One program that many low-income families rely upon is Medicaid health coverage for children and pregnant women. In most cases, working parents will not qualify for coverage, but a few states are working to extend affordable health care coverage to the working poor. State subsidized health insurance for children has generous limits, and may charge a very reasonable premium, depending upon income. Many states have similar generous limits for coverage during pregnancy. In some states, your children may be eligible for Medicaid coverage even if group health insurance is available, depending upon the costs. Knowing that your children have quality, thorough health care coverage can provide peace of mind. Medicaid programs for children cover healthcare, prescriptions, and dental care.

Food is another expense with which both state and private agencies offer assistance. Very low-income families may qualify for the US food stamp program, which allows participants funds to buy food at participating stores. Today, the food stamp program uses a card similar to a debit card, called an EBT card. This reduces the embarrassment many people feel in using state sponsored assistance programs. If you are having trouble affording adequate, nutritious food for your family, you may wish to review the guidelines for participation in the food stamp program. Further information on the food stamp program and local office locations may be found at http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/.

Other food programs offer supplemental food assistance. The Women, Infants, and Children program or WIC provides supplemental infant formula, milk, cereal, eggs, cheese and juice to pregnant women and children under five. This program also provides breastfeeding support and nutrition education. Income guidelines are more generous for WIC than for other federal programs.

One privately owned food assistance program that is receiving a lot of press lately is Angel Food Ministries. Currently operating in 32 states, Angel Food Ministries offers a substantial box of high quality food, as well as additional boxes for a very reasonable price. A check of http://www.angelfoodministries.com/default.asp will allow you to see if this helpful program is available in your area. There are no income guidelines or requirements, and this can be a useful way to stretch your food dollars.

Childcare subsidies and assistance are available for low-income working families in many states. These programs may dramatically reduce your child-care expenses, or eliminate them. A simple search or a call to your local family or social services office should allow you to find out how to apply for childcare assistance in your area. Many states also offer free preschool programs to lower income children.

If you and your family are living paycheck to paycheck, looking into the assistance programs available in your area may help you to live more comfortably, save more andreduce debt. If you are struggling not because of lack of income, but because of debt, it may be time to seek financial help and information to correct your debt. Provanta Corp. can help you with debt settlement and move you forward to a better and more financially stable future.