GovBenefits - Low Income Services Program

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Benefits Report for

A Low Income Person or Family

created on Aug 21, 2002

Program List:

	Community Health Centers
	Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants
	Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
	Food Stamp Program
	Head Start and Early Head Start
	Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project
	Low Income Home Energy Assistance
	Maternal and Child Health Services
	Medicaid Program
	National Farmworker Jobs Program
	Nutrition Assistance For Puerto Rico
	Rural Rental Assistance
	Rural Rental Housing
	School Breakfast and Lunch Programs
	Senior Community Service Employment Program
	Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
	State Children's Health Insurance Program
	Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
	TRIO: Student Support Services
	Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
	Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds
	Very Low to Moderate Income Rural Housing Loans
	Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons
	Youth Education and Training Activities
	Youth Opportunity Grants

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Community Health Centers

Description

Community Health Centers offer access to comprehensive primary and preventative health care and focus primarily on low-come and underserved individuals. Services are offered via community health centers, migrant health centers, health care for the homeless programs, public housing primary care programs, and school-based clinics. Eligibility for services, as well as fees charged for services, are determined when a patient visits a health center and are generally based on income and ability to pay.

Managing Agency

Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For more information about the Community Health Centers Program, visit:

http://bphc.hrsa.gov/CHC/CHCMain.asp

To locate a service delivery site in your area, visit:

http://www.bphc.hrsa.gov/databases/fqhc/

To speak with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about the CHC program, call:

301-594-4300

Or write to:

Division of Community and Migrant Health Bureau of Primary Health Care
4350 East-West Highway, 7th Floor
Bethesda, MD 20814

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Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants

Description

The Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant program provides financing for the development of housing for domestic farm laborers. Loans are made to farmers, associations of farmers, family farm corporations, Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and associations of farmworkers.

Managing Agency

Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For more information about the Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant program, visit:

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/ProgramBriefs/brief_mfh_flh.htm

To find out about availability of farm labor housing in your locality, contact your local Rural Development field office using this office locator tool:

http://offices.usda.gov/scripts/ndISAPI.dll/oip_public/USA_map

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Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Description

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides commodity foods to low-income households on Indian reservations, and to Native American families residing in designated areas near reservations and in the State of Oklahoma. Households qualify for the program based on their income and resources, and must be re-certified at least every 12 months. Many Native Americans participate in the FDPIR as an alternative to the Food Stamp Program, usually because they do not have easy access to food stores. Households may not participate in FDPIR and the Food Stamp Program in the same month.

FDPIR offers a variety of commodities to help participants maintain a balanced diet. In many locations, fresh produce may be selected in lieu of canned fruit and vegetables. Program participants also receive nutrition education to help them make the most nutritious use of the USDA commodity foods.

Managing Agency

Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For more information about FDPIR, visit:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/fdpir/fdpirhome.htm

To determine whether you are eligible for FDPIR and to apply for benefits you must contact the Indian Tribal Organization (ITOs) or State agency responsible for administering FDPIR in the area where you live. For contact information on all the ITOs and state agencies, visit:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/contacts/itolist.PDF

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Food Stamp Program

Description

The Food Stamp Program provides benefits to low-income people that they can use to buy food to improve their diets. Food stamp recipients spend their benefits (in the form of paper coupons or electronic benefits on debit cards) to buy eligible food in authorized retail food stores.

Managing Agency

Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For more detailed information on the Food Stamp Program and how to apply, visit:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/HowToApply.htm

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Head Start and Early Head Start

Description

The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with child care. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farmworker families. Tambien hay servicios para las familias que trabajan en agricultura (trabajadores migrantes y de temporada).

Managing Agency

Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For more general information on the Head Start programs, access this link:

http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/hsb

Head Start programs are administered locally by non-profit organizations, city, county, and Indian Tribal governments,and school districts in almost 19,000 centers. Although services are not available in every community, interested citizens should locate the nearest Head Start center and inquire about services. To find a local Head Start program office near you, including Early Head Start and Migrant Head Start, visit:

http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/hsb/grantees/search/search.asp

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Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project

Description

The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project provides employment and training services and support to help homeless veterans reenter the workforce.

Managing Agency

Department of Labor
http://www.dol.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For general information about the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project, please visit:

http://www.dol.gov/vets

For specific information about the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project, as well as additional links to find the nearest Department of Labor Employment and Training office near you, please visit:

http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/fact/Homeless_veterans_fs04.htm

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Low Income Home Energy Assistance

Description

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible low income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, and, if the state chooses, to weatherize homes.

Managing Agency

Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

Each state is responsible for administering and designing its own program, which includes determining eligibility requirements and providing assistance within Federal guidelines. For more information about these guidelines, visit:

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/eligible.htm#IE

A list of frequently asked questions about this program is also available at:

http://faq.acf.hhs.gov/cgi-bin/rightnow.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php?p_cat_lvl1=49

To find out whether you are eligible to receive LIHEAP benefits, contact your state or tribal LIHEAP office. Information about how to contact each office can be obtained through this website:

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/directry.htm

For help applying for LIHEAP benefits, you may also call this toll-free number:

1-866-674-6327

Or send a request to this e-mail address (please include your city, county, and state in your message):

energyassistance@ncat.org

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Maternal and Child Health Services

Description

Maternal and Child Health Services are offered in 59 States and jurisdictions to help families access timely, high-quality healthcare. Priority is given to households with low incomes or limited available care. Specific services may vary by locality, but all programs share the following objectives: 1) reduce infant mortality; 2) ensure access to comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care for women; 3) increase the number of children receiving immunizations, health assessments, and follow-up diagnostic and treatment services; and 4) ensure access to rehabilitation services and comprehensive care for children with special health needs.

The Federal government establishes general guidelines for the administration of these services. However, specific eligibility requirements to receive benefits, as well as the type and scope of services provided, are determined by each individual participating State or jurisdiction. You must check with the office in the state you live in to confirm your family's eligibility to receive benefits.

Managing Agency

Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For more information about Maternal and Child Health Services and the Title V Block Grants to States that support these services, visit:

http://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/default.htm

To learn more about the Maternal and Child Health Services available in your locality, you should contact your State Director. Contact information for each state is available here:

http://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/blockgrant/directors.htm

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Medicaid Program

Description

The Medicaid Program provides medical benefits to low-income people who have no medical insurance or have inadequate medical insurance. The Federal government establishes general guidelines for the administration of Medicaid benefits. However, specific eligibility requirements to receive Medicaid benefits, as well as the type and scope of services provided, are determined by each individual State. Thus, a person who is eligible for Medicaid in one State may not qualify in another State. You must check with the Medicaid office in the state you live in to confirm your eligibility to receive benefits.

Medicaid is a joint Federal/State program administered by each individual state. Each State develops its own rules related to eligibility and coverage within broad Federal guidelines.

Managing Agency

Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

To find out whether you are eligible to receive Medicaid benefits, contact your state Medicaid office. Phone numbers for each state office can be obtained through this website:

http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/obs5.htm

For general information about the Medicaid program, including eligibility requirements, visit:

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/eligibility

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National Farmworker Jobs Program

Description

The National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) provides job training, employment assistance, and other supportive services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents with the goal of helping farmworkers secure full-time employment.

Managing Agency

Department of Labor
http://www.dol.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For more information about the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP), visit:

http://wdsc.doleta.gov/msfw/html/facts.asp

Benefits for eligible workers are generally available through the employment One-Stop Centers in local communities across the country. Locations and phone numbers for the One-Stop Centers can be found at:

http://www.servicelocator.org

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Nutrition Assistance For Puerto Rico

Description

Puerto Rico operates this program in place of the Food Stamp Program. Eligibility requirements and benefit amounts are determinant by Puerto Rico. Currently, Puerto Rico targets 75% of nutrition assistance benefits to the purchase of food, while providing 25% in cash through the Commonwealth's electronic benefits transfer system.

Managing Agency

Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For more information about this program and how to apply, contact:

Administration for the Socio-Economic Development of the Family
Department of the Family
P.O. Box 8000
San Juan, PR 00910-0800

787-721-6653

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Rural Rental Assistance

Description

Rural Rental Assistance is used to reduce the rents paid by low-income families who live in eligible Rural Rental Housing (RRH), Rural Cooperative Housing (RCH) and Farm Labor Housing (LH) projects financed by the Rural Housing Service. To receive assistance, monthly rent payments must exceed 30 percent of a household's adjusted monthly income.

Managing Agency

Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

To qualify, applicants must be renting a unit or applying to rent a unit within an eligible Rural Rental Housing (RRH), Rural Cooperative Housing (RCH), or Farm Labor Housing (LH) project. Interested applicants should contact the owner or manager of their building to determine if they are eligible for rental assistance.

To find out what housing facilities qualify in your area, contact your state's Rural Development field office using this office locator tool:

http://offices.usda.gov/scripts/ndISAPI.dll/oip_public/USA_map

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Rural Rental Housing

Description

Low-income rental and cooperative housing is available for low-income rural residents. Listings of participating housing projects are available through each State's Rural Development office. Potential applicants must apply directly to building management to determine eligibility for housing.

Managing Agency

Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

Interested applicants should contact the owner or manager of the rental or cooperative housing facility to determine eligibility for housing.

For a listing of low-income rental and cooperative housing in your area, contact your state's Rural Development field office using this office locator tool:

http://offices.usda.gov/scripts/ndISAPI.dll/oip_public/USA_map

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School Breakfast and Lunch Programs

Description

The School Breakfast and Lunch Programs make nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals available to school children each school day. Over 92,000 schools offer lunches at school, and nearly 70,000 schools offer breakfast at school. School breakfasts and lunches must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and federal nutrition standards. Some schools offer afterschool snacks to children in the school's afterschool care programs.

Managing Agency

Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

Contact your child's school to find out what meals are served and how to apply for free or reduced price school meals.

For more general information on this program, visit:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Breakfast/Default.htm

And:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Lunch/default.htm

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Senior Community Service Employment Program

Description

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides part-time community service training positions to low-income persons age 55 and older. Program participants work an average of 20 hours a week, are paid at least the Federal minimum wage, and are employed in a wide variety of community service activities.

Managing Agency

Department of Labor
http://www.dol.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

More information about this program can be found at:

http://wdsc.doleta.gov/seniors

To apply for benefits available through this program visit your local One-Stop Center. To find the One-Stop Center nearest you go to:

http://www.doleta.gov/usworkforce/onestop/

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Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Description

The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk. To be fully eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.e., have certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).

Managing Agency

Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For more information about this program and how to apply, contact the WIC Agency in your state. Contact information for each state agency, including toll-free numbers, can be found here:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/MENU/CONTACTS/CONT.HTM

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State Children's Health Insurance Program

Description

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a partnership between the Federal and State Governments that provides health coverage to uninsured children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private coverage. All states provide immunizations and well baby/well child care at no cost-and may cover much more. The Federal government establishes general guidelines for the administration of SCHIP benefits. However, specific eligibility requirements to receive SCHIP benefits, as well as the type and scope of services provided, are determined by each individual State. You must check with the SCHIP office in the state you live in to confirm your family's eligibility to receive benefits. Important: Names for this program vary by state. If you are not sure which office to contact, contact the main Medicaid Hotline in your state and ask for the office that deals with children's health insurance.

Managing Agency

Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

To learn more about the SCHIP program and the specific eligibility requirements and program benefits in your State, visit:

http://www.insurekidsnow.gov

For more information, you may also call this toll-free number:

1-877-543-7669

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Description

These are benefits paid to people who are 65 or older or who are blind or disabled and who have limited income and resources.

Managing Agency

Social Security Administration
http://www.ssa.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For a more detailed screening to determine your eligibility, please visit the Social Security Administration's Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool:

http://best.ssa.gov/

For more information on this program and how to apply, call Social Security's toll-free number:

1-800-772-1213

People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security's toll-free TTY number:

1-800-325-0778

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TRIO: Student Support Services

Description

The TRIO program provides support services to low-income students, first generation college students, and disabled students enrolled in post-secondary education programs. Eligible students may receive (among other services) personal and academic career counseling, career guidance, instruction, mentoring, and tutoring. A goal of the program is to increase student transfer rates from two-year to four-year institutions, as well as to facilitate entrance into graduate and professional programs.

Managing Agency

Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For more information about TRIO student support services, visit:

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/HEP/trio/index.html

You may also contact the program office at:

202-502-7600

Or e-mail questions to:

OPE_TRIO@ed.gov.

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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Description

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides grant funds to States and Territories to assist families in any manner that is reasonably calculated to accomplish the purposes of this program. The purposes are: assisting needy families to care for their children in their own homes; reducing dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

Managing Agency

Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

Each State and Territory decides the benefits it will provide. Each State and Territory also establishes the specific eligibility criteria that must be met to receive financial assistance payments or other types of benefits and services. Thus, you must check with the TANF agency in the area that you reside to learn whether your are eligible to receive financial assistance or other TANF benefits and services. More information is available at:

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa

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Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds

Description

The Program provides service-conditioned scholarships to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who agree to pursue undergraduate education at accredited institutions. Individuals must pursue a course of study which prepares them for professions needed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Maximum scholarship per academic year is $20,000. Scholarship funds may only be used for tuition/educational and living expenses incurred while attending school. Each recipient must agree by written contract to serve as an NIH employee full-time for not less than 10 consecutive weeks of each year during which the individual is receiving a scholarship; and, not later than 60 days after obtaining the educational degree, each recipient must begin serving as a full-time NIH employee for one year for each year of NIH scholarship support (a deferment of the service obligation may be obtained if appropriate).

Managing Agency

Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

To learn more about this program and how to apply, visit this website:

http://ugsp.info.nih.gov

You may also contact the program office directly:

Alfred Johnson, Ph.D
Director
Office of Loan Repayment and Scholarship
2 Center Drive, Room 2E30
Bethesda, MD 20892-0230

johnsoa1@od.nih.gov

301-402-6425

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Very Low to Moderate Income Rural Housing Loans

Description

Rural Housing Loans help very low-income, low-income and moderate-income households obtain housing through the purchase, building, or renovation of a permanent residence in rural areas. Both Direct Loans and Guaranteed Loans are available through this program. Typically no down payment is required. Eligibility for each type of loan depends on applicant qualifications.

Under the Direct Loan program, individuals or families receive financial assistance directly from the Rural Housing Service (RHS) in the form of a home loan at an affordable interest rate. Most of the loans made under the Direct Loan Program are to families with income below 80% of the median income level in the communities where they live.

Under the Guaranteed Loan program, the Rural Housing Service guarantees loans made by private sector lenders. A loan guarantee through RHS means that, should the individual borrower default on the loan, RHS will pay the private financier for the loan. The individual works with the private lender and makes his or her payments to that lender. Applicants for loans may have an income of up to 115% of the median income for the area.

Managing Agency

Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

For more information about the Guaranteed Loan program, visit:

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/ProgramBriefs/brief_rhguar.htm

For more information about the Direct Loan program, visit:

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/ProgramBriefs/brief_rhdirect.htm

Interested applicants should contact their local USDA Rural Development field office for more information. To obtain contact information for the field office nearest you, visit:

http://offices.usda.gov/scripts/ndISAPI.dll/oip_public/USA_map

You may also call this number and press "1" to be connected to your Rural Development state office:

202-720-4323

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Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons

Description

DOE's Weatherization Assistance (Wx) Program is the nation's largest residential energy efficiency program. Its mission is to insulate the dwellings of low-income persons, particularly the elderly, persons with disabilities, families with children, high residential energy users, and households with a high energy burden, in order to conserve needed energy and to aid those persons least able to afford higher utility costs.

Managing Agency

Department of Energy
http://www.energy.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

This grant program is federally funded, but administered at the state and local level. Interested individuals can apply for assistance through more than 970 local community action agencies that provide weatherization services.

For more information about this program and a complete list of state agencies that can put you in contact with the nearest local weatherization agency, visit:

http://www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/weatherization_assistance/

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Youth Education and Training Activities

Description

The Youth Activities Program provides grants to State and local communities to operate a comprehensive array of youth services that help low-income youth (ages 14-21) seeking assistance in achieving academic and employment success. Program participants receive services such as occupational skills training, counseling, internships, job placements, mentoring, tutoring, leadership development, and support services. To participate in this program, a youth must fall under one or more of the following categories: 1) deficient in basic literacy skills; 2) a school dropout; 3) homeless; 4) a runaway; 5) a foster child; 6) pregnant or a parent; 7) an offender; 8) requires additional assistance to complete education or secure and hold employment.

Managing Agency

Department of Labor
http://www.dol.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

More information about this program is available at:

http://www.doleta.gov/youth_services

To find a local office to apply for benefits available through this program visit:

http://www.servicelocator.org/

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Youth Opportunity Grants

Description

Youth Opportunity Grants provide a variety of services to youth ages 14 to 21 living in high-poverty communities. These grants are aimed at bringing about community-wide change in high school graduation rates, college enrollment rates, and out-of-school youth employment rates. Services include tutoring, mentoring, college bound activities, vocational training, job placement, GED classes, and sports and cultural activities.

Managing Agency

Department of Labor
http://www.dol.gov

Program Contact Information & Web Resources

The Department of Labor has competitively awarded 36 of these grants for programs serving 24 urban neighborhoods, 6 rural areas, 4 Indian Reservations, 20 Indian Reservations and Rancheros in California and Nevada, and 40 Native Alaskan villages. A list of the areas served can be found at:

http://www.doleta.gov/youth_services/grantees2000.asp

If this program serves your area, contact the office of your mayor, county official, or tribal government official to apply.

More information on this program is available at:

http://www.doleta.gov/youth_services/yog.asp

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Many benefit programs are not featured yet in the GovBenefits web site. The GovBenefits program list is expanding regularly to include more programs. Please check back soon for additional benefits you may be eligible to receive. You should also check back as your own personal situation changes, since this may affect your eligibility to receive benefits.

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