Starting From Zero: Assistance Program List

Let’s Get You Back On Your Feet

Rosa Javier Real Estate

Growing up in Pennsylvania, I experienced the challenges of living in a low-income, single-parent household without access to essential financial literacy resources. As a result, I faced hardships and made uninformed decisions that continue to impact me today. I understand the struggle of starting from scratch and the difficulties in finding the necessary resources to establish stability.

My goal today is to help you avoid finding yourself in an abusive or demeaning situation simply because you are unaware of the available assistance. Once you start accessing the help you need, you will gain the clarity of mind necessary to improve your income through education or by taking essential steps to pursue different job opportunities. This will enable you to focus on saving and building a strong foundation towards your dream of becoming a homeowner.

In today's blog post, I want to dedicate my thoughts to providing information on where to seek help when it is needed. Specifically, I will focus on programs within Pennsylvania, particularly in Northampton and Lehigh counties. It's worth noting that many other states have similar programs, tailored to their specific locations. If you reside in a different state, I encourage you to search online using the program names mentioned below alongside your state's name.

Remember: The worst response you may receive from people within these programs is a "no." However, a "yes" could be a lifeline. Although it may take time and involve interviews, it is a risk worth taking because the potential gains far outweigh any potential losses. No one will know you need help unless you ask for it.

I've included assistance programs specifically designed for individuals who typically earn less than 150% of the poverty line, along with additional tips to help you reduce your monthly expenses. It's important to remember that everyone goes through different financial situations, and seeking help when needed is a step towards stability.

Once you have enrolled in the designated programs and been accepted, it is essential to regularly apply for assistance and keep your applications up to date before they expire each year. This practice is crucial in order to avoid losing the support that you continue to rely on and need. I strongly urge you to prioritize this task to ensure uninterrupted access to the assistance you require.

Starting From Zero: Assistance Program List

Housing/Utility Resources:

1. https://www.PAHousingSearch.org

   1. t’s a free resource to help find a home for rent that fits your needs and resources.

1. Rental/Mortgage Assistance Finder

   1. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/renter-protections/find-help-with-rent-and-utilities/

1. Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)

   1. https://www.hud.gov/rent_relief

1. Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

   1. https://www.dhs.pa.gov/ERAP/Pages/ERAP.aspx

   2. If you or someone in the household lost their job due to Covid

1. List of rental assistance for different groups in the Lehigh Valley

   1. https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/rental_assistance_northampton_.html

1. Disaster hit and you lost your home:

   1. https://www.pema.pa.gov/Grants/Pages/default.aspx

      1. Recovery from disasters

   2. https://www.fema.gov/

   3. https://www.redcross.org/get-help.html

1. Housing Vouchers

   1. https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8

1. Homelessness:

   1. Home4Good

      1. https://www.phfa.org/forms/home4good/2023_home4good_appwebinar.pdf (Deadline is July 31st, 2023)

      2. https://www.phfa.org/forms/home4good/webinar_link.pdf (Application Web)

1. Gas/Electric Bill:

   1. Budget Billing

   2. Customer Assistance Programs

   3. LIURP

   4. https://www.pa211.org/get-help/employment-expenses/gas-service-payment-assistance/

2. Water/Sewer/Trash Payment Assistance Programs List:

   1. https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHWAP.aspx

   2. https://www.pa211.org/get-help/employment-expenses/water-service-payment-assistance/

   3. keystonefirstpa.com/member/eng/programs/home-utilities/index.aspx

1. Internet assistance: https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/do-i-qualify/

   1. Go onto your internet provider’s website and you can sign up to lower your bill if you qualify under the above conditions. This can possibly lower your bill up to $30/month. .

Groceries:

1. https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Food/food_assistance/pages/default.aspx

2. https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/emergency-food-assistance-program

3. https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/food-security-and-access/food-assistance-programs

4. https://www.usa.gov/food-help

5. https://www.feedingpa.org/food-assistance/federal-food-assistance-programs/

Cell Phone/Computer:

1. Lifeline: https://www.usac.org/lifeline

2. https://www.puc.pa.gov/Telecom/pdf/Lifeline/Lifeline_Brochure-StayConnected.pdf

3. https://www.pcsforpeople.org/eligibility/

Education/Job resources:

1. Adult Low-Literacy Programs (Pennsylvania):

   1. https://www.phfa.org/forms/housing_services/hot_topics/low_literacy_webinar.pdf

   2. http://www.paadultedresources.org/

   3. Financial Literacy: https://www.flclv.org/

Medical Payment Assistance:

Article List:

1. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/is-there-financial-help-for-my-medical-bills-en-2124/

2. https://www.usa.gov/help-with-medical-bills

3. Medicaid: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Medical-Assistance.aspx

List of Automobile Payment Assistance and other programs in Pennsylvania

1. https://www.pa211.org/get-help/transportation/automobile-payment-assistance/

2. https://www.pa211.org/get-help/transportation/automotive-repair-and-maintenance/

Car insurance:

1. Pennsylvania does not offer a state sponsored car insurance, however, here’s an article that helps you choose the best one for low income individuals: https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/low-income-car-insurance-pennsylvania/

1. New Jersey does have a state sponsor Car Insurance for those that have Medicaid with Hospitalization: :https://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_consumers/insurance/saip.htm

Car Assistance for Low-Income Families:

1. 1800-Charity Cars: https://800charitycars.org/?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnMWkBhDLARIsAHBOftrEn1do6VrP65MlX-6o23ryMThDT5AxJH3I3JgaHQFPsEExvV3rmxsaAuHyEALw_wcB

Daycare Assistance Programs:

1. https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Children/Pages/Child-Care-Works-Program.aspx

2. https://childcare.gov/consumer-education/get-help-paying-for-child-care

Domestic Violence hotline:

1. https://www.thehotline.org/

Financial support for those experiencing Domestic Violence:

1. https://www.moneygeek.com/financial-planning/resources/financial-help-women-abusive-relationships/

   1. Great article! This article should be read by ALL that feel they’re experiencing domestic violence.

   2. Identifying the signs of abuse

   3. How to prepare to leave

   4. Temporary Housing

   5. Food Assistance

   6. Medical and Mental Support

   7. Legal challenges

In the Lehigh Valley we have a great support system: this website talks about all the available help and assistance programs in the Lehigh and Northampton Counties

1. https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/lehigh_county_assistance_progr.html

2. https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/northampton_county_assistance_.html

Find Programs Near You:

1. https://lehigh.pa.networkofcare.org/mh/services/index.aspx

2. https://www.workingcarsforworkingfamilies.org/find-a-program/application/

3. https://www.pa211.org/get-help/employment-expenses/gas-service-payment-assistance/

If you are in need of a printer or computer to sign up for these programs, however, you do not have the means, I highly recommend your local library for assistance.

Below are several organizations and vocabulary words that you may encounter, along with their respective definitions. Take a look:

Organizations:

• Customer Assistance Programs (CAP): Initiatives or programs offered by companies or organizations to assist their customers financially. The specific benefits and services provided through CAPs may vary depending on the company and industry. Below are some common examples:

• Financial Assistance: CAPs may offer financial support to customers who are unable to pay their bills or are experiencing financial hardship. This can include payment plans, bill forgiveness, or discounts on services.

• Energy Assistance: Some utility companies provide CAPs to help customers manage their energy costs. These programs may include energy audits, energy-efficient upgrades, or discounted rates for low-income households.

• Medical Assistance: Healthcare providers or insurance companies may offer CAPs to help customers access affordable healthcare services. This can involve discounted medical consultations, prescription assistance programs, or financial aid for medical bills.

• Housing Assistance: CAPs related to housing may include rental assistance, home improvement grants, or foreclosure prevention programs to support customers facing housing challenges.

• Educational Assistance: Companies may offer CAPs to help customers access educational resources or financial aid for educational expenses. This can include scholarships, grants, or tuition reimbursement programs.

• Technical Support: CAPs may provide additional technical assistance to customers experiencing issues with their products or services. This can involve dedicated customer service lines, extended warranties, or priority service.

• It's important to note that the availability and eligibility criteria for CAPs vary among organizations. Please contact the specified service provider to assess your eligibility. Remember that the worst thing they can say is, “no” - More to gain than to lose.

• Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP): A program aimed at assisting low-income individuals or households in reducing their utility usage and associated costs. These programs are often implemented by utility companies or government agencies to help alleviate the financial burden on low-income families and promote energy efficiency. Common features may include:

• Energy Assessments: The program may offer energy audits or assessments to identify areas of high energy usage or inefficiencies within a low-income household. This helps participants understand their energy consumption patterns and provides recommendations for reducing usage.

• Energy Efficiency Upgrades: LIURP may provide financial assistance or incentives to eligible participants for making energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. This can include installing energy-efficient appliances, weatherization measures, insulation, or efficient lighting.

• Education and Outreach: These programs often include educational materials, workshops, or seminars to educate participants on energy conservation practices, tips for reducing usage, and the benefits of energy-efficient behaviors.

• Bill Assistance: LIURP may offer financial assistance or bill discounts to eligible low-income households to help offset their utility costs. This assistance can be in the form of direct bill payment support, discounted rates, or credits applied to utility bills.

• Community Engagement: Some LIURP initiatives may involve community engagement efforts to raise awareness about energy conservation and encourage sustainable practices among low-income individuals and neighborhoods.

• It's important to note that the availability and eligibility criteria for Low Income Usage Reduction Programs can vary depending on the specific program and location. If you are seeking assistance or more information about a LIURP, I recommend reaching out to your local utility provider or relevant government agencies to inquire about the programs available in your area.

• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): A program or initiative aimed at increasing access to affordable internet connectivity for underserved or low-income communities. These are some common features of the program:

• Subsidized Internet Service: The ACP may provide subsidies or financial assistance to eligible individuals or households, reducing the cost of internet service. This can involve partnerships with internet service providers to offer discounted plans specifically for program participants.

• Device Assistance: Some ACPs may include provisions for providing low-cost or subsidized devices such as computers, laptops, or tablets to individuals or families who do not have access to suitable devices for internet access.

• Digital Literacy Training: The program may offer training and educational resources to improve digital literacy skills among program participants. This can include workshops, online courses, or community training sessions to help individuals navigate the internet and utilize online resources effectively.

• The specific details and eligibility criteria for the Affordable Connectivity Program will depend on the implementing organization and the region. Contact your local government agency or your internet provider to determine your eligibility.

Vocabulary Words:

• Budget Billing: Is a payment option offered by utility companies to help customers manage their monthly energy costs by averaging out the customer's energy usage and It evenly spreads the cost throughout the billing cycle., usually 12 months.

Here's how budget billing typically works:

• Calculation: The utility company reviews the customer's past energy usage over a specific period, such as the previous year. They calculate an average monthly usage and determine a fixed payment amount based on this average.

• Fixed Monthly Payments: With budget billing, the customer pays the same amount each month, regardless of their actual energy usage for that month. The fixed payment is typically designed to cover the average energy costs throughout the year.

• Adjustment Periodically: The utility company periodically reviews the customer's actual energy usage. This can happen every few months or at the end of the budget billing cycle, usually annually. If the customer has consistently used more or less energy than originally estimated, the fixed payment amount may be adjusted accordingly.

• Settlement or True-up: At the end of the budget billing cycle, any difference between the total payments made and the actual energy usage is reconciled. If the customer has paid more than their actual energy costs, they may receive a refund or credit towards future bills. Conversely, if the customer has underpaid, they may owe the remaining balance.

• Budget billing does not change the total amount paid for energy throughout the year.

• If you are interested in enrolling in budget billing or learning more about its availability and terms, I recommend reaching out to your utility company's customer service or visiting their website for specific information and enrollment procedures

Up Next…

In our upcoming blog post, we will delve into effective strategies for paying off debt that calculates interest using the Simple Interest Method.

Clearing your debt is not only vital for improving your debt-to-income ratio when considering a home purchase, but it also has a significant impact on your credit score. Entering the home buying process with substantial debt can prove detrimental. Homeownership involves not only mortgage payments, taxes, and utilities but also the ongoing maintenance of the property. Therefore, having an emergency fund becomes essential.

Join us in our upcoming blog as we confront our debts head-on and explore effective strategies to achieve financial freedom.

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Pennsylvania

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Fox & Roach Realtors

New Jersey

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