This week’s weekly resource recap includes several ways that you may be able to get financial assistance, as well as critical legislative updates in most states. From guaranteed income programs to critical needs assistance, you don’t want to miss this!
Nationwide Low Income News
Don’t miss out on your chance to score extra money in this week’s nationwide updates!
IRS Adjusts Audit Algorithm
The IRS has confirmed that it will adjust its audit selection algorithm to reduce the number of low income families who are targeted this year. Historically, the Earned Income Tax Credit has triggered a significant number of audits because it has a high improper payment rate.
Don’t forget to claim the EITC if you are eligible for it. In 2023, the credit is worth up to $7,430 for eligible households with at least three children!
Claim Your Settlement Checks
This week brings new opportunities to receive financial compensation if you’ve been adversely affected by major corporations. Ensure you don’t overlook the approaching deadlines.
For those who have made specific purchases or utilized certain services, you could be eligible for monetary rewards. Explore these recent class action settlements before the window closes!
| Open Settlements |
|---|
| Equifax Improperly Reported Accounts Settlement If your Equifax credit report inaccurately reported a debt from Plain Green, Great Plains Lending, or MobiLoans, leading to harm when applying for credit or a loan between October 4, 2019, and August 21, 2023, you may qualify for a settlement. Apply by February 20. |
| Suboxone Price Fixing Settlement If you purchased Suboxone or its AB-rated generic equivalents between December 22, 2011, and August 21, 2023, you may be eligible for this settlement. Apply by February 21. |
| Horizon Actuarial Data Breach Settlement If you were affected by the Horizon Actuarial data security incident, you have the possibility of being included in this settlement. Apply by February 21. |
| BioMetric Impressions Corp – up to $1,000 If you were fingerprinted by BioMetric Impressions Corp on or after January 8, 2015, you might be eligible for this settlement, with possible compensation up to $1,000, subject to reduction based on the total claims submitted. Apply by February 22. |
| MedStar Data Breach If you were notified by MedStar in a letter dated around December 19, 2022, of a potential compromise to your information in an October 2022 data breach, you may be eligible for this settlement. Apply by February 23. |
| PracticeMax Data Breach If you received a notice from PracticeMax about a data security incident in early 2021, you are encompassed by this class action settlement. Apply by February 24. |
| Grande Cosmetics = up to $150 If you bought GrandeLASH-MD, GrandeBROW, or GrandeHAIR enhancement serums between January 1, 2018, and December 14, 2023, you might qualify for this settlement. Apply by February 27. |
| Home Care Providers of Texas Data Breach – up to $125 If your data was exposed in the Home Care Providers of Texas breach, you may be eligible for this settlement. Apply by February 27. |
Keep in mind that these opportunities won’t be available for much longer. For those interested in similar prospects, be sure to explore our comprehensive list of forthcoming class action settlements. There, you’ll find numerous chances to claim funds that could rightfully be yours.
Moreover, if you’re aiming for a larger sum, ensure you file a tort claim before the deadline approaches. Such claims offer a pathway to recover funds if you’ve experienced unjust treatment or harm. Our affiliate, Injury Claims, stands ready to support you. Below is a brief overview of some cases they’re currently handling:
| Open Cases |
|---|
| Ozempic Side Effects If a severe illness or adverse effect has been diagnosed in you following the use of diabetes medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus, compensation may be available to you. Apply now! |
| Personal Injury & Auto Accidents If an accident, not caused by you or your loved one, results in injury, compensation may be owed to you. This encompasses scenarios like car crashes, workplace injuries, slips and falls, medical malpractice, among others. Apply now! |
| Other Open Cases Presently, legal actions are underway for people impacted by products such as RoundUp, Talcum Powder, chemical hair relaxers, various herbicides, PFAS Chemicals, and hernia mesh, among others. Get the details. |
Unlock New Opportunities with Skip
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own company or expanding your current one? You could be eligible for grants intended to fuel your dreams.
Our partner, Skip, offers a wide range of grants specifically tailored to assist entrepreneurs in launching or scaling their businesses. Receiving such a grant could be the key to breaking through financial obstacles, so I highly recommend exploring what’s available!
| Open Cases |
|---|
| The BOSS Network – $500 Black women entrepreneurs can receive grants and mentorship from The BOSS Network! They plan to award a total of $250,000 in grants to over 500 eligible entrepreneurs. Apply by February 23. |
| February Skip Grant – $1,000 Any US-based entrepreneur over the age of 18 can apply for this grant. You just need to register for a Skip account and subscribe to their YouTube channel. Apply by February 26. |
| Black History Makers Grant – $5,000 Black business owners who are at least 18 years old can apply for this grant. You must submit your application by February 28. |
| Innovate Together Grant – $10,000 This grant aims to support small business owners and content creators by offering grants ranging from $2.5k to $10k. Applicants must be 18 or older, have an active TikTok account, complete their project within 3 months, attend a business development training from March 22-24 (with covered expenses). Apply by February 29. |
| UPS Store® Small Biz Challenge – $35,000 The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge offers small businesses a chance to win part of a $35,000 prize, a feature in Inc. magazine, and exposure at a Miami event. Owners must be U.S. residents, over 18, and operate a non-franchised business with 9 or fewer employees. Apply by March 8. |
| AI Innovation Grant – $10,000 US-based entrepreneurs and small business owners can apply for a $10,000 AI Innovation Grant. You can apply whether you already use AI or haven’t started yet. Apply by March 15. |
Local Low Income News
We have important updates for 40 states in this week’s update! Scroll to find your state subheading below.
Arizona
Churches in Arizona are pushing lawmakers to pass a new bill that would allow religious institutions to build affordable housing on their properties. The new bill, which has been nicknamed Yes in God’s Backyard, has strong bipartisan support.
Meanwhile, Arizona lawmakers are taking steps toward banning guaranteed income programs in the state. The bill is now waiting for a vote in Arizona’s House of Representatives.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- Thursdays: Free Art & Science Nights at Children’s Museum of Tucson
California
Some residents are upset after a major phone carrier announced their intention to discontinue landline service. More than 260,000 people are expected to be impacted if the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors authorizes the change. Many of these customers have said that their cell service stopped working during recent disasters and their landline was their only stable source of communication.
Meanwhile, residents of Niland who experienced property damage as a result of Tropical Storm Hilary may be able to receive financial assistance from the IV Wellness Foundation. This foundation has received funds from the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) and Citizens Energy Corporation to help those who were affected.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- Feb 21: Deadline to request disaster replacement of SNAP benefits
- Feb 26: LIHEAP application event in Parlier
- March 2: College & Career Fair for the Arts in Los Angeles CA
Colorado
If you live in Durango, it’s time to apply for the city’s food tax rebates and utility refund programs. Both of these programs are open for applications now. You need to meet income guidelines and have lived within the city limits for all of 2023 in order to qualify. The food rebates range from $145-$367 and the utility refunds range from $216-$485. You need to apply online by July 5, 2024.
Meanwhile, in Aurora, people who rent apartments at The Meadows at Dunkirk have been receiving letters demanding rent that isn’t owed. It appears that someone in the office had been embezzling rent checks. The management company reported the theft to HUD and the local police before attempting to pressure residents into making up for the missing checks. When local news outlet Fox31 got involved, a HUD spokesperson said that the landlord knows they can’t double-charge tenants for rent and they will not evict tenants who paid their rent.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- July 5: Deadline to apply for Durango rebate & refund programs
Connecticut
Lawmakers in Connecticut are considering a bill that would allow the state to expand access to free school meals. For the remainder of this school year, the state is allowing students who qualify for reduced price meals to eat for free. However, the funding for that program will run out by summer so the state is trying to pass this new legislation so the free meals can continue.
Florida
The Florida Senate has passed legislation that will offer free swim lessons for families who earn 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or less. This new law will require each county to have at least one swim lesson vendor who can accept government payments for those lessons. It is now up to the Florida House of Representatives to decide whether to pass the bill.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- March 18: Bay Area Senior Advocates Senior Resource Fair in Hudson FL
Georgia
Chatham County residents are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP! This program is administered by the Economic Opportunity of Savannah-Chatham County Area. They open for appointments on February 18, starting at 7pm. You can book your appointment online or over the phone.
Hawaii
Free grant-writing classes are being offered by the University of Hawaii this month. These classes will help farmers, entrepreneurs and small business owners connect with grant programs. You must make a 30- or 60-minute appointment to participate. The appointments are available in-person or over Zoom. You need to call 808-244-3242, extension 222 to schedule.
The events are scheduled as follows:
- Feb 23: Grant-writing event on Molokaʻi
- Feb 27: Grant-writing event on Maui
- Feb. 29: Grant-writing event on Lānaʻi
Idaho
Idaho lawmakers are considering a proposal that would ban guaranteed income programs throughout the state. Representative Dale Hawkins said that it was important to pass this law before a local government attempts something like this in the state.
Illinois
Illinois lawmakers are considering a proposal that would expand the property tax discounts for low income seniors. The new rules they are proposing would increase the maximum income limits by about $20,000.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- Feb 22: Community health and resource fair in Glen Ellen IL
Iowa
LIHEAP applications are still being accepted at Community Action offices throughout Iowa! IMPACT Community Action Partnership is actively looking for families in Jasper, Marion, Polk and Warren Counties who may be eligible for this program. You must apply by April 30th.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- April 30: LIHEAP deadline
Kansas
Some Kansas lawmakers want to withdraw from the Summer EBT program. However, it is not clear if they will succeed.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- April 15: Deadline for Johnson County Senior & Disabled Property Tax Relief Program
Kentucky
Kentucky lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow schools to get more reimbursements if they buy local ingredients for school meals. In order to qualify, schools must qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and use ingredients grown in Kentucky.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- March 31: LIHEAP deadline
Louisiana
Low income seniors in southwest Louisiana are invited to join the Foster Grandparent Program. This program helps match students with low income seniors.
Seniors earn a stipend for helping students work on literacy skills. The stipend is worth $80-$160 per week and it does not affect any government benefits. You can also receive a mileage reimbursement and paid time off for holidays.
In order to participate, you must be at least 55 years old. You must be capable of working with students in a classroom for at least 20 hours per week. You also need to pass a background check and meet income guidelines. If you want to volunteer without the stipend, you do not have to meet the 20 hour requirement.
If you would like to participate, you’ll need to contact Richard at Big Brothers Big Sisters SW Louisiana via email or at (337) 478-5437 ext. 104.
Maryland
Carroll County will distribute 5,000 free Chromebook laptops to eligible residents. You need to claim yours online by the end of April 2024.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- Feb 24: Mental health and substance abuse fair in Silver Spring MD
- March 1: Community Resource Fair in Prince Frederick MD
Massachusetts
The MBTA system is proceeding with plans to discount fares for low income riders between the ages of 26 and 64. The new discount program would slash prices by around half for people who earn 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or less. MBTA is accepting comments through February 29. The next vote is expected to happen March 28.
Michigan
Michigan’s Governor Whitmer has proposed making school meals free for all students in the state next year. This is something that Michigan has been doing already in this current school year but the funding is set to run out if they don’t take action to renew it.
Meanwhile, Detroit is rolling out eight new technology centers. These centers will offer free WiFi, loaner devices, job training and more. The devices include laptops. You can find the addresses on the Detroit Chamber website.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- March 15: Small business and procurement fair in Washtenaw County MI
- Feb 27: Financial resource fair in Dearborn MI
Mississippi
State lawmakers are considering a proposal that would allow more students to receive the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant. This would make 37,000 more residents eligible for financial aid. The maximum MTAG award would be increased to $2,000 per year.
Missouri
Low income families who want to buy homes in St. Louis may be able to get help from Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. Through a partnership with SoFi, he intends to put more than $1 million toward helping low income families with down payment assistance.
Montana
The state of Montana is considering restructuring the way they help low income residents connect with benefits and programs. Currently, around a dozen independent organizations provide this service across rural Montana. However, state lawmakers are considering outsourcing that work to a Virginia-based company to save money. This could leave rural communities like Libby, Kalispell and Livingston without access to the critical services offered by these local organizations.
Nebraska
Nebraska’s Governor has had a change of heart about the Summer EBT program. After sitting down with children who had experienced hunger during the summertime, the governor decided that the state will accept federal funds for the Summer EBT program this year.
Lawmakers are also discussing a bill that would provide diapers for low income families in the state. The new bill has the full support of the Nebraska Diaper Bank.
Nevada
New laws in Sparks restrict the ability of unhoused people to sleep on sidewalks or in vehicles. The City Council hopes to use these laws to give people a choice between accepting city services or facing jail time. The Senior Assistant City Attorney said that these laws are designed as a last resort to push resistant people into getting help.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- March 1: Deadline to apply for $5,000 NYC Neighborhood Business Grant
- March 28: Easter Egg Hunt and Resource Fair in Las Vegas NV
New Hampshire
New Hampshire lawmakers are considering a proposal that would make it easier for landlords to evict tenants. The law currently only allows landlords to evict tenants in specific situations. This proposal would allow landlords to evict tenants at the end of their lease as well.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are also pushing forward with plans to expand the income limits for Education Freedom Accounts. They want to raise the income limits to approximately 500% of the Federal Poverty Level. The new proposal passed the House on a very narrow margin of 190 to 189.
New Jersey
New Jersey has advanced legislation that requires towns to build affordable housing in areas with access to critical resources. The goal is to make sure that low income people have access to grocery stores, transportation centers and other critical needs. The bill passed the House and is waiting for a vote in the state Senate.
New York
Mayor Adams has refused to follow the law and implement new rules that would make it easier for homeless and at-risk people to access the city’s CityFHEPS rental assistance program. As a result, the Legal Aid Society has filed a lawsuit on behalf of four people who would be able to get housing help under the new rules.
Homeless and at-risk New Yorkers have sued NYC Mayor Adams for refusing to make it easier for them to access the rental assistance program offered by the city. This lawsuit was filed by the Legal Aid Society
Don’t miss out on these events:
- March 1: Deadline to apply for $5,000 NYC Neighborhood Business Grant
North Carolina
Dare County has announced that they will elevate 31 flood-prone homes in the area this year. The money for this project was awarded by FEMA. The homes were selected from a pool of applicants who submitted applications in 2019.
Ohio
Don’t miss out on these events:
- March 7: Developmental Disabilities Job & Resource Fair in Painesville OH
Oklahoma
Norman is considering implementing a new job program for homeless people in the community. This new program would hire people on a day-by-day basis to pick up trash and litter. The program would pay $15 per hour and give them access to other assistance programs that can help with critical needs like housing.
Oregon
A new tax credit called the Oregon Kids Credit can provide up to $5,000 for low income families with young children. The maximum credit is $1,000 per child for up to five children. The children must be between the ages of 0 and 5 to qualify for this credit. This credit is refundable, which means that it can be sent to you in a refund check if the credit is for more than you owe.
Meanwhile, a shortage of veterinarians in the state has caused many free and low-cost vet services to be curtailed. The spay and neuter clinic in Eugene has cut back on the types of dogs that can be treated and the scope of their offerings due to staff shortages.
Pennsylvania
The Basic Systems Repair Program in Philadelphia helps thousands of people each year with free repairs to critical systems like electrical, plumbing, roofing, and heating. This program provides an average award of around $15,800 for homeowners who qualify.
To get help, you must own your own home, be current on property taxes and water bills, and have a household income that is at or below 60% of the Area Median Income. You can apply online.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- March 6: Deadline for JVS Philadelphia Fund
South Carolina
Mercy Medicine Free Clinic in Florence recently received a $15,000 grant from Delta Dental to help support and expand their dental services for low income uninsured adults.
South Dakota
South Dakota lawmakers have rejected a proposal to expand eligibility for reduced price school meals. However, state lawmakers are moving forward with plans to implement the Summer EBT program in 2025 despite the governor’s opposition.
Tennessee
Six new bills to help low income families have been introduced to the Tennessee state senate. These bills are aimed at improving access to child care assistance in the state. Each of these proposals does something slightly different, but the overall goal is to make more people eligible and expand that coverage.
Texas
Don’t miss out on these events:
- Feb 29: Special education resource fair in Kerrville TX
Utah
Utah lawmakers are considering a proposal that would expand child care access in the state. This bill aims to convert existing state-owned buildings into child care facilities. According to state Senator Luz Escamilla, around 70% of Utah’s population lives in a child care desert.
Virgin Islands
Ribbons for a Cure is a non-profit organization that helps people with cancer. They are currently accepting applications for the 2024 Financial Assistance Program. This program provides financial assistance of up to $500 to help with cancer-related medications, testing or scans for people who have bee diagnosed. You must have lived in the US Virgin Islands for at least five years to qualify.
Virginia
Don’t miss out on these events:
- March 15: Deadline to apply for EAP Assistance
Washington
Washington lawmakers are considering a new bottle deposit bill. This bill would add a 10 cent charge to most plastic, metal or glass bottles under a one-gallon size. If the container is returned to a collection site, the person who returned it could receive a refund. The state hopes this will create an additional revenue stream for low income shoppers and nonprofits, while also helping the environment.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- Feb 29: Deadline to apply for Whitman County Wildfire Resiliency Assistance
West Virginia
West Virginia lawmakers are considering a proposal that would force unemployed SNAP recipients to participate in job training. This new requirement would apply to anyone who works less than 30 hours per week. Exemptions would be provided to those with disabilities or other qualifying limitations.
Wisconsin
Seniors in Milwaukee County may be able to get help with home repairs. The Senior Home Repair Program provides grants and zero-interest loans to help repair roofs, electric systems, furnaces, and more. The money can also be used to make mobility and safety improvements to the home. The grant portion of this program is managed by Revitalize MKE and the loans are offered through DHHS Housing Services. If you’re interested, please attend the workshop at the Wilson Park Senior Center on February 20, between 9am and 11am.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- Feb 20: Home Repair Workshop at Wilson Park Senior Center
- March 2: Early Childhood Resource Fair and Wild Rumpus in Madison WI
Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Health is warning low income clients to watch out for a new Medicaid scam. Scammers make calls pretending to be from Medicaid and they aggressively push for personal information, including payment information. According to the state, their representatives will never push you for sales or ask you for money.
Don’t miss out on these events:
- Feb 29: Deadline to apply for the Wyoming State Parks Yeti Cooler Giveaway
- March 1: Women’s resource fair in Cheyenne WY
Relief Recap
There are many new financial assistance programs and resources available to low income residents across America! This post covers new financial assistance opportunities and critical legislative updates for housing, food programs, and other forms of assistance for low income Americans.
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.
Jocelyn
Tuesday 20th of February 2024
I am trying to look into the senior stipend. I am unable to locate the application for it. Please 🙏🏼, I would love to help our children learn.
Catherine Marucci
Tuesday 20th of February 2024
Hi. Which state are you in? https://lowincomerelief.com/help-for-senior-citizens/
Dee
Sunday 18th of February 2024
I received a refurbished $11 lap top in 2021 or 2022. The plugs did not work, but got some use out of it. It died last month. Do they replace or is it one time help.
Catherine Marucci
Monday 19th of February 2024
Hi Dee. It may be worth reaching out to them to see what they say.
Angela D Hinkle
Saturday 17th of February 2024
Yes I'm needing help on removing my burned down house off our property me and my husband are both disable and we can't clear it off needing some assistance please tell me where can I get help Thank you so much
Catherine Marucci
Monday 19th of February 2024
Hi Angela. Here are some possible resources: https://lowincomerelief.com/free-home-repair-grants/
Pam Campbell
Saturday 17th of February 2024
Do you have any programs for low income for internet in Marshall County, Iowa. Mediacom started a new program, but you have to have a child in K-12, which most seniors do not have.
Catherine Marucci
Monday 19th of February 2024
Hi Pam. Here's what we know of: https://lowincomerelief.com/how-to-get-free-internet-almost/ - Cat