It is estimated that there are 2 million veterans who live in the state of California. The state also ranks near the top when it comes to the high cost of living. Many veterans who live in the state may find it difficult to pay their bills each month, because of the high cost of living and job wages that don’t cover the expenses. The good news is that there are grants for veterans in California.
The grants that are offered to veterans in California are not loans, so they do not have to be paid back. You can apply for as many as you qualify for, and use the grants to help you through the financially difficult times. The grant programs are in place to help those in need, so if you are struggling to pay your bills you should consider applying for them.
Types of Grants for Veterans in California :::: CalFresh – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is called CalFresh in the state of California. It is a federally funded program that provides those in need with a monthly grant that they can use to purchase food. The grant is provided to you on an electronic card, similar to a debit card, and you can use that to purchase food at the grocery store or farmer’s market.
To qualify for CalFresh, you have to meet the low income requirements. There is an online tool you can use to see if you qualify. You answer questions about your situation and within three minutes you will know if you meet the qualifications for the program. You can apply for CalFresh online. Visit today for information on benefits.
CalWORKS – This grant program for veterans in California is essentially the state’s version of the federal program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program provides cash grants to help those in need. The cash can be used to cover the cost of living expenses, including paying for things like transportation, clothing, paying bills, and buying food. In order to qualify for this program, you have to have a dependent child, meet the low income requirements, or be unemployed. You can apply for CalWORKS online or by contacting your local social services agency. Website link here .
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – One of the biggest expenses for veterans in the state of California is paying for housing. Veterans who need help paying for their rent may qualify for programs through HUD. The HUD programs help people obtain affordable housing, locate public housing options, pay for rent, avoid foreclosure, and get the necessary home repairs that they need. Eligibility requirements include having a low income, being a citizen or legal immigrant, and providing the identification that is requested. You can apply for the programs by contacting HUD in the state of California. Online application here .
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – There are grants for veterans in California who need help paying for their energy bills. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps veterans pay for their heating bills, as well as obtain weatherization services for their home. Weatherization services will identify things you can do to help use less energy, which should lower your monthly bill. They also provide crisis intervention, which will help those who have received a disconnect notice. They also offer a solar pilot program, which will help people switch to solar energy. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements. You can apply for LIHEAP online. More details here .
Lifeline Assistance – It’s a good idea that everyone has a phone, if only to use during emergency situations. Yet many veterans may find it difficult to pay the bill. There is a federal program, called Lifeline Assistance, which will provide a grant to help cover the cost each month. Those who qualify will only have to pay $9.25 per month for their phone, and the government will provide a grant to pay for the rest. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal immigrant. You can apply for the program online. Apply here for help .
Help with employment, home ownership and college scholarships — Through the California department of VA, veterans can apply for lower rate home loans and become a homeowner. Even if you have a credit score that you are not proud of, you will be able to obtain a loan. That is something you cannot dream of at other places. Thankfully, VA understands the importance of housing for veterans and is able to offer valuable assistance regarding the same.
One can also apply for scholarships for veteran’s dependents at their official website. Please ensure all requirements are met before application. Visit the official website here .
Help with employment can also be sought at the above website. More benefits are given obviously to veterans who are severely injured or are disabled.
Help for those suffering from PTSD – If you are a veteran suffering from PTSD and unable to cope with daily life, there is help from a non profit named Mighty Oaks . This organization supports those who need mental health support after returning from active duty. Their website boasts of a very high success rate at treating those who are suffering, and might be a perfect fit for you if you need assistance. All this is offered free of cost.
It may be comforting for people to know there are grants for veterans in California. The state may be one of the most expensive to live in, but these resources can help to make it more affordable for veterans. Whether you are experiencing long or short term financial challenges, there may be a grant program that can help with your situation.
