, 2005, you can enroll in three ways:
- Enroll online on this web site.
- Call the plan directly.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE and Medicare will help you enroll.
If you have other types of health or prescription coverage, for instance, from an employer or union, TRICARE , the Department of Veteran?s Affairs, a special program, or a Medigap policy, read all the materials you get from your insurer or plan provider. Talk to your benefits administrator, insurer, or plan provider before you make any changes to your current coverage.
General Program Requirements
Important points you need to know about the new Medicare prescription drug coverage:- It is available to all people with Medicare.
- Almost 1 in 3 people will qualify for extra help paying for their drug costs.
- It protects you against ever having very high drug expenses.
- It pays for brand name and generic drugs.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Missouri Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Program Description
The Missouri Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has two components: Energy Assistance/Regular Heating (EA) and Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECIP). EA is designed to provide financial assistance to help pay heating bills for Missourians during the months of October, November, December, January, February, and March. The EA benefit amount is based upon household size, income and the type of fuel used for home heating. ECIP is designed to provide financial assistance to households in a verifiable energy crisis. This crisis is defined as: 1) receipt of a termination or disconnect notice indicating a specific disconnect date; 2) a final billing statement advising the account has been terminated; 3) a propane tank is filled at less than 20 percent capacity; 4) the customer is a cash on delivery (COD) customer; or 5) pre-paid electric customer indicates their pre-paid usage is about to run out. ECIP funds can be used for primary or secondary fuel sources.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Missouri, a citizen of the United States or an alien admitted to this country for permanent residence, have resources that do not exceed $3,000, and be responsible for heating/cooling costs.In order to qualify you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,080 |
| 2 | $20,426 |
| 3 | $25,772 |
| 4 | $31,118 |
| 5 | $36,464 |
| 6 | $41,810 |
| 7 | $47,156 |
| 8 | $52,502 |
A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or certain needs-tested Veterans benefits may be automatically eligible.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Missouri MO HealthNet
Program Description
The purpose of the MO HealthNet program is to provide medical services to persons who meet certain eligibility requirements as determined by the Family Services Division (FSD). The goals of the MO HealthNet program are to promote good health, to prevent illness and premature death, to correct or limit disability, to treat illness, and to provide rehabilitation to persons with disabilities.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Missouri, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income. You must also be either pregnant, a parent or relative caretaker of a dependent child(ren) under age 19, blind, have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or be 65 years of age or older.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Missouri Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Program Description
The purpose of the Missouri Temporary Assistance Program is to provide assistance to needy families with children so that the children can be cared for at home. The program also is intended to reduce dependency by promoting job preparation, work and marriage. Funds may be used to prevent non-marital pregnancies and encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. Temporary Assistance offers cash assistance to families.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Missouri, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years of age, a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed (working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Missouri Weatherization Assistance Program
Program Description
Home heating is a high-cost basic necessity. For people with low incomes, the decision to pay the utility bill may mean deciding between being warm in the winter or having well-balanced meals. Other low-income people live in older homes that may not have insulation or efficient heating systems. Weatherization is a long-term response to these problems. A home that has been weatherized can reduce average annual fuel savings per dwelling by up to 13.5 percent, with electricity at 12.2 percent and natural gas at 23.4 percent, making it a cost-effective means to help low-income families with their energy bills. Lasting energy-efficient improvements are installed in the home, resulting in lower utility bills year after year. This reduces the amount of assistance needed to pay higher utility bills in low-income households.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Missouri.
If you receive Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children, you are automatically eligible to receive weatherization services.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.National Housing Locator System (NHLS): Disaster Resource Locator
Program Description
The Disaster Resource Locator is a web-based program on the National Housing Locator System (NHLS) website that allows the public to search for HUD Regional Offices, HUD Field Offices, Public Housing Authorities, and other disaster related resources.General Program Requirements
There are no restrictions on who may access the Disaster Resource Locator application on the National Housing Locator System (NHLS) website.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Non-Discrimination in Federally Assisted and Conducted Programs (On the Basis of Disability)
Program Description
The program is designed to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must claim that you have been denied housing or financial assistance due to discrimination.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Non-Discrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs (On the Basis of Age)
Program Description
The program is designed to prohibit discrimination on the basis of age in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must claim that you have been denied housing or financial assistance due to discrimination.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
Program Description
The Federal grant program Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) provides assistance to individuals who are homeless and have serious mental illnesses. PATH funds are distributed to States/Territories that, in turn, contract with local public or non-profit organizations to fund a variety of services to homeless individuals. Among the services eligible for funding under PATH are:1) Outreach services
2) Screening and diagnostic treatment services
3) Habilitation and rehabilitation services
4) Community mental health services
5) Alcohol and drug treatment services
6) Staff training
7) Case management services
8) Supportive and supervisory services in residential settings
9) Referrals for primary health services, job training, educational services
10) Relevant housing services
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be homeless/live in a shelter and you or any of your family/household members must be facing mental illness.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program
Program Description
The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) provides a death benefit to the eligible survivors of Federal, state or local public safety officers whose death was the direct and proximate result of a personal (traumatic) injury sustained in the line of duty (certain fatal, line of duty heart attacks and strokes are also covered). The act also provides a disability benefit to eligible public safety officers who have been permanently and totally disabled as the direct result of a catastrophic personal injury sustained in the line of duty. The injury must permanently prevent the officer from performing any gainful work.General Program Requirements
Eligible beneficiaries for PSOB purposes, in this order, are spouses; children; designated PSOB beneficiaries on file with the agency at the time of the officer's death; or surviving parents. Eligible children include any biological natural, out-of-wedlock, adopted or posthumous child, or stepchild who is 18 years old or younger. Children between the ages of 19 and 22 may be eligible if a full-time student at the time of the officer's death, and children over 18 who are incapable of self-support at the time of the officer's death due to a disability.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Rural Housing: Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants
Program Description
The Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant program provides capital financing for the development of housing for domestic farm laborers. Farm Labor Housing loans and grants are provided to buy, build, improve, or repair housing for farm laborers, including persons whose income is earned in aquaculture (fish and oyster farms) and those engaged in on-farm processing. Funds can be used to purchase a site or a leasehold interest in a site; to construct housing, day care facilities, or community rooms; to pay fees to purchase durable household furnishings; and to pay construction loan interest.General Program Requirements
The Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant program provides capital financing for the development of housing for domestic farm laborers. Loans are made to farmers, associations of farmers, family farm corporations, Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and associations of farmworkers. Typically, loan applicants are unable to obtain credit elsewhere, but in some instances, farmers able to get credit elsewhere may obtain loans at a rate of interest based on the cost of federal borrowing. Grants are made to farmworker associations, nonprofit organizations, Indian tribes, and public agencies. Funds may be used in urban areas for nearby farm labor. (This is the only Rural Housing Service rural service area exception.)Loan Terms
Loans are for 33 years at 1 percent interest. Grants may cover up to 90 percent of development costs. The balance may be a Farm Labor Housing Program loan.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Social Insurance for Railroad Workers
Program Description
Social Insurance for Railroad Workers provides comprehensive retirement-survivor and unemployment-sickness benefit programs for the nation's railroad workers and their families. In connection with the retirement program, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has administrative responsibilities for certain social security benefits and railroad workers' Medicare coverage.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for railroad retirement benefits, you must have been a railroad worker for at least 10 years, or for at least 5 years after 1995. Workers can receive full retirement benefits at age 60 with 30 years of service. The RRB also pays benefits to family members and survivors of railroad workers. In order to qualify for railroad unemployment or sickness benefits, an employee must have had earnings of at least $3,325 in 2011 or $3,412.50 in 2012.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Program Description
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides grant funds to States and Territories to assist families in any manner that is reasonably calculated to accomplish the purposes of this program. The purposes are: assisting needy families to care for their children in their own homes; reducing dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years of age. Also the applicant must be an U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident; have low or very low income; and be under-employed (working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.
Each State and Territory decides the benefits it will provide. Each State and Territory also establishes the specific eligibility criteria that must be met to receive financial assistance payments or other types of benefits and services. Thus, you must check with the TANF agency in the area that you reside to learn whether you are eligible to receive financial assistance or other TANF benefits and services.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Program Description
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is a Federal agency within the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that administers the nation's immigration laws relating to immigration benefits and services. USCIS regulates permanent and temporary immigration to the United States. This includes legal permanent residence status, non-immigrant status (e.g., tourists or students), and naturalization.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you may be a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident, or an immigrant or an intending immigrant.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.VA - Health Care - Domiciliary Care
Program Description
Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs care for a wide range of problems. A veteran's needs might be in any of the following areas-- Medical
- Psychiatric
- Vocational
- Educational
- Social
Treatment and rehabilitation are provided by a team of professionals in an environment where veterans support each other as they focus on developing greater independence.
General Program Requirements
Domiciliary Care is not part of the Medical Benefits Package.But, to begin with, you must be enrolled in the VA health care system (or qualify based on one of the exceptions in the law) and thus be eligible for the Medical Benefits Package.
Please visit the Basic Medical Benefits Package for Veterans program for more information.
Further, Domiciliary Care has some eligibility rules of its own. You must meet one of these criteria:
-
Your annual income must not exceed the maximum annual Improved Disability VA Pension Rate
OR
- VA must determine that you have no adequate means of support
You can find the special eligibility rules for Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment (Domiciliary Care) in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Here are the references: Title 38, CFR 17.46, 17.47, and 17.48. They're available on the Web at either of these sites:
Government Printing Office (Standard Site) http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/38cfr17_06.html.
In addition, we must find that you're capable of handling the activities of daily living by yourself and that you're willing to participate in your own treatment. Here are the issues we must consider in determining whether domiciliary care is right for you:
- Are you interested in working with us to identify goals for improving your quality of life? This would require participating in a program that works on physical and emotional health issues and looks at how you've been functioning in your family and community.
- Do you need help in learning how to get along more independently in your community?
- Do you need treatment for medical, mental health, or substance abuse problems?
- Are you willing to join with a whole group of veterans and VA staff that works together to help members heal physically and emotionally, and gain as much independence as possible?
- Are you able to accomplish the ordinary activities of daily living, including personal care, with no help or very little help? This might include the ability to use a wheelchair or other assistive devices.
- Are you able to live in a "community" of veterans without posing a risk to yourself or to others?
Even if we decide that our program is not a good "fit" for you, we may be able to help you find some other arrangement that does work.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.VA - Home Loans - Cash Out Refinance (Regular Refinance)
Program Description
With this program, you can refinance your current loan, whether it's a VA-guaranteed mortgage or not.Usually, the new loan is limited to 90% of the appraised value of the house. There are a few exceptions.
General Program Requirements
Persons who may qualify for these refinancing loans include:- Veterans (including Reserve and National Guard members who were called to active duty)
- Active duty service members
- Current Reserve and Guard members (usually after 6 years of reserve service)
- Certain surviving spouses
Length-of-service requirements apply in most cases.
Veterans must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
You will need a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You can get one from VA or from a lender using the Automated Certificate of Eligibility (ACE) program.
If you need to obtain your COE, contact a lender about obtaining your COE or download VA Form 26-1880, complete it and mail it (with proof of service) to our Winston-Salem Eligibility Center at:
VA Loan Eligibility Center
PO Box 20729
Winston-Salem, NC 27120
You can download the form at:
http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp
For overnight delivery:
VA Loan Eligibility Center
215 N. Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27155
Toll free number: 1-888-244-6711
E-mail: nceligib@vba.va.gov
Loan Terms
Market Interest Rate, VA funding fee, and no pre-payment penalties. Maximum loan term cannot exceed 30 years. Monthly payment frequency.You should talk with a lender to learn more about dollar limits. VA's guaranty is limited.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.VA - Home Loans - Construction
Program Description
VA guarantees a percentage of the loan. This helps the veteran obtain a no-down payment mortgage at a competitive interest rate.General Program Requirements
Persons who may qualify for VA guaranteed loans include- Veterans (including Reserve and National Guard members who were called to active duty)
- Active duty service members
- Current Reserve and Guard members (usually after 6 years of reserve service)
- Certain surviving spouses
Length-of-service requirements apply in most cases.
Veterans must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
You will need a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You can get one from VA or from a lender using the Automated Certificate of Eligibility (ACE) program.
If you need to obtain your COE, contact a lender about obtaining your COE or download VA Form 26-1880, complete it and mail it (with proof of service) to our Winston-Salem Eligibility Center at:
VA Loan Eligibility Center
PO Box 20729
Winston-Salem, NC 27120
You can download the form at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp.
For overnight delivery:
VA Loan Eligibility Center
251 N. Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27155
Toll free number: 1-888-244-6711
E-mail: nceligib@vba.va.gov
Loan Terms
A loan to finance the construction/purchase of a residence is closed prior to the start of construction with proceeds disbursed to cover the cost of, or balance owed on, the land, and the balance into escrow. The escrowed monies are paid out to the builder during construction.A veteran begins making payments on a construction/permanent home loan only after construction is complete. So, if the home takes six months to complete construction, the payment schedule for the veteran obtaining a 30-year mortgage must provide for full repayment of the loan in 29 years and six months.
On a construction/permanent home loan, the builder is responsible for:
- Interest payments during the construction period, and
- All fees normally paid by a builder who obtains an interim construction loan including, but not limited to:
- inspection fees
- commitment fees
- title update fees, and
- hazard insurance.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.VA - Home Loans - Regular Purchase
Program Description
VA loan guarantees are made for the purchase of homes, condominiums and manufactured homes (when they're classified as real estate).VA guarantees a percentage of the loan. This helps the veteran obtain a no-down payment mortgage at a competitive interest rate.
VA loans may also be refinanced. (Please see Cash-Out or Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loans programs on this site. You can search on "Cash-Out" or "Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing." Be sure to include the quotation marks when you type in the entry.)
General Program Requirements
Persons who may qualify for VA guaranteed loans include:- Veterans (including Reserve and National Guard members who were called to active duty)
- Active duty service members
- Current Reserve and Guard members (usually after 6 years of reserve service)
- Certain surviving spouses
Length-of-service requirements apply in most cases.
Veterans must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
You will need a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You can get one from VA or from a lender using the Automated Certificate of Eligibility (ACE) program.
If you need to obtain your COE, contact a lender about obtaining your COE or download VA Form 26-1880, complete it and mail it (with proof of service) to our Winston-Salem Eligibility Center at:
VA Loan Eligibility Center
PO Box 20729
Winston-Salem, NC 27120
You can download the form at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/.
For overnight delivery:
VA Loan Eligibility Center
251 N. Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27155
E-mail: nceligib@vba.va.gov
Loan Terms
Market Interest Rate, VA funding fee and no pre-payment penalties. Maximum loan term cannot exceed 30 years. No maximum loan amount; monthly payment frequency.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Program Description
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who cannot afford professional assistance. In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, many sites also offer free electronic filing (e-filing). Volunteers help prepare basic tax returns for taxpayers with low to moderate incomes. Assistance is provided at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations.General Program Requirements
In order to utilize this program, you must have low to moderate income, be disabled, not speak English well, or be a senior citizen.Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons
Program Description
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Funds are used to improve the energy performance of dwellings families in need using the most advanced technologies and testing procedures available in the housing industry. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides funding to states, U.S. overseas territories, and Indian tribal governments, which manage the administration of the program. These governments, in turn, fund a network of local community action agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local governments that provide these weatherization services in every state, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and among Native American tribes.General Program Requirements
As many as 20 to 30 million U.S. families are eligible for weatherization services nationwide. Services are provided by the states, and each state has slightly different criteria. All energy services are handled by local weatherization agencies.If you receive Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children, you are automatically eligible to receive weatherization services. In other cases, states give preference to:
- People over 60 years of age
- Families with one or more members with a disability
- Families with children (in most states)
