Last Updated on August 23, 2023 by Hannah Stevens
The state of Mississippi is home to more than 191,000 veterans. This state is also one of the most economically challenged states in the country. So veterans may have difficulty finding a stable job that pays a decent salary. This can make it difficult to pay the bills and create stressful situations. Fortunately, there are available grants for veterans in Mississippi. These grants can be an important aid to pay for monthly bills.
Grants are different from loans because they don’t have to be repaid. They are basically gifts that are offered to people in need to assist them in their journey to self-sufficiency. These federally funded grants are available to veterans to help them pay rent, buy food, get cash assistance, and more.
Grants offered for veterans in Mississippi
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Mississippi offers food grants to veterans. Therefore, those in need of food assistance may apply for SNAP, which gives eligible veterans a monthly grant that can be used to buy food at the farmer’s market or grocery store. You must meet low income requirements, be a citizen or a legal immigrant, and have a proof of identity to qualify for the program. You can apply for SNAP in Mississippi online, by fax, by mail, or in person. Click the link above to apply.
This is also on of the available grants for veterans in Minnesota.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF may be available to veterans who have at least one dependent child who is 18 years old or younger. This program offers cash grants to veterans in Mississippi. You can use the monthly cash grant to pay for many living expenses such as transportation, food, housing, and bills. The TANF grant can only be received for 60 months for most people. Moreover, the assistance may be reduced to 24 months for those who are eligible to work but are not participating in the work program associated with TANF. In order to qualify, you must be a citizen or a legal immigrant, and have a low income. You can submit your application by mail, fax, online, or in-person. Click the link above to apply.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The federally funded HUD programs have a mission to help people avoid homelessness. These programs can help with paying rent, avoiding foreclosure, and making necessary home repairs. HUD can also assist people in finding affordable housing options and public housing. In order to qualify for the program, you must meet the low income requirements. When applying, you will need to meet with a HUD counselor from Mississippi to assess your current financial situation and housing needs. Click the link above to apply.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Mississippi offers energy grants to veterans. The grants will be available to those who have a low income and need help paying their heating bills. You must meet the requirements for low income, be a resident of the state, and be responsible for paying the bill to be eligible for the program. This program will aid in paying for gas, kerosene, wood, oil, coal and other forms of home heating. You may submit your applications online. Click the link above to apply.
This is similar to the LIHEAP grants for veterans in Missouri.
Lifeline Assistance
While a phone is essential for most people, some veterans might not be able to afford its bill. The good news is that Lifeline Assistance grants assistance to those who are struggling to pay their monthly phone bills. It is a federal funded program. So, approved applicants of the program only need to pay $9.25 per month for their phone, whether it’s cellular or landline. Then the rest of the balance is paid by the government through a grant. You may submit your applications online. Click the link above to apply.
Final Remark
These federally funded grant programs can be helpful for veterans living in Mississippi who are facing a financial crisis. Although most grant programs are only available short-term, with the intention to help people become self-sufficient, there are some grants that last longer. You can apply and receive funding from as many grants as you wish, so it’s best to apply for multiple grants to see which ones get approved.