Are you feeling the financial strain this February? You’re not alone. Between high heating bills, tax season, and everyday expenses, this time of year can be tough. But there’s good news! There are several programs and resources available to help, from energy assistance to free dental care and even cash from class action settlements.
Many of these opportunities have deadlines approaching, so don’t wait! Let’s go over what’s available and how you can get the help you need.
Quick Reminders
Before we dive into new opportunities, here are a few important programs still available:
- LIHEAP Assistance: If you’re struggling with your energy bills, LIHEAP funding is still available in many areas. Contact your local Community Action Agency to apply before winter shut-off protections end in February or March.
- Free Tax Help with VITA: If you earn $60,000 or less per year, the VITA program offers free tax filing assistance. Visit IRS.gov to find a site near you.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: If you want to change your Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare, you have until March 31st to do so. You can get FREE personalized help choosing the best Medicare plan for you by calling our sponsor Chapter Medicare at 417-319-2139 or by taking their quick online survey.
Free Dental Care for Kids
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and many organizations are hosting free dental clinics. These events are held nationwide, so be sure to check for local options.
One well-known program is Give Kids a Smile, which offers free dental care for children in various states. Also, Concorde Career Colleges are hosting events in states like Florida and Texas. Search online for “Give Kids a Smile events” in your area to find a clinic near you.
Free Prom Dresses
If you have a teen getting ready for prom, now is the time to apply for free prom dress programs. These programs open early in the year, so applying now gives you the best selection.
For example, Lydia’s Loft Prom Closet in Huntersville, NC, and Fairy Goodmother’s Cinderella Closet Boutique in Columbus, OH, are already accepting applications.
Check our list of free prom dress programs for more resources that can help.
Class Action Settlements
You may be eligible for cash from recent class action settlements. Here are a few that you should know about:
- Breyers Vanilla Ice Cream Settlement: If you purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream between April 21, 2016, and August 14, 2024, you could receive up to $8. No receipt is required. Submit your claim at VanillaIceCreamSettlement.com before February 19, 2025.
- LoanDepot.com Settlement: If LoanDepot.com withdrew money from your account between September 21, 2021, and October 6, 2023, you might qualify for a payment. File a claim at EFTASettlement.com by March 3rd.
State-Specific Assistance
Some states have additional relief programs available this month:
- Delaware: The public housing waitlist has reopened. Apply soon at Delaware.AffordableHousing.com.
- Maine & New Hampshire: Veterans can get a free $20 voucher for fresh produce at Winter Farmers Markets. Bring proof of military service and residency.
- Minnesota: The Modern Woodmen of America Scholarship Fund is open, offering up to $1,000 for college students. Apply at DSACommunityFoundation.org by February 13th.
- North Carolina: Applications for Camp Carefree, a free summer camp for kids with certain medical conditions, open this month. Apply at CampCarefree.org.
- Pennsylvania: Philadelphia residents can apply for the Low-Income Real Estate Tax Freeze until February 28th. This program keeps property tax bills from increasing even if home values rise.
- Washington: Pierce County residents can apply for Eviction Prevention funds until February 14th. This program covers up to three months of past-due rent. Apply on the Pierce County website.
Final Thoughts
These programs can make a big difference, but deadlines are fast approaching. Be sure to apply as soon as possible. For more resources, browse our website or subscribe to our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to check back next month for even more ways to save and get financial relief!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the content on this website are solely those of the content creators and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. All content is intended for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as official positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter disclaims any liability for actions taken based on this content.
If you need assistance with Medicare, please reach out to Medicare, your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), your current Medicare insurance agent/broker/plan, or contact our Medicare partner, Chapter, at 417-319-2139 or visit their website at https://lirlinks.com/chapter. Chapter: Memoir, Inc. d/b/a Chapter is a privately owned, data- and technology-enabled advisory service helping older Americans navigate retirement. Insurance agency services are provided by Chapter Advisory, LLC, a licensed health insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Memoir, Inc. In California, Chapter Advisory, LLC does business as Chapter Insurance Services (Lic. No. 6003691).Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations as well as stand-alone prescription drug plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment depends on the renewal of those contracts. While Chapter maintains a comprehensive database of Medicare plans nationwide and assists in searching all options, Chapter has contracts with many, but not all, plans. Therefore, Chapter does not offer every plan available in your area. Chapter recommends plans even if they are not directly offered through Chapter. For complete Medicare plan options, please visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-Medicare, or contact your local SHIP office.