$233,000 is what most Americans say they would need to earn to feel financially secure… but most of us earn far less. The median household income in the United States is only $70,000 and that means many of us are feeling very financially insecure right now.
If that describes you, listen up because we’ve found some programs that can help you save money and get free stuff.
Nationwide Low Income News
There are some news stories that affect residents of all US states. Here’s what you need to know.
Another Stimulus Check?
Before we dive into the resources I found for you this week, I want to clear the air about this idea of another stimulus check. I’ve been getting a TON of questions about this lately in our comments lately.
Mostly, it’s because a lot of YouTubers and news outlets keep teasing this. Every single week when I gather the headlines for these low income news updates, I see articles about another stimulus check. News outlets and YouTubers keep promoting this because it puts money in their pockets – their pockets, not yours. They know if they talk about it, it’ll get clicks and they’ll make more money.
For everyone who has asked why I haven’t been talking about the fourth stimulus check, the answer is pretty simple. It’s because it doesn’t exist. There is currently no indication whatsoever that the federal government will issue any sort of stimulus check at this point.
It is true that the state of New Mexico issued economic relief payments to about 26,000 low income residents of their state this week. Those payments will be between $500 – $1,000 each and should be arriving any time now… but again, that’s only for residents of New Mexico and it isn’t going to be something that is sent to all low income Americans.
When state-level payments happen, I do report on them but I don’t present it as a “fourth stimulus check” because it’s not going to help every low income American.
Get Help with the Heat
A lot of the United States is dealing with an intense heat right now, so don’t forget that you can always call 211 (or 311 in some areas) to connect with the United Way’s resource hotline. This service can help you find a cooling center in your area where you can escape the heat.
You may be able to get a free air conditioner or help with your utility bills as well.
Housing
The Biden-Harris administration announced some new renter protection initiatives this week. The new rules will help ensure that all landlords engage in fair tenant screening practices, that renters in public housing receive 30 day eviction notices and more.
Zillow has announced that starting next year, an “affordable housing” filter will be available that will help renters find income-restricted housing or rentals that accept Section 8 Housing Vouchers easier.
Apartments.com and AffordableHousing.com have also made pledges to deploy tools that will help people find affordable housing easier.
New Proposals
There is a significant bipartisan, multi-state call to support the GI Bill Restoration Act of 2023. This bill would restore and extend access to the VA Home Loans Program, Post-9/11 GI Bill, and more to Black World War II veterans and their descendants if they can certify that the veteran was previously denied specific benefits on the basis of race.
Senator Casey of Pennsylvania has introduced new legislation that would expand the ABLE Program. ABLE Accounts are for people with disabilities, and these accounts allow eligible Americans to save more money than is typically allowed by the asset limits for many federal programs. The new ABLE Match legislation would make it easier for low income people with disabilities to save money by providing a federal dollar-for-dollar match for new and existing accounts that belong to people who make $28,000 or less per year.
Grants & Scholarships
Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, has donated over a million dollars to the SAG-AFTRA Emergency Financial Assistance Program. This fund is helping to support union members during their strike. If you are a member of SAG-AFTRA who has been financially impacted by the strike, you could receive a grant of up to $1,500 – in some cases, even up to $6,000.
If you know a young person who is interested in aviation, PenFed Credit Union has recently announced a $10,000 flight training scholarship. Students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher to qualify. Those applications will open on November 1, 2023.
Local Low Income News
We’ve found local news updates for Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington and Wyoming.
Alaska
In Anchorage, the Barratt Inn is expected to open as low income housing in the fall. There will be 96 units ranging from studios to two bedroom apartments. Residents are expected to move in by September, so be sure to follow your local news sources for updates.
California
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in California is offering up to $225 in air conditioner rebates. The rebate can cover over 80% of the cost of your window or portable air conditioner unit.
According to local news provider NBC4, some air conditioners are just $5 after the rebate is applied.
You may be eligible for this rebate if you currently participate in a utility discount program. You can apply for the rebate between now and November 15. If you’re interested, you’ll have to get your air conditioner from the Cool LA DWP website.
Florida
In Florida, the St. Petersburg Rebates for Affordable Residential Rehabs Program has expanded to be citywide. Eligible homeowners can apply for funding to help with structural repairs, roof replacements, electrical or plumbing upgrades, window or door replacement, kitchen or bath upgrades or even the construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit.
Hawaii
In Wailuku, a blessing ceremony was held for two new low income apartments. The units are set aside for people who earn les than 50% of the Area Median Income.
It appears the properties are managed by Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center, so you’ll need to contact them for more information.
Idaho
In Idaho, a local Kiwanis Club donated Instant Pots to seniors who live at Mercy Housing. The housing administration intends to run cooking classes to help seniors learn how to use them more effectively.
Illinois
In McHenry, an organization called Fisher Outreach Group is helping seniors through their pop-up farmers markets at local senior housing and their Adopt-a-Grandparent program.
Maine
The state government is waiting for federal approval to expand the eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program in the state. If they get approval, this new law would put a lot of money back into the hands of 19,000 low income seniors in Maine. For example, 82-year-old Fran Seeley is expected to get an extra $115 every month through this expansion.
In Lewiston, the city broke ground for a new building that will provide 82 homes for people. Of those, 41 will be set aside for low income renters who are currently renting unsafe homes. The project is called Wedgewood and is expected to open in 2025.
Massachusetts
Applications are still open for Rise Up Cambridge. This program will provide $500 per month in cash benefits for 18 months!
In order to be eligible, you need to meet these requirements:
- You must live in Cambridge.
- You must meet income limits.
- You must have a child in your household who is 21 years old or younger.
You can apply online.
Nevada
In Las Vegas, a new housing complex called Beautiful Life Residences offers seniors an affordable place to live while encouraging their independence. The Residences have space for 40 residents but so far they only have 22 people living there.
The owners of the Carville Park Senior Apartments in Nevada are doing something awesome. They are going to renovate and upgrade the apartments without any price increases for the seniors who live there. Each of the tenants will get a new kitchen without paying any additional costs.
New Jersey
Union County has opened their Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program! The $50 vouchers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis so be sure to claim yours right away. You can call 908-572-4870 to get started.
New Mexico
The state of New Mexico issued economic relief payments to about 26,000 low income residents of their state this week. Those payments will be between $500 – $1,000 each and should be arriving any time now.
In order to receive this payment, you must’ve claimed it on the YesNM portal when applications were open.
New York
Schenectady County has also opened their program as well. You can request yours online or by calling (518) 382-8481 extension 1302.
In Watertown, the city’s Planning Commission is considering a 61-unit affordable housing facility. The building will be four stories tall and provide housing for homeless and low income people in the area.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s Governor Cooper is aiming to expand Medicaid starting October 1 as long as the state legislature completes their steps on time. If the paperwork isn’t done on time, the expansion will launch in December or early 2024. Either way, the good news is that about 600,000 more North Carolina residents will be eligible for Medicaid very soon!
Pennsylvania
The Atrium in Johnstown is shutting down. This program helps low income seniors but cannot afford to continue their services. The seniors who live there have 60 days to find a new home.
Tennessee
Bedford County has decided to start matching the state’s property tax relief program for low income seniors. If you live in the county, you can apply for relief as soon as you receive your 2023 property tax bill.
In Memphis, a group of teenagers are spending their summer repairing roofs in Binghamton. This new program, called Service Over Self Builds, is helping teens to learn new skills while also blessing the lives of low income families in the area.
Washington
In Seattle, Habitat for Humanity is building condos for low income residents. The organization used to focus on building single-family homes but has since expanded to build townhomes, duplexes, cottages and condominiums to help improve housing accessibility.
The new Olympic Ridge building will feature 17 units. In order to be eligible, residents must have been employed in King County for at least one year and participate in the Sweat Equity program. You must have an income that is at or below 80% of Seattle’s Area Median Income. Applications are available online.
In Tumwater, the County Housing Authority has acquired the Tumwater Inn. The goal is to convert it into affordable senior housing. Seniors who earn less than 50% of the Area Median Income may qualify, but applications won’t open for about 12 months.
Washington DC
A new guaranteed income program in Washington DC helps Black mothers who were recently involved with CPS. This program, called Mother Up, provides $500 per month for three years.
Since so many cases are poverty-related, the goal is that this program will help parents meet their children’s basic needs so they don’t have to continue being involved with CPS.
Mothers Outreach Network, the organization behind this new program, said they decided to start with Black mothers because they are most at risk. In Washington DC, nearly 8 in 10 children in foster care are Black.
Wyoming
The Cheyenne City Council has agreed to support additional low income housing in the area. The resolution that they unanimously passed allows the city to submit a $1.2 grant request to purchase a property on 15th Street.
The property, which spans 2.7 acres, will be developed into a mix of affordable housing rentals, Habitat for Humanity homes, and other amenities.
Summary
This week’s low income news update discussed the rampant misinformation about a fourth stimulus check and the facts about the recent economic impact payments that were sent out in New Mexico. Other federal news updates included new legislation and proposals, grants and scholarship programs. Local news updates included a variety of topics, such as low income housing and senior food programs.
You can always find additional low income news updates in our News section.
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.