Common benefits and community resources

Fuel Assistance - Also called LIHEAP (Low Income Heating Assistance Program): Fuel Assistance provides eligible households with help in paying winter heating bills. The program pays benefits of fixed amounts based on household income.

Medicaid: Medicaid pays for health care for people with low income or disabilities. Medicaid offers health-care benefits directly or by paying part or all of your health-insurance premiums.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care at no cost to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Food stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), began in the United States in the late 1930's to help people buy and eat nutritious food, be stronger, and make up a more productive society. In 1971, the Food Stamp Program became a nationwide entitlement program. That means that as long as you meet the rules for SNAP, you have a legal right to get them.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: The Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) Program provides temporary cash assistance and supportive services to children, individuals, and their families.

Unemployment Insurance: Unemployment insurance benefits provide temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that meet their state's eligibility requirements.

Weatherization Assistance Program: The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for low-income households includes the installation of weather stripping, caulking, storm windows, insulation, and other materials as well as burner testing, tune-up, and minor repairs.

Temporary Financial Assistance: Some cities, town, and community-based organizations offer short-term cash assistance to households in need.

Food Pantries: Local organizations may offer food and household items to community members in need.

Fuel Cooperatives for Oil Heat: Local cooperatives that negotiate lower price oil heating fuel for cooperative members.