6 Ways to Stretch Your Monthly Budget
People make compromises every month to stretch their budget. This has been especially true in the past few years, with inflation driving higher prices for everyday essentials like food and gas. Some people rely on food pantries, like the partner agencies that United Food Bank supports, in order to extend their food budget for the month. You or your neighbors may shop at secondhand stores or strategically shut off power to save extra money. Regardless of what you may do to stretch your budget, here are some programs and tips to help you save money and alleviate added stress.
1. Check out your Internet Provider to see if they offer incentives or deals for low-income individuals/families
One of United Food Bank’s sponsor organizations, Verizon, is committed to giving back. Through partnership with the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Verizon Forward Program, low-income individuals and families can apply to receive free home internet. Verizon also participates in the Lifeline Program, which is another federal discount program for phone and internet services. You may qualify to receive Verizon’s fastest internet services for free or at a heavily discounted price.
To see if you qualify for ACP, follow the link here. To apply for Lifeline, follow the link here. These discounts can often be combined to get the highest discount possible. If you are not a Verizon customer, many other phone and internet providers participate in these discounts.
2. APS and SRP offer discounts for Electricity Bills
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is a statewide program with the Arizona department of Economic Security to help people pay heating and cooling bills. Households may receive up to $1,200 per year as a standard LIHEAP benefit, and an additional $1,000 crisis benefit is available for those experiencing an energy crisis.
Depending on the city you reside in, SRP offers many “limited income assistance programs.” The various programs can help pay overdue bills, qualify for discounts and/or create a safety net for future bills. They even support small-business owners in times of hardship. “If you’re having trouble paying your bill for any reason, call (602) 236-8888.”
APS also offers assistance programs to help low-income customers with bills. Customers facing temporary financial insecurity can receive up to $1000 in energy assistance–find out how to apply. They also offer discounted rates for low-income customers, as well as those using critical medical equipment powered by home-electricity.
The Weatherization Program with ADES can help residents to reduce energy costs by implementing energy-saving solutions to their homes. This program offers a variety of solutions, such as adding insulation to homes, shading windows, testing and tuning up AC units, adding water-saving appliances, and more. To learn more about this program and to apply, visit the Weatherization Assistance Program homepage.
3. Homeowner and Renter Assistance Programs
The Arizona Department of Housing has a “Homeowners Assistance Fund” to assist homeowners who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to help avoid foreclosure and further past due bills. To see if you qualify for utility or mortgage assistance, complete this questionnaire.
For renters, there is a Emergency Renters Assistance Program (ERAP) for assistance with paying rent. If you are a renter and have been impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic, you may qualify for up to $3,500 per month in rent relief.
If you are struggling with housing costs, and do not qualify for these programs, you can contact various Community Action Agencies around Arizona to find out more information or get direct assistance.
4. Transportation assistance 2-1-1
211 Arizona and APS have combined forces to provide accessible transportation to cooling sites around Arizona. You can call 211, extension 4 or 1-855-645-6432 to get a free ride to cool off. If you are experiencing emergency heat-related illness, call 911 immediately.
Ride United is a program in partnership with United Way and Lyft, providing free Lyft rides for unmet transportation needs for those who qualify. Rides can be for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to: job interviews, doctor appointments, court proceedings, parole check-ins, commute to/from school, auto-repair shops and the DMV. In partnership with DoorDash and United Way, Arizonans can get free delivery services for essential items like food boxes, PPE, mental health items, school supplies and more. Both the items requested and the delivery is free of charge for those who qualify.
For Ride United or essential deliveries, call 211, extension 4 or call the direct line at 1-855-645-6432.
5. SNAP Benefits to save on Grocery Bills
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides neighbors who qualify with monthly benefits to help purchase grocery items to meet basic needs. Visit https://des.az.gov/how-to-apply-snap to see if you qualify and apply for SNAP benefits.
Arizona also participates in the Double up Food Bucks program that works in conjunction with SNAP to help provide additional fruits and vegetables to those receiving nutritional assistance. For every dollar you spend on eligible items on your SNAP/EBT care, you receive another dollar to spend on Arizona-grown fruits and vegetables. Customers can receive an extra $20 per day through this program.
6. Amazon Prime Discount
Amazon Prime provides people with more affordable and accessible items delivered to their door in as quickly as a few hours. Prime memberships are $14.99 a month, however, if you receive EBT, Medicare, or other qualifying government assistance, you can qualify for Prime Access with a monthly fee of $6.99. You can also try Prime Access for free for 30 days. Follow this link to find out if you qualify for Prime Access.
Amazon also allows people to use SNAP benefits when purchasing groceries online (no prime membership required), layaway programs and other features that allow ease and affordability when shopping.
Do you think you or someone you know qualifies for these discounts? Follow the links in each section to apply, check qualifications or learn more about each program. For more assistance, dial 2-1-1 to speak with a representative to connect you to various programs that may help.
United Food Bank’s mission is to unite communities to alleviate hunger. Take part in our mission by uniting communities through sharing these money-saving tips for low-income individuals and families. Please share this post on your social media, you never know who may need it. Sharing this post with someone you know may help them more than you realize. Together, we support our neighbors in need.
Written by Sarah Bathe
