Paying bills is a major part of one’s monthly financial responsibilities, but sometimes, it can become a challenge because of pressing financial circumstances. Fortunately, multiple grants offer relief to individuals in such cases. These financial assistance programs help people get back on their feet after a financial crisis and temporarily pay their bills. Learning about some strategies to secure such government-based pay grants can increase one’s chances of grant approval.

Check eligibility
One needs to meet certain specific criteria to be eligible for grants to pay off bills. Often, when it comes to government grants, these criteria differ based on the state where one lives, so one should check the state government guidelines on eligibility for these grants. For example, there may be a certain income level that a person’s household income should not exceed during the particular month for which one requires financial assistance to pay off their bills. This income is usually considered exclusive of taxes. One should check such eligibility criteria thoroughly before applying for a grant.

Understand one’s requirements for assistance
One may have to pay multiple bills every month, from electricity and water bills to phone and internet service bills. Among these bills, there may be some that one can afford to pay for and some for which one might need financial support. Since the grants provided by the government are segregated based on the type of bill for which a person requires assistance, one should check out the total amount for each bill and determine the ones that one cannot afford. This helps select the right type of grant to pay off one’s bills. For example, students may check their grant eligibility on the Federal Student Aid Website, whereas the VA.gov website provides information on grants and benefits for veterans.

Speak with an expert
A word with professionals who specialize in grant writing and research can help a great deal in formulating a grant proposal and increasing one’s chances of grant approval. Also, most people may not be aware of the nitty-gritty involved in the grant application, so consulting a professional can help streamline this process and help one better understand one’s eligibility. When looking for a professional, one should check their experience levels and specialization and have an initial consultation before shortlisting a suitable person.

Know the different types of grants
The government provides various programs and grants to help individuals pay off their bills and financially compensate them under specific circumstances. Also, these may be targeted to different groups of people, such as students, veterans, and individuals below the poverty line. For example, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers initiatives to help families settle their electricity bills, whereas Lifeline is an initiative to assist with telephone and internet service. Understanding these programs and grants helps one zero in on the one most suitable to them, based on their current situation and bills to be cleared.

Opt for financial counseling
An effective strategy to recover from a financial crisis after seeking assistance through grants is to seek financial counseling, which the government offers. Here, professionals provide free counseling services, offering personalized advice on loan repayment, credit management, budgeting, and general financial planning, which can help one bounce back after a rough patch.

Check eligibility for a debt consolidation program
For some individuals, debts in the form of credit card bills and other such liabilities may spiral into a rather difficult situation. In such cases, one may check their eligibility for a debt consolidation program, which helps consolidate multiple debts into a holistic monthly payment plan. Such plans are much more manageable compared to clearing multiple bills and debts every month. Also, the interest rates are lowered in such programs, which can further help save money and recover from a financially challenging phase.

Applying for a grant to pay off bills and debts is an effective way to get temporary financial relief while recovering from a challenging time. The U.S. Government offers multiple grants with distinct eligibility criteria to help citizens overcome such phases.

• LIHEAP
  The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps individuals and families settle their energy bills while also covering other aspects, such as minor home repairs related to energy.
• WAP
  This long-term plan helps reduce energy bills in the long run by making homes more energy efficient through several best practices and measures.
• Lifeline
  This initiative helps families with low incomes get discounts on telephone and internet services.
  When applying for a grant to pay off bills, one should research well on specific grants, check one’s eligibility, and consult a professional.