Case Description
The Smith family is experiencing hard times due to the financial situation. With no money, a young single mother Jane is trying to provide for her two children on her own and attempts to apply for the governmental assistance. The family has an access to several state-funded initiatives that can help them improve their quality of life. Nonetheless, there are requirements that must be fulfilled for some programs.
Choosing Appropriate Social Welfare Program for the Family
Temporary Assistance to Families in Need
The Smith family would benefit from receiving financial aid or TANF (Temporary Assistance to Families in Need) – a state-run program funded by the federal government. According to the source, Jane is eligible for financial assistance only if she is an American citizen, has less than $1,000 in savings, is actively seeking employment and can substantiate this, and makes less than a specific amount that is dependent on her family’s size (“Welfare benefits,” 2023).
Additionally, the award amount varies from $275 to $975 based on the size of your family and the state in which a person resides (“Welfare benefits,” 2023). Jane might have been able to find a stable home with the help of this money. She will have to apply online or in-person to the Social Security Bureau. The applicant must be at least eighteen years old to apply for financial assistance.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Jane also needs to submit an application for food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Similar to TANF, you must fulfill the state’s income requirements in order to be eligible for the SNAP (“Welfare benefits,” 2023). With cash assistance, Jane will be able to cover some living expenses, yet by getting her and her children the groceries they require, food stamps will help her save money. Every month, participants of the SNAP program receive money on a debit card that they can use at most supermarkets. Generally speaking, debit cards are only accepted for purchases of food.
Women, Infants, and Children
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is another program that provides food aid. Pregnant women and children under the age of five can receive food aid under this program. Jane could have bought the groceries her family needed using any of these programs. To qualify for WIC, applicants must either meet a certain income threshold or standard set by a government agency, or they will be automatically considered eligible for income due to their participation in certain programs. A health professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or nutritionist, should examine applicants to assess whether they are at risk of malnutrition.
Housing Assistance Program
Additionally, Jane can apply to participate in Section 8, a housing assistance program administered by the federal government that will help her provide suitable housing for her children. She must apply and meet her state’s income requirements to be eligible for housing assistance or Section 8 (“Welfare benefits,” 2023). The Housing and Urban Development Authority (HUD) is responsible for overseeing this section (“Welfare benefits,” 2023).
With rental assistance, Jane can direct the money she would have spent on rent to other expenses instead of rent it out. Since there is usually a long waiting list for housing, Jane should explore all her options and discuss her case with a social worker who may be able to help her find housing faster. In general, it is assumed that these programs will help Jane and her family live in a more protected environment.
Reference
Welfare benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). (2023). USA.gov. Web.