If you’ve assessed your cash flow and applied for survivor benefits, but still require financial assistance, these options might help you.

Wings for Widows

Wings for Widows provides financial coaching and education to help recent widows manage the short-term financial hardship of widowhood.

They recognize the impact that financial stress and instability can have on grieving and healing. Wings for Widows clients receive personal, virtual coaching from a pro bono Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to help them gain confidence and control of their financial wellness.

This is the first and only organization of its kind in the United States that does not charge for its services.

Government assistance

Benefits finder

The Benefits Finder is an online questionnaire that can help you find the right government benefits applicable to you. Use this resource to uncover federal assistance eligibility based on your personal circumstances.

Housing

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides housing assistance to lower-income families through Section 8 vouchers that can pay for all or part of associated housing costs.

Making Home Affordable

Making Home Affordable is an official program of the U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that has free resources in place to help homeowners who are having difficulty making mortgage payments. You can call 888-995-HOPE™ (4673) to connect with a HUD-approved housing counseling agency that will help you understand your options, prepare your application, and work with your mortgage company.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of families in need so they can purchase healthy food and meet their basic nutritional needs. If you need help providing food and sustenance to your family, please consider this temporary program.

To get SNAP benefits, you must apply in the State in which you currently live and you must meet certain resource and income requirements which you can find here.

Medicaid and CHIP

Medicaid and CHIP are assistance programs that serve low-income people of every age. These are federal-state programs meaning that the Federal Government establishes guidelines, but each state administers their program differently.

Patients rarely pay for covered medical expenses, although a small co-payment is sometimes required. Every state has its own program eligibility requirements, but as a rule, coverage includes doctor visits (check-ups, immunizations), dentist visits, hospital care, mental health services, prescriptions and more.

Click here to see if you qualify for your state's Medicaid or CHIP program.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

LIHEAP helps families with energy costs and energy-related home repairs. If you’re having trouble paying any heating or cooling bills, click here to learn more about how LIHEAP can provide assistance.

Help with Bills

Some government programs can help you pay for phone bills, medical bills, and other expenses. Visit Help with Bills for more details.

Pell Grants

A Pell Grant is a government-funded financial grant provided to low and moderate-income families for help with college and university costs. This need-based grant does not have to be repaid if the student remains enrolled for the duration of the grant period.

Students can apply for Pell Grants and other federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Other Options

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is a catholic-based non-profit that provides financial assistance and resources for anyone facing economic hardship. People of all backgrounds and religions can get assistance with things like food, clothing, and medicine.

Debt consolidation

If you need help with credit card debt, student loan debt or back taxes, Debt.com can help guide you through your options. Debt.com is a referral agency that connects financial service providers with consumers to help with consumer education and professional solutions.

Affordable therapy

If finding affordable therapy is out of your reach, contact Open Path Psychotherapy Collective. This non-profit, nationwide network of mental health professionals serves consumers who don’t have health insurance or whose insurance doesn’t provide adequate mental health benefits. Mental health care is provided at deeply reduced rates for individuals and families in need.