Nobody wants to end up in a situation where they’re struggling to pay the bills while caring for a child (or multiple children), but sadly, it’s all too common. The good news is that, if you’re living in Alabama, you may be able to get some support through the Alabama Family Assistance program.
Understanding complicated government programs can seem daunting, especially if you need the money urgently, but they’re often not as complex as they seem. We’ll break down the crucial details of the scheme, along with eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What is the Alabama Family Assistance Program?
Put simply, the Alabama Family Assistance Program is a government-run program to give financial support to families in Alabama with a low income (or no income at all). It’s part of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grant, which is available throughout the US but differs slightly between states.
Once a family is enrolled in the Alabama Family Assistance Program, they’ll receive help toward their healthcare, mortgage or rent, energy bills, and similar costs. The head of household will receive the funds through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
The exact amount you can expect depends on your specific circumstances, but the maximum available is $215 a month (for a family of three).
You may also be able to join the JOBS Program for access to work and training services to help you regain financial independence.
Eligibility requirements
You can probably guess the requirements for the program based on what we’ve said already, but here’s a more specific guide:
- You must be an Alabama resident
- You must be a U.S. citizen (or legal or qualified alien)
- You must have one or more dependents aged 18 or below or be pregnant
- You must be the head of your household
- You must be unemployed, or employed with a low income
However, families with children aged 19 who are in full-time education are also eligible.
The income thresholds are complex and depend on various factors, so we advise you to contact your local office (details below) for further information.
If you don’t meet any of these criteria, you might still be able to access assistance and grants from other sources.
How to apply for Alabama Family Assistance
Applying for the program is easier than many people realize. Simply download the application from the Alabama Department of Human Resources website, fill it in, and send it (or deliver it in person) to your local office.
You can find your local office through the County Office Contact Lookup section of the website.
Alternatively, if you can’t access a printer, you can call your local office and ask for the application form to be sent directly to your address. The number is (334) 242-1310.
Don’t delay getting help
Asking for assistance is nothing to be ashamed of — if you meet the criteria for the program, it’s because the government recognizes you’re at risk and wants to support you. Getting yourself in a comfortable position now will set your family up for success in the future.
So, don’t delay. Fill in your application now and take back control of your life.