Us Government Programs

2nd Stimulus Check

2008-11-13T02:31:00.000-08:00

White House endorsed the 2nd Economic Stimulus Payment.

President Bush Echoes Federal Reserve Chairman’s request For New Government Assistance Plan. Momentum increased Monday, October 20th for a new economic stimulus tax rebate as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke favors another stimulus package for Americans. Barack Obama has proposed checks of $1,000 each, paid for with a tax on oil company profits.

Poll Shows 90% Of American Support Second Rebate Check

5.2 Million Checks From First Rebate Still Unclaimed

The IRS announced last week that 5.2 Million Americans have still not claimed their first rebate check. These are generally people who have not yet filed their 2007 tax return, which is necessary to file before receiving a check.

The last day of filing for the next year’s stimulus check was last October 15, 2008 to file the Form 1040A. You can download this form at the IRS website.

If you haven’t received your 1st stimulus check, It is important that taxpayers who are qualified to receive stimulus check to update their present addresses with the IRS until Nov. 28, 2008. Economic stimulus checks must be sent out starting Dec. 31, 2008. The undeliverable economic stimulus checks average $583.

2nd Stimulus Checks (Son of Stimulus)

2008-08-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

Son of Stimulus According to congressional Democrats, 2008 may provide a second stimulus aid package to Americans, similar to the $100 billion in economic stimulus checks that were mailed to citizens in spring of this year. These politicians say that they will proceed with their "Son of Stimulus" package this fall. Economists largely support the Stimulus 2 proposal, saying that more funds to taxpayers are needed to bolster already weak manufacturing and retail sectors.

However, the economists surveyed said that the first stimulus package will not wholly succeed because payment recipients put the money into savings, rather than spending it on luxury items or services. Economists point to weak home prices, inflation, and higher energy prices as contributing factors which make the Son of Stimulus package necessary.

While the Son of Stimulus would be popular with taxpayers, it is thought that President Bush would oppose such a package, preferring to wait longer to see the effects of the first stimulus package Early results suggest that about 20% of the recipients spent more after receiving their stimulus checks, but far more put the money into savings.

Some economists say that it will take a major event, such as a big bank or stock market collapse to warrant the second stimulus package in less than a year. The suggested amount of the Son of Stimulus package is 50 to 100 million dollars. Even if the package gets approved by Congress this fall, taxpayers would not likely be spending the extra money until spring of 2009.

What does the Son of Stimulus proposal mean for Americans? The government will be printing more money to fund the economic stimulus. That will further dilute the value of an already-sinking dollar. Since the government has already doled out billions of dollars to save failing financial institutions, the outlook for the dollar seems precarious at best. The real threat to America's prosperity lies not only in the sinking value of its currency, but the very real concern that it will be replaced as the main currency in the world markets. When that happens, expect a sharp decline in the dollar's buying power.

WIC Program Help For Single Moms

2008-08-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

One of the ways that single moms are limited is in income. No matter how much money you make in your job, you only have one income. Financial help is available if you know where to look, and one possible option for you to consider is the Woman, Infants and Children program, which is commonly called WIC.

WIC is available for families that have children who are five or younger and for pregnant and breastfeeding women. In order to qualify for WIC, you must have a limited income. However, the income limits for WIC are higher than the income limits for many other state programs, such as Medicaid. Also, family size is considered in the income guidelines. In other words, if you have three kids, you could make more money than a mom with two kids and still qualify.

But what exactly is WIC? If you qualify for WIC, you will be provided with coupons that you can use to buy healthy foods like milk, cheese, iron-fortified cereal, juice, eggs, formula, carrots, and tuna. The focus of the program is to increase nutritional awareness for families with the youngest children who are in the lower income brackets. The philosophy of the program is that if children are fed healthy foods at a young age, they will grow up as healthy eaters.

Along with the coupons for the food, you will receive nutritional education as a WIC participant. For instance, you will need to attend nutritional education programs to be part of WIC. If you are breastfeeding your baby, the program will provide you with support and advice. Some states even provide breast pumps for women who are breastfeeding and on the WIC program.

WIC is a program that is offered through the states but supported by the federal government. Each state offers the program, but the details are slightly different depending on which state you call home. WIC will be adding new foods by the end of 2009, making it possible for single moms to get other types of fish, vegetables, whole grain breads, soy milk, and fruit as part of the program, depending on the way the state has the program structured.

Of course, WIC is not a program you can use forever. Once your youngest child is too old to be in the program, you will no longer get the vouchers. However, if you have children under the age of five or are expecting a baby, you can get this temporary help. With the ever-increasing price of groceries, this type of help is very welcome to many single moms with young children at home.

Transportation Assistance for Seniors

2008-08-13T22:28:00.000-07:00

Going to doctors' appointments, doing shopping, and even engaging in recreation can be a problem for the elderly. Thankfully, there are private and public organizations that offer transportation services for free, at reduced fare rates, or even donation-based. Services can range from door-to-door, door-through-door (escort), to curb-to-curb options.

Here's a list of transportation assistance programs that are available across the country:

* Volunteer Driver Programs - One-way, round-trip, and multi-stop rides are usually available, but reservations are needed. These programs are provided for free, on a donation basis, through membership dues, or for a minimal cost.
* Paratransit Service - Door-to-door or curb-to-curb transportation using mini-buses or small vans (vehicles for less than 25 passengers) at reduced rates or donation basis. They often require advanced reservations.
* Door-through-Door (Escort) Service - Hands-on assistance by helping passengers through the doors of their residences and destinations, as needed. This type of service includes several levels of assistance from opening doors and providing verbal guidance to giving physical support.
* Taxi Service - Some taxis are wheelchair-accessible and meet ADA standards, and can be paid through a transportation voucher program. Trips are charged on a per-mile or per-minute basis, on top of a base charge for each trip.
* Public Transit/Fixed Route Service - Bus and rail services along established routes with set schedules on a non-reservation basis-this is also referred to as "public transportation" or "mass transit" at reduced fare rates.
* Travel Training - Free, hands-on instruction to help you learn to travel safely and independently within public transit systems. You'll find out about the best routes, hours of service, costs, available discounts, and payment for services.
* Mobility Managers - They can assist you in choosing the best options to meet your travel needs. Check with your local aging organization or public transit agency if a mobility manager is available in your area.

The options vary from community to community. To check which services are available in your area, you can get in touch with these two main sources of elderly transportation assistance:

Free Money Tool Kit From the Government

2008-08-13T22:27:00.002-07:00

t's not cash that you get, but useful information on how to effectively save, invest, and manage your money--more valuable help to you in the long run.

MyMoney.gov, the U.S. government website devoted to teaching the basics of money matters to Americans, offers a free package of publications on saving, investing, protecting and making the best use of your money. Find sound advice to help you when you're planning to buy a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your 401k.

The free money tool kit includes the following publications:

* Consumer Action Handbook - A resource directory that provides information on how contact specific businesses and local consumer protection offices.
* Consumer Advisory on Forex Fraud - Information about foreign currency fraud.
* Consumer Information Catalog - Listing of consumer education resources available from the Federal Citizen Information Center.
* Get the Facts on Saving and Investing - Provides helpful tips and worksheets for calculating net worth, income, and expenses.
* Insuring Your Deposits - Information about how FDIC insures deposit accounts at banks and savings associations.
* Money Smart - Learn about the FDIC's financial education program for adults.
* Questions You Should Ask About Your Investments - Advice on questions to ask before investing.
* Savings Fitness: A Guide to Your Money and Your Financial Future - Provides guidance on preparing a personal savings plan and for retirement.
* Social Security: Understanding the Benefits - Get details on retirement, disability, survivor's benefits, Medicare, SSI and more.

Rent or Buy a Home of Your Choice

2008-08-13T22:27:00.001-07:00

Find a home of your choice and still get government help to pay for the rent or even to buy the housing unit you like.

The government has many housing assistance programs that are not limited to subsidized housing projects, where you don't have much choice of what kind of housing you will get. If you qualify for government-assisted housing, you can afford to rent or buy a home that you like through the help of the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a major federal program that helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to choose any housing that meets the program requirements, including those in the private market. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides the funds to public housing agencies (PHAs), which in turn use these funds to pay for housing assistance on behalf of the program participants.

Families or individuals may participate in the program. If you qualify, you are responsible for looking for the housing unit, which may include single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.

How does it work?

If you qualify for the program, the PHA will pay your landlord directly a housing subsidy on your behalf. You will shoulder the difference between subsidy's amount and the actual rent your landlord charges you.

It is important to note that the owner of the housing unit you choose must agree to accept rental payments under the program. The housing unit must also meet the minimum standards of health and safety that your state public housing agency determines.

The program funds are mostly paid towards rental assistance, but in some cases, if your PHA allows, the housing voucher can be used to buy a modest home.

Do I qualify?

Because the PHAs are largely responsible for implementing this program, they decide who qualifies and how much each participant gets through the vouchers.

Your eligibility will be based on your total annual gross income and family size. In general, your family's income should not exceed 50% of the median income for the area in which your family chooses to live.

How do I apply?

To apply for a housing choice voucher, you may contact your local PHA.

When you apply, prepare to give information on your family income, assets, and family membership. The PHA will use this information to know if you are eligible and what amount of housing assistance payments you will get.

Prepare to wait, too. Unless the PHA is able to serve you immediately, your name will be put on a waiting list.

The program is available to U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.

Vouchers Give Access to Recovery

2008-08-13T22:26:00.001-07:00

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a lot of Americans do not receive treatment for drug or alcohol use problem, despite the fact that many of them are aware that they needed treatment.

For example, in 2006, 21.1 million were untreated for substance abuse. Of this number, only 940,000 said they felt they needed treatment; 314,000 of them said they knew they needed treatment but did not find care, SAMHSA says.

Government response: Access to Recovery

In response to this problem, President Bush created the Access to Recovery initiative. This grant program gives funding to states and organizations to provide vouchers to people who are looking for drug and alcohol treatment services. These vouchers can be used to pay for a wide variety of community-based clinical treatment and recovery support services that they cannot afford otherwise.

Since 2004, when the first Access to Recovery grants were awarded, around $300 million have funded the treatment and recovery support services for more than 170,000 people with substance abuse problems.

Three-year grants of a little under $100 million each year are awarded to help grantees increase access to clinical treatment and recovery support services for around 160,000 people.

Benefits of treatment

SAMHSA says that the following benefits to the individual and the community are brought about by treatment:

* Even hard-to-reach populations reduce their illegal drug use by nearly half.
* Treatment reduces criminal activity by 80%.
* It markedly increases employment and decreases homelessness.
* It results in substantially improved physical and mental health.
* It reduces risky sexual behaviors.
* When tailored to the needs of the individual, addiction treatment is as effective as treatments for other illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.

Grant Supports Job Creation for the Needy

2008-08-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

The Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) Program of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the Health and Human Services Department provides an annual budget of $5.5 million every year to encourage private employers to create employment and business prospects for low-income members of the community.

The JOLI program provides these employers technical and financial assistance. Eligible employers who may apply for this program are nonprofits that have a 501(c)(3) or a 501(c)(4) status with the IRS, institutions of higher education, and faith-based organizations.

Those who benefit from the JOLI program are individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other low-income individuals who must not be earning more than 100 percent of the official Federal poverty guidelines. The JOLI program's ultimate goal is to make the beneficiaries become financially self-sufficient.

Around 10 grants of up to $500,000 are awarded each year. The administering body, the ACF's Office of Community Services, does not require a funding match, but the grantee must provide documentation for all other outside (non-JOLI) funding that will be needed to complete the grantee's project.

Job Assistance and Non-taxable Pay for Veterans

2008-08-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a program called Compensated Work Therapy (CWT)/Veteran Industries (VI), which provides work-ready veterans with competitive jobs in fields like health care, information technology, manufacturing, warehousing, construction trades, clerical and office support, retail and the services delivery.

Another good news for our veterans is that the pay they'll receive from CWT has also been made non-taxable. This means that they'll no longer receive a Form 1099 from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For disabled veterans who have already paid taxes for benefits from 2004, 2005 or 2006, they can claim a tax refund by filing an IRS Form 1040X.

The CWT program helps veterans who could not find work to support themselves, by finding jobs for them within the private industry and the public sector, where they can learn new job skills, re-learn effective work habits and regain self-confidence. This program is available in over 162 locations across the nation.

To know more about this veterans assistance program, you can visit the Veterans Industry web page at http://www1.va.gov/Vetind/.

Grants for Expanding Health Services Now Available

2008-08-13T22:13:00.001-07:00

An estimated total of $9 million in grant funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awaits around 60 health centers nationwide. The goal of this grant is to expand health services to underserved groups by giving funds to providers of mental health/substance abuse treatment, oral health care, and comprehensive pharmacy services.

Those expected to benefit from these expanded health services are:

* underserved populations in urban and rural areas;
* migratory and seasonal agricultural workers and their families;
* homeless people, including children and families; and
* residents of publicly-subsidized housing.

Community health centers, migrant health centers, providers of health care for the homeless, and those engaged in public housing primary care are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity.

HRSA now requires applications to be submitted online; paper submissions will no longer be accepted (with rare exceptions). To apply for this grant, you may go to www.grants.gov. The application period is from December 11, 2007 to October 12, 2008.

Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance

2008-08-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Are you having trouble figuring out your tax returns? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program can help prepare it for you, free of charge!

Trained volunteers in your community can help you with special credits that you may qualify for, such as Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly. This program also features free electronic filing (e-filing) services in most sites, so you may get your tax refunds much faster, especially if you opt to have your refunds deposited straight into your bank account.

If you are any of the following, then you may take advantage of this free service:

* People with low-to-moderate income ($39,000 or lower)
* Senior citizens (60 years and older)
* Military personnel (Marines, airmen, soldiers, sailors and their families)

When you request for assistance, get ready to present these requirements:

* Proof of your identity
* Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
* Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
* Current year's tax package if you received one
* Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
* Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
* A copy of last year's Federal and State returns if available
* Bank Routing Numbers and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit
* Total paid for day care provider and the day care provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)
* To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

Get Free Credit Counseling

2008-08-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

Having credit problems? Want to know how to avoid incurring debts that you can't repay? You can get quick, free credit advice over the phone, in person, or through mail.

Whether you need to know more about managing credit and getting out of debt, assistance in negotiating better terms with your creditors, or guidance on budgeting your money and meeting your debt obligations, these organizations can give you free and confidential counseling: the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and its member agencies, and the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Consumer Response Center.

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) has over 100 member agencies and more than 900 local offices nationwide that provide comprehensive money management services like budget counseling and education, debt management, counseling referral services, and financial literacy courses. The services are provided free and/or at low cost, and are offered in-person or by phone, or even web-based. To call the NFCC, dial 1-800-388-2227 or 1-800-682-9832 for help in Spanish (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday).

Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Consumer Response Center

The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Consumer Response Center gives general information on managing credit, tips on how to be a smart financial consumer, guidelines for getting rid of consumer debt, and information on your rights as a consumer. Their toll free number is 1-877-FTC-HELP.

In addition, to protect you from credit counseling organizations using questionable practices, the IRS launched the IRS Consumer Alert on Credit Counseling Organizations initiative. Be wary of organizations that offer "quick fixes." As a precaution, look up the IRS Consumer Alert on Credit Counseling Organizations to get an IRS-compliant credit counselor. To view the IRS Consumer Alert, you can go to: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=118058,00.html.

Help for People with Disabilities to Start a Business

2008-08-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

For persons with disabilities who would like to go into business and need support, take heart. Help is available from the government and other sources. While you may not necessarily get financial assistance, you can get free information, technical guidance, and referrals to resources that may be worth more to your business in the long term.

These are some of the things you can do to get assistance from the government:
• Get in touch with the Small Business Administration (SBA). Their website (www.sba.gov) can give you information on how to set up a business plan and where to go for additional support and advice. You can also call them up at their toll-free number 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722).

• Contact your State Vocational Rehabilitation Office. State rehabilitation service helps to prepare people with disabilities for employment so they can have economic self-sufficiency and personal independence. Services include assistance with obtaining employment, transportation (such as obtaining a driver's license and/or vehicle, etc.), making accessibility modifications to their homes, and others. They also can provide guidance, referrals and counseling to disabled persons requiring career, financial and/or legal assistance.

• Visit the U.S. Business Advisor web site (www.business.gov), which provides online access to the information and services provided by the U.S. government for the business community.

You can also get further help from the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), a private, nonprofit organization composed of retired business executives across the country. SCORE members give free and confidential business advice to people who are starting or expanding a small business.

Through SCORE, you can get access to online workshops, counseling and free online business advice. SCORE has offices throughout the United States and its territories. Find a SCORE office in your area here: http://www.score.org/findscore/.

Get Extra Help with Medicare in 2008

2008-08-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

If you have a low yearly income and resources, you may apply for Medicare's "Extra Help," one of the Department of Health & Human Service's programs to help you pay for your prescription drug costs and even pay for your Medicare drug plan's monthly premium.

If you qualify for extra help in 2008, you will get help with paying your Medicare drug plan's monthly premium, any yearly deductible, and any prescription coinsurance and copayments. In addition, you will also get no coverage gap (a coverage gap is when you have to shoulder all drug costs out-of-pocket after you and your plan have reached a certain spending limit for covered drugs).

To qualify, your annual income and resources for 2007 must be any of the following:

* If you're single: you have an income of less than $15,315 and resources less than $11,710
* If you're married with a spouse and no other dependents: income less than $20,535 and resources less than $23,410.

Some people are automatically eligible for Extra Help. You can be one of them if you meet any one of the following:

* You have full Medicaid benefits,
* You are a Medicaid member who belong to the Medicare Savings Program, or
* You get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits without Medicaid.

If you automatically qualify, you'll receive a letter from Medicare and you no longer need to apply for Extra Help. Keep that letter for future reference.

Medicare requires a drug plan before you can get Extra Help. If you're not enrolled in one yet, Medicare will enroll you to make sure you're covered. It's best to check if the medication you need is covered in the plan you're enrolled in. If it doesn't, you can always change plans.

Three Tips on How to Avoid the Fuel Crunch

2008-08-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

By now, we should all be hearing that fuel prices are getting slightly better. But the fact is, it will be a long time before they go back to normal levels. To help make sure that we can beat the crunch, here are some handy pointers when it comes to our next choices in the cars we buy with a loan or a grant:

1. Look around for a car that will service your needs, not your wants.
Sounds obvious? Not necessarily so. Sometimes, what we think of as needs really are just wants, when we come down to it. Make two lists on paper — of what you need, and what you want the car to do for you and your loved ones. Let your family or anyone else who will use it with you take a look. Chances are, you’ll find out that you’re looking for more than you really need.

2. Good gas mileage is the key.
Nowadays, you have to know your numbers. For larger vehicles, anything that’s 25 miles per gallon (mpg) is good. For smaller ones, if you can get 30 mpg and above, then it’s a deal.

3. Stick to four — cylinders, that is
The new trend nowadays is similar to the old trend back in the ’70’s, when we were hit by similarly crippling gas hikes. As a result, four-cylinder engines became the fashion. Of course, these days, the new cars are also equipped with more technology for better gas mileage, making them conserve fuel at a more efficient rate. These new economy cars aren’t just toys — they’re proving that they’re for the big boys as well.

Not surprisingly, this all points to rising sales for smaller cars meant for urban driving, like Toyota’s Yaris, or Ford’s Fiesta. So remember, before taking out a loan or applying for a grant with your car in mind, make sure that the car you get is worth every single penny — and keep in mind the gas mileage!

Spend Less Money on Gas with these Gov't Programs

2008-08-01T03:55:00.000-07:00

Looking for ways to avoid spending extra on gas? Do you need transportation alternatives to your own car?

People have come up with different ways to cope with this current crisis that has beset the nation. If you are like most people, you may have already taken on an extra job or started selling off possessions to help pay for the cost of fuel. You may have also begun to use your car less. But certainly, there are situations where you can't avoid but hop in the car, start the engine and let it burn precious gas (money) each mile you go, just so you could get to work or school and function as usual. How to deal with this dilemma?
Have you thought about turning to the government for help? Consider what benefits you may get:

*Tax-free monthly transpo allowances for employees

For instance, the IRS has Tax Free Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits which gives employees a monthly allowance of $105 for transportation. It's mandated by the law and tax-free so you need not worry that it will be shaved off your pay. Just go to your nearest IRS office to know more about this program.

*Free or low-cost rides for seniors (and the young 'uns too!)

If you're 65 years old and above, you could enjoy discounted, if not free, transportation through specialized programs for senior citizens. Among these programs are:

1. Amtrak's Reduced Fare Program for discounted bus and train rides. Students and those in the military can also take advantage of this offer.
2. The Administration on Aging offers the Eldercare Locator which shows seniors where they can get free transportation to the hospital, bank, or grocery store through its wide network of helping organizations.
3. The Federal Transit Administration gives senior citizens free rides along with disabled persons. The general public can also enjoy these rides on an "incidental" or case-to-case basis.

*Emergency rides for children

Children are also covered by the government's agenda. Many local carpool services offer the Guaranteed Ride Home Program where parents without a car can pick up their sick kids at school through a free ride or use of a rental car. This also applies to other emergency situations. This may require registration so it's best to contact your local carpool services.

*Blood for gas

The American Red Cross has its unique way of giving back to blood donors. The Greensboro Chapter offers donors between June 1 to 30, 2008 the chance to win a $750 gas card. For more information about similar programs available in your area, visit your local American Red Cross chapter.

*Other examples of great gas-savers

Other gas-saving government programs are found only in certain areas. Among these are:

1. Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) - in service in Atlanta, Georgia, this gives out a gallon gas for free to motorists who run out of fuel on the road.
2. Wheels to Access Vocation and Education (WAVE) - a transportation service that gives discounts to children and senior citizens. This is available in York County, Maine and also offers discounts to those who are about to start job trainings and are going to their second and third shift jobs.
3. Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) - Detroit offers jobseekers one month's worth of free bus passes as soon as they get accepted.
4. Dial-A-Ride (DAR) - a specialized seven-days-a-week transportation scheme implemented in Modesto City for people who are 65-years old and above or those with disabilities. The public can also get a ride at designated hours.
5. In North Carolina, counties are provided with vans to get people to and from work at very low cost.

A Government Grant Can Cut Down Your Energy Costs

2008-08-01T03:39:00.000-07:00

It's so easy to take our energy consumption for granted, especially since most of us don't always keep tabs on how much electricity we use up. Lots of people still leave their rooms with the lights on, and others keep their PCs running for 24 hours a day, even if they aren't being used! What many folks don't know is that excessive energy consumption is a major culprit in the increase of greenhouse gas emissions, which has been directly linked to the incidence of global warming. And that's not the end of it! When you waste energy, you also end up wasting a lot of money the moment you pay for your huge electric bill.

But is there any other way to cut down on your energy expenses apart from using your household appliances prudently? There is such a way, and best of all, the state will help you carry it out! Through the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program, your energy-saving efforts get a boost through the installation of storm windows and insulation, as well as through weatherstripping. All of these methods have been proven to help reduce your cooling and heating bills, making your home energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and inexpensive to live in!

This government grant prioritizes low-income families, senior citizens, or persons with disabilities, although as many as 30 million all over the country are eligible for weatherization services and support from the program. The grant accommodates homeowners of every kind, from those who occupy single or multi-family homes, apartments, and even mobile homes. The Department of Energy disseminates the funds to all the states, which have their own eligibility guidelines and other policies. To find out if you qualify for this grant, contact your local state weatherization agency, or forward your questions to the Department of Energy at Independence Avenue, Washington, D.C.

Needy Moms and Kids Get Free Health Care

2008-08-01T03:38:00.002-07:00

While state health officials continue to scratch their heads about the salmonella outbreak that has hit 41 states and struck down 1,000 people all over the country, you're probably getting anxious about this newest health crisis and how it might affect you and your family.

And with food and fuel prices higher than ever in decades, the last thing you need to worry about is your health and the money you have to spend to maintain it. This is especially true if you're pregnant or have just given birth, and if you don't have enough cash to pay for proper health care.

Thanks to a huge block grant by the government, however, low-income mothers and children can receive health care for free, with no strings attached. Known as Title V, this government grant hopes to improve the health of disadvantaged perinatal mothers and children all over the country, including kids who suffer from a physical disability.

Through Title V, your state can offer health care services to qualified applicants by offering immunization, rehabilitation, and preventative services to ensure that moms and their kids stay sound and healthy! Although each state decides on how it will direct the funds to the grant recipients, the general rule seems to say that 30% of the funds should go to children with special health care needs, while another 30% will be set aside for other children and adolescents.

If you want to check your eligibility for this government grant and get more information about Title V and how it benefits you, contact the Maternal and Child Health Division of your local Department of Health.

Free Food For Kids

2008-08-01T03:38:00.001-07:00

Nobody's happier about summer than kids themselves, and it's easy to see why! With school still out for another month or so, children have all the free time to do whatever they please, whether it be playing with the other neighborhood kids or vegging out in front of the TV the whole day. But summer is also one of the most challenging times for providing the right kind of nutrition to your kids, since they usually will favor "summer" foods, including hotdogs, mounds of greasy french fries, ice cream, and gallons of soda. And if your family isn't well-off, the problem isn't just a question of poor food choices – some households just don't have the money to feed the kids enough healthy meals that will keep them active throughout the summer.

Thanks to a government program, however, you won't have to worry about your kids going hungry or getting enough nutrition during the summer. The Summer Food Service Program serves free, nutritious food at around 31,000 sites all over the country, where children from low-income families can get their meals or snacks for free or at reduced prices. Most of the kids who benefit from this government program are elementary school children, while others are pre-school tots or older kids. In 2006 alone, the Summer Food Service Program served free meals in low-income areas to around 1.9 million children all over the country, with a hefty budget of $271 million. That's a lot of free meals!

The program's local sites often provide a range of fun, exciting activities for participating children, such as games, sports, arts and crafts, and a lot of time to play with other kids in the site. To find out if your child is eligible for meals from the Summer Food Service Program, simply contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture or inquire at your local Food and Nutrition Service office to get more information about how your kid can get free meals from the government. Don't delay! This program lasts only as long as the summer does, so make sure your child gets all the nutrition he needs by the time school starts.

Aid Boost for Homeless Vets

2008-08-01T03:36:00.000-07:00

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) announced that 55 new awards would be given to various organizations from the public and private sectors to provide aid for homeless veterans all over the country. "It's important that VA continue to help our nation's homeless veterans, many of whom are still dealing with the effects of past conflicts," said VA Secretary Dr. James Peake. "These awards provide needed resources to hard working, caring and compassionate people who provide one-on-one care and services to our veterans every day in their own communities."

The awards from the Veterans Administration will provide a much-needed boost for the improvement and expansion of services that are currently being offered to homeless vets in 24 states. Through these government grants, award recipients will be able to offer at least 1,000 transitional housing beds, a hefty addition to the 9,400 beds that are already being offered to former servicemen who don't have a roof over their heads.

Presently, the Veterans Administration boasts of the largest integrated network of services for homeless veterans, all of whom can receive free clinical assessments, medical care and treatment, alcohol and drug abuse counseling and employment assistance from different public and private non-profit groups. Just last year, the VA outdid itself by allocating around $26 million in fresh funding to pay for 2,000 new transitional housing beds and reserving $12 for ailing vets, senior veterans, and women and children.

Find out how you can receive assistance from the Veterans Administration. Contact your VA state office for more information about how the government can help former servicemen and their families in need.

Get Job Training and a Monthly Allowance For Free

2008-08-01T03:35:00.000-07:00

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, your income will likely be just as high as your educational attainment. Those who hold doctoral degrees, for example, will often be the nation's top earners, while those who hadn't graduated from High School will generally be paid the least for their work. In so many ways, your sure ticket to a comfortable future is still through a solid education that gives you all the necessary training for your dream career.

But what if you don't have enough money to get past High School, or what if training opportunities are scarce for you? If you feel like your low-income background is limiting you from reaching your full potential, then Job Corps is for you! Job Corps is the government's biggest education and vocational training program that offers low-income individuals the right kind of training for their chosen careers, as well as the opportunity to receive a High School Diploma or GED, all at no cost.

And it doesn't stop there: the Job Corps even gives students a monthly allowance, career counseling, and assistance in finding a good job after completing the program. Applicants need to be between the ages of 16 and 24 to qualify, and they must pass certain income requirements. Joining the Job Corps also means that you will find yourself in an education environment that will need your cooperation and participation.

Take charge of your future now. Sign up for the Job Corps and be a step nearer to the life you've always wanted for yourself and your family. To find out if you're eligible for the program, contact your local state office or check with the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.

Gov't Help You Save Gas Money!

2008-08-01T03:28:00.000-07:00

When it comes to spending less money for gas, we've all resorted to various options and alternatives that can help us save a few bucks despite the economic crunch. Some of us have decided to opt for the cheaper sort of fuel, while others have changed their driving habits to maximize the amount of gas they have in their tanks. On the other hand, others have taken to commuting to work or school, even if that means that they have to fight for space in the subway during rush hour.

Sure, commuting is a great hassle for a lot of us, and it presents a lot of inconveniences and hidden dangers in the form of long lines and crafty pickpockets. But did you know that your employer could make up for all the trouble you go through while you commute to work? Through the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Tax-Free Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits, workers could receive as much as $115 each month in non-taxable benefits for commuting to work or joining a vanpool.

The Tax-Free Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits doesn't just give commuters a break – even those with cars can save hundreds of dollars each month in parking fees! We all know that paying for good and safe parking space for your car can throw a monkeywrench into your budget, and that office workers usually don't have a choice but to cough up the exorbitant fees for a measly spot in a parking lot. But through the Tax-Free Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits, employees can receive up to $220 per month from their bosses to help them deal with sky-high parking fees.

Best of all, you can get both transit and parking benefits at the same time – that's $335 a month! So when you go back to work after all the festivities of the Fourth of July, remember that the money you spend on transportation and parking can easily be offset by your employer. Find out how you can receive these benefits and get more information about the program by speaking to your Human Resources Director or by contacting your local IRS office.