The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides help to low-income families who have difficulties covering their monthly rental payments. HUD is responsible for running the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which provides funds to public housing authorities in individual states. Eligible candidates receive vouchers to cover the cost of renting a house or apartment that falls within the public housing authority's criteria. Individuals usually contribute a small amount of their income toward rent, with the HCV program covering the rest. In certain cases, where the rent is sufficiently low, the full cost of renting may be covered by the program.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides money to state authorities to aid low-income families buy groceries. The SNAP program is administered by the Department of Agriculture and is typically administered via credit cards, with which families can purchase groceries at designated outlets. Families who require assistance with food payments need to complete an application form detailing their circumstances. In some states, applicants may also be required to attend an interview with a state official.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) grants are supported by federal funds and help women acquire specific types of food to meet their own nutritional needs and those of their children. Individuals who qualify for this program are pregnant women, infants and children under the age of 5. Candidates also need to be at risk of illness due to poor nutrition, which is of particular concern to young children as it may harm their development.
The Department of Health and Human Services gives temporary aid to families with low incomes via the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Payments are made by the U.S. government to states and passed on as cash payments to families who are most in need. As its name suggests, the TANF program is designed as a temporary measure to assist families who have hit hard times. It can usually only be paid for a maximum of three years.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is supported by federal funds and assists poorer families by covering heating bills and general energy costs, primarily during the winter months. The program is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and can also be acquired for energy-related home repairs and weatherization work, which prepares a home for the effects of cold weather. LIHEAP is also available for elderly and disabled people.