by D.B. Uhlman

Created on: May 07, 2008   Last Updated: May 20, 2008

When the economy slows or the company you've worked at goes out of business after years of being employed, where do you turn? How will you keep your family fed, sheltered, and healthy? With food and gas prices skyrocketing it's getting harder and harder to make ends meet. The government has many programs that can help families who need help during life's difficult transitions. Unemployment insurance is if you become unemployed through no fault of your own.

Medicaid is free medical assistance for those individuals who have a low or very low income. However, some services may not be covered due to age. Kidcare or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is available for children and expectant mothers. In some states CHIP may also help pay the cost of medical insurance that you may already be receiving through your current employer or a private insurance company.

All states have a food stamp programs to help pay for the necessary nutrition you and your family needs. Depending upon your income level and how many people reside with you, you can receive emergency food stamps while your case is being determined for permanent eligibility.

School-age children can benefit from the School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. Depending on your income you and your family can receive assistance paying for lunch and breakfast for your children while they are attending school. Check with your child's school or daycare center to see if they participate in this non-profit program. Along with meal assistance children may also qualify for your state's free milk program as well.

Women Infants and Children or WIC is a program designed to help women and children with supplemental nutrition for low-income women who are nursing, pregnant or have children under the age of five.

Making your food allowance stretch even further during the summer months when your children are off from school can be a daunting task. This is the time when children are not receiving their free meals at school so what you do? How do you keep providing them with nutritious meals? The government has the Summer Food Service for just this purpose. All the benefits mentioned in this article have very similar guidelines for qualification, so if you qualify for one you will qualify for most of the programs.

Most states also have a Weatherization Assistance Program which helps to insulate your home to help curb those high heating and cooling costs that can take money away from food, medical, and other expenses. Along with this program you can apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in your state to help pay your current energy bills.

Every household needs home telephone service for emergency purposes. It is important to have this service if you or anyone in your household falls ill or is seriously injured requiring emergency medical assistance. According to your financial situation you may qualify for free or reduced cost telephone service. To check to see if you qualify go to: http://www.universalservice.org/li/about/default.asp x

Services provided by United States government requires each person who applies for benefits be a US national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien in need of these services before applying. Don't worry. Help is available if you need it. For more information on all of the aforementioned assistance programs go to:
http://www.govbenefits.gov.

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