Last Updated on August 23, 2023 by Hannah Stevens
The state of Missouri is home to approximately 480,000 veterans. And like other states, veterans in Missouri can experience financial difficulties from time to time. Some may find themselves in a difficult situation, such as working between jobs, or finding a job with a good salary that keeps up with the rising living costs. These situations can lead to stress since people struggle to pay their monthly bills. Therefore, veterans should know that grants are available to help them in these difficult times and get them back on their feet.
The grant programs have been created by the federal government and are available all over the country, including Missouri. There are grants available to veterans in this state that can help pay rent, buy food, get cash assistance, and more. Although none of these grants for veterans can cover all expenses, they can be used as a supplement in paying bills in difficult financial times.
Grants offered for veterans in Missouri
Temporary Assistance
Missouri’s Temporary Assistance program is also known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This program offers cash grants to veterans residing in Missouri. They provide cash grants to eligible veterans that can be used for a range of living expenses such as clothing, food, transportation, housing, and more. In order to qualify for this program, you must have a dependent child who is 18 years old or younger, meet the low income requirement, have not have more than $1,000 of assets, and participate in a work assistance program. The work assistance program provides skills to help people transition to being self-sufficient. However, Temporary Assistance is not available to anyone who has been convicted of a felony after August 22, 1996. You can mail, fax, or hand deliver your application. Click the link above to apply.
Food Stamps
The Food Stamp program available in Missouri is identical to the national one known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For those who are eligible, the program will provide a monthly food grant that can be used to purchase food at the farmer’s market or store. To qualify for the program, you must be a resident of the state of Missouri, not have assets exceeding $2,250 (except your first home), not convicted of a felony after August 22, 1996, provide your social security number, and meet the low income requirements. Your household size and income will determine the amount of your monthly grant. You can apply for Missouri Food Stamps by hand delivering, faxing, or mailing your application. Click the link above to apply.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
In Missouri, veterans can apply for utilities grants. LIHEAP provides two types of assistance to those who need aid in paying their heating and cooling bills. Energy Assistance (EA) is a grant that will provide a one-time grant to pay your heating bill to those who are eligible. This program is available from November to March each year. The other program is known as the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), which provides help to people who are in danger of having their heat disconnected or those who have had theirs already disconnected. ECIP is available in winter, from November to May, with a maximum grant of $800. You can also apply for it in the summer from June to September, with a grant limit of $300.
In order to qualify for the LIHEAP programs, you must be the person who pays the bill, be a citizen or legal immigrant, have cash assets less than $3,000, and meet the low income requirements. You can submit your application by mail. Click the link above to apply.
This is also one of the available grants for veterans in Montana.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
In Missouri, veterans who are in need of assistance paying for their housing could be eligible for programs through HUD. These HUD programs can help with finding affordable housing, paying rent, avoiding foreclosure and making necessary repairs to your home. In order to be eligible for the programs, you must meet the low income requirements. When applying, you must first meet with an HUD counselor in Missouri who will determine your housing needs. Click the link above to apply.
HUD is also one of the available grants for veterans in Mississippi.
Lifeline Assistance
Lifeline Assistance grants may be available to veterans who feel that they cannot afford their monthly phone bills. This federally funded program helps people have a lower phone bill. The recipients will only need to pay $9.25 per month for their phone bill, whether it is cellular or landline. Then the rest will be paid by the government. Click the link above to apply.
Final Remark
When veterans find themselves in a difficult financial position, the grants available for them in the state of Missouri can become helpful. While you work to improve your financial position, they will pay your bills. Now, to see which programs you are eligible for, you can apply to any or all of them.
