FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS FOR LIVING EXPENSES
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
WHO
-
Persons over 65 years-old and/or disabled who have restricted income.
COST
-
None
WHAT
-
Administers security income to those of required age and/or disabled.
WHERE
-
2900 4th Ave, Billings, MT 59101
-
1-866-895-1795
OFFICE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
WHO
-
Eligibility varies with services
WHERE
-
111 N 31st St, Billings, MT 59101
-
(888) 706-1535
COST
-
None
WHAT
-
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
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Medicaid
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Also provides referrals for assistance with: child care, child support, housing, heating and utility assistance, telephone assistance, Medicaid travel costs, voter registration, supplemental security income, vocational rehabilitation, employment services, Head Start, Montana legal services, social services, Women Infants and Children (WIC), family violence services and community health care clinics.
WHEN
-
8am-5pm Monday - Friday
SNAP
Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program
WHO
-
Determined by evaluating specific non-financial and financial criteria.
WHAT
-
SNAP benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used as an ATM or bank card to buy food at participating grocery stores.
-
Balance of card services can be tracked online at ebt.mt.gov.
-
Formerly known as food stamps.
WHERE
-
Apply online here
-
Speak with a Public Assistance Representative 1-888-706-1535.
WHEN
-
Monday - Friday 8am-5pm
-
406-425-0908
-
406-446-2820
Many people find the application process overwhelming - if this is the case for you, contact the Navigators Program. They offer free one-on-one assistance through tedious application processes such as this.
TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
WHO
-
Eligibility for TANF cash assistance is determined by evaluating specific non-financial and financial criteria established by federal and state regulations.
WHAT
-
Cash assistance is a program providing temporary financial assistance to needy families.
WHERE
WHEN
-
Monday - Friday 8am-5pm
-
406-446-2820
Many people find the application process overwhelming - if this is the case for you, contact the Navigators Program. They offer free one-on-one assistance through tedious application processes such as this.
NORTHWESTERN ENERGY AUDIT
WHO
-
NorthWestern Energy residential natural gas or electric space- or water-heating customer.
WHAT
-
Analysis of home energy usage and specialist information on how to make your home more energy efficient, rebates and incentives.
WHERE
-
1-800-823-5995
LIEAP
Low Income Energy Assistance Program
WHO
-
The authorization provides that an eligible household’s income must not exceed the greater of 150 percent of the poverty level or 60 percent of the State median income.
WHAT
-
Pays a portion of the low-income eligible applicant’s heating bill directly to the utility provider during the heating season of October 1st through April 30th of each year.
WHERE
-
406-247-4732
WHEN
-
Monday - Friday 8am-5pm
-
406-446-2820
Many people find the application process overwhelming - if this is the case for you, contact the Navigators Program. They offer free one-on-one assistance through tedious application processes such as this.
ENERGY SHARE OF MONTANA
WHO
-
Persons facing finance shortages, but not qualifying for other programs
WHAT
-
Provides one-time only assistance to Montanans facing emergency heating needs.
-
Clients include “working poor” who do not qualify for government programs but are in need of assistance.
WHERE
-
1-800-442-4900
MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
WHO
-
A person must have a qualifying high deductible health plan.
-
A person cannot have any other non-HDHP coverage, although exceptions are allowed for accident, disability, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
-
If a person has received Veteran’s benefits in the past three months, he or she is not eligible to contribute to an HSA.
-
A person cannot be enrolled in Medicare
-
A person cannot be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return.
WHAT
-
HSAs are special savings accounts that were established by federal law to allow eligible individuals to make deposits that can be used to pay for future qualifying medical expenses.
WHERE
-
1-800-829-1040
FIRST TIME HOME BUYER SAVINGS ACCOUNT
WHO
-
Montana residents who have not previously purchased a single family residence (home, condo, townhouse, or modular or mobile home on a permanent foundation) and who file income tax returns can contribute to a first-time home buyer savings account.
WHAT
-
Special savings account for the purchase of a first home and to save on Montana income taxes because of the First-time Home Buyer Act.
WHERE
MONTANA MEDICAL CARE SAVINGS ACCOUNT
WHO
-
All resident taxpayers of Montana are eligible to establish a Montana MSA even if they have another health care plan.
WHAT
-
Allows Montanans to save money for medical expenses and long-term health care and reduce their state income taxes.
WHERE
PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
WHAT
-
Property tax relief to low-income persons, must be reapplied for each year at Assessor’s Office.
WHERE
-
406-446-1223
AARP TAX-AIDE MONTANA
WHO
-
All ages and income levels
COST
-
None
WHAT
-
Offers free tax preparation in partnership with the IRS and AARP
-
Run by local trained volunteers
-
Program available during tax season (~ February-April)
-
Must call ahead for appointment and bring the necessary documantation
-
Proof of ID
-
Previous years tax forms
-
WHERE
-
Local locations:
-
Red Lodge Carnegie Library
-
Primary host site
-
(406) 446-1905
-
-
Red Lodge Senior Center
-
Joliet Community Center
-
Bridger Public Library
-
DPHHS: THE HOME CENTER
WHO
-
Must meet state definition of developmentally disabled.
WHEN
-
Year round
-
See website for details and 1st time homebuyer, budget, insurance, savings, and credit class schedules
-
COST
-
Varies, some classes are free, others have associated fees
WHAT
-
Housing Counseling
-
Budget Counseling
-
Homebuyer Education
-
Financial Education
-
Rental Counseling
WHERE
OTHER FINANCIAL PROGRAMS
WHO
-
Varies with program. Must be economically disadvantaged according to federal/state guidelines.
WHAT
-
Alternative education
-
LIEAP
-
Weatherization
-
Pathways
-
Assets for Independence
-
Harmony House Teen Transitional Living Program
-
Family Economic Security Savings Program
-
Childcare Scholarship Program
WHERE
HRDC
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
WHO
-
Varies by service
COST
-
None
WHAT
-
Processes applications for Social Security numbers.
-
Administers Social Security programs for survivors, disabled and retired persons.
-
Administers Medicare Programs.
WHERE
-
2900 4th Ave, Billings, MT 59101
-
1-866-895-1795
-
Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
MONTANA LEGAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION
WHO
-
Mission: Protect and enhance the civil legal rights of, and promote systemic change for, Montanans living in poverty.
COST
-
None
WHAT
-
Earned income tax credit clinic, Legal advice and representation for clients.
-
Referrals to pro bono attorneys and other providers, self-help clinics, self-help materials, and education brochures, classes and workshops for Montana’s low-income community.
WHERE
-
207 N. Broadway, Suite 430, Billings, MT 59101
-
406-248-7133
-
Monday-Thursday 9AM-12PM;1PM-4PM
OFFICE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
WHO
-
Eligibility varies with services.
WHERE
COST
-
None
WHAT
-
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
-
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
-
Medicaid
-
Also provides referrals for assistance with: child care, child support, housing, heating and utility assistance, telephone assistance, Medicaid travel costs, voter registration, supplemental security income, vocational rehabilitation, employment services, head start, Montana legal services, social services, Women Infants and Children, family violence services and community health care clinics.
WHEN
-
8am-5pm Monday - Friday
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR HEALTHCARE
WHO
-
You may qualify for free or reduced cost services at Beartooth Billings Clinic. Navigators available to help with confidential application.
COST
-
None
WHAT
-
The amount of financial assistance for healthcare services is different for each person or family, depending on person’s financial situation. Beartooth can also connect you with public healthcare assistance programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Veteran’s Administration, Disability, Crime Victims and Healthy Montana Kids (HMK).
WHERE
-
Beartooth Billings Clinic
-
406.446.2345
-
2525 N. Broadway, Red Lodge.