Speaker 1: Let's reveal seven cash assistance programs that you've probably never heard of. These programs offer direct financial support to help you cover basic needs, so let's dive right in. We're going to start with a program that's often overlooked but can be a crucial safety net, especially for people without children or for those who don't qualify for other types of assistance. This is called General Assistance. This is a program that will help you even if you don't have kids, and that's really important because we often hear from people who don't have children and they don't think that they're eligible for any form of help because of it. Now General Assistance is sometimes called General Relief. It's a state or locally funded program that provides cash benefits to eligible people who are experiencing financial hardship. It's designed to help cover basic needs like food, rent, utilities, and clothing during times of crisis. Now that's the good news. The bad news, of course, is that these programs are always operated locally, so it's hard to explain exactly who qualifies and how much you'll get and how this program works because it varies widely depending on where you are. There is some type of General Assistance program in 25 states and Washington, D.C. Sometimes the program is called something else like State Aid, Cash Aid, General Public Assistance, things like that, but whatever they call it, General Assistance programs are typically very modest. They're small payments meant to help you cover your basic expenses. According to the National Council on Aging, the maximum benefit in New Jersey is around $380 a month and the maximum in Connecticut is around $220 a month. It's not enough to pay the rent, but it certainly helps. Eligibility for GA can vary a lot by state or even by county or city, but it generally targets people with very low to no income who are unable to work due to age, disability, or other circumstances. Now, some states also have a specific GA program for pregnant women or families with children who may not qualify for other forms of assistance as well. You'll usually need to pass an income and asset limit test, and some states may require you to apply for SSI before you can get General Assistance. Now to apply for GA, you typically need to contact your local social services office or welfare agency. They can tell you if this program is available in your area, and they will have information about the specific eligibility requirements and application process that you will need to follow. Now we're going to talk about a unique opportunity that combines giving back to the community with earning some extra income, especially for seniors. The Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program are both part of the AmeriCorps Seniors, and these offer stipends to those who dedicate their time helping others. These programs are designed for adults aged 55 and older who want to make a difference in their communities. As a foster grandparent, you get to mentor and tutor young people who could really use your guiding hand. It's incredibly rewarding to watch them grow and learn, and as a senior companion, you get to offer friendship and support to other seniors who might be lonely or struggling. Trust me, the connections you make are priceless. I still remember the foster grandparents that I worked with when I was in school. Now here's the cherry on top. You can also get paid a stipend for your time. While it's not a huge amount, it can certainly help cover expenses and where it just might be a little extra spending money. In some areas, you can earn up to $400 a month through this program. You may also be able to get free meals, mileage reimbursement, and more. The money is tax-free, and many sources say that this money won't even count as income against your SNAP, Medicaid, or housing benefits. Even the AmeriCorps of Central Texas points out that their volunteers can receive SNAP benefits. So if you're a senior looking to make a positive impact and earn a little extra income, the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs could be a rewarding opportunity to make that happen. Check out the AmeriCorps Seniors website to find programs in your area and start your application today. Now let's talk about another program that could provide direct cash assistance for those facing specific challenges, aged, blind, or disabled cash assistance. This state-administered program is designed to help individuals who are 65 years of age or older, blind, or have a long-term disability that prevents them from working. This program provides monthly cash payments to help cover your basic living expenses and medical needs. In Washington, this program is called Aged, Blind, or Disabled Cash Assistance, and it can provide up to $450 a month for a single person or up to $570 a month for a married couple. One of the great things about this program is that it not only gives you cash, but it also offers assistance in applying for SSI, which could provide you with even more financial support. Now if you're not eligible for other health care programs, getting ABD may even qualify you for coverage through the medical care services program as well. Now while that's the name of this program in Washington, it's important to note that it goes by different names in different states. In Oregon, for instance, it's called Aid to Blind Persons and to Disabled Persons. In other states, it might have a completely different name or it might not be available at all. So it's definitely worth checking into your state's resources to see if they offer something similar. You may be able to call your area agency on aging and see if they know about it as well. Now remember, like all assistance programs, there are eligibility requirements for ABD cash assistance. You'll need to meet your state's specific income and asset limits, as well as the federal definition of Aged, Blind, or Disabled. You can find out more about those specific requirements and application processes by contacting your social services agency or possibly your area agency on aging, like I mentioned earlier. Now let's explore a concept that's gaining momentum as a potential solution to poverty, guaranteed income programs. Imagine receiving a regular, consistent, no-strings-attached cash payment just for living in a certain area or for meeting certain criteria. It might sound too good to be true, but these programs are becoming a reality in many places across the country. So what are guaranteed income programs? These are specialized, limited initiatives that provide regular cash payments to eligible individuals or families with no restrictions on how that money is used. The idea is to provide a basic level of financial security, empowering people to meet their needs, pursue opportunities, and build a better future. These programs are based on the belief that everyone deserves a basic level of economic security, regardless of their employment status or income level. Research has shown that guaranteed income can reduce poverty, improve health outcomes, and increase economic stability for participants. Guaranteed income programs are popping up all over the United States, from small pilot projects in individual cities to statewide initiatives. Some programs target specific groups like artists, new parents, low-income families, and so on, while others are open to all residents who meet certain criteria. One organization that's playing a leading role in the guaranteed income movement is called UpTogether. Their platform connects individuals and families with a variety of guaranteed income programs across the country. They also offer financial coaching and community support to help participants make the most of their cash assistance. Now if you want to stay informed about the guaranteed income programs in your area, I always recommend subscribing to UpTogether. That being said, guaranteed income programs are still in their early stages. Every program sets their own eligibility requirements and payment amounts can vary widely depending on the specific program. In some areas, like Texas and Missouri, they're facing a lot of legal challenges too. So it's essential to research the programs available in your area and see if you qualify if they're there. Now we're going to talk about a program that's incredibly close to my heart because I've seen the difference it can make in the lives of those who've served our country and their families. This is the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. I know that's a mouthful, but this program really is amazing. If you're a family member who's been caring for a veteran who was injured or became ill during their service, you know firsthand how hard that can be. The VA Caregiver Program recognizes the incredible sacrifices that you've made and offers some much-needed support. One of the best things about this program is that it provides a monthly stipend. That's a financial payment to help you cover the costs associated with caregiving and compensate you for your time. The amount that you receive will depend on the level of care that your veteran needs and where you live, but it's a real lifesaver for a lot of families. The payment is often $2,000 a month or more. The program also provides expert caregiver training, health insurance, respite care, mental health support, and so many other benefits. The program used to be limited only to post-9-11 veterans, but it's now open to veterans of all eras who have a serious injury or illness related to their service who require in-person care. Applying for the VA Caregiver Program is easier than you might think. You just need to head over to the VA Caregiver Support website or talk to your local VA office. They'll walk you through the process and help you get the support that you deserve. And finally, let's talk about a program that's been around for a while but has a lesser known feature that could be a game changer for you. This is TANF Diversion Payments. As you probably already know, TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. This is a federal program that provides cash assistance and other support to low-income families with children. The goal is to help families achieve self-sufficiency. However, the traditional monthly payments might not be the best fit for everyone, and that's where TANF Diversion Payments come in. These are one-time lump-sum payments designed to help families facing a short-term crisis, like a car repair. Think of it as a financial boost that can help you get back on your feet quickly without needing to enroll in long-term assistance. With Diversion, you'll get that larger one-time payment instead of the steady monthly payments. You don't get both. The idea is that by providing that immediate support up front, you can avoid becoming dependent on long-term programs. The eligibility requirements for Diversion Payments vary by state, and I'm not sure if it's available in all areas, but I know it is available in many areas. Generally, you still need to meet the basic TANF eligibility requirements for income, citizenship, etc., and you'll need to demonstrate a specific need or crisis, such as an unexpected job loss, an illness, or a natural disaster. If you think you might qualify, contact your local or state TANF office. They can tell you if the Diversion option is available to you, and if it is, they can provide you with the specific eligibility requirements and application process for your area. Now, I know we've covered a lot of ground today. Please don't forget to go check out our other recent video about seven programs that can pay your bills for you. I'll see you there.