Alabama, AL

Alabama Family Assistance (FA) Program #

Alabama's Family Assistance Program provides temporary financial assistance for needy families with a dependent child under age 18 whose income must meet the eligibility thresholds.

In Alabama, a family is considered “needy” when their net countable income is less than $215 a month for a family of three. There is no asset limit in Alabama.

As a condition of eligibility, you are required to participate in mandatory work-related activities that will help you become able to support your family on your own, unless otherwise exempt.

How much is a TANF check in Alabama?

How much is TANF in Alabama largely depends upon your family’s income and size. Alabama pays a maximum of $215 a month to a family of three — one of the lowest TANF benefits in the nation.

How do I apply for TANF in Alabama?

Applications for Family Assistance (FA) Program can be filed in person at the local DHR office in the county where you reside or apply online through OneAlabama.

Alabama Food Assistance Program (SNAP) #

The aim of Food Assistance Program is to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition by providing monthly cash benefits to eligible low income Alabamians to help them buy the food they need for healthy diet.

The amount of food assistance you receive may vary based on your household income, family size, and certain other expenses.

For example, a family of three with no income may receive up to $740 in monthly benefits or $440 each month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

• Family Size SNAP Benefits
• 1 $281
• 2 $516
• 3 $740
• 4 $939
• 5 $1,116
• 6 $1,339
• 7 $1,480
• 8 $1,691

The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household's net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits.

Food assistance benefits are put into an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) account each month and is used, like a debit card, to purchase eligible food from local grocery stores.

How do I apply for food stamps online in Alabama?

To apply for food assistance benefits online, please visit MyDHR — the only online application portal for Alabama’s public assistance.

Alabama Medicaid #

Alabama Medicaid is the largest program providing medical and health-related services to Alabama’s poorest residents — including families with children, the aged, blind, and/or disabled.

As Alabama is not expanding Medicaid coverage, eligibility for non-disabled adults is limited to parents with incomes below 18% of poverty. For example, a family of three must make less than $4,470 a year for the parents to qualify for Alabama Medicaid.

Medicaid in Alabama covers children of any age and pregnant women with family incomes below 146% of the federal poverty level. Children with family incomes up to 317% of poverty qualify for ALL Kids (CHIP).

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Alabama?

You may file a paper application or you may apply online at Insure Alabama. If you need help when applying online, please call 1-888-373-5437 for assistance.

If you want to apply for help in paying your Medicare premiums, for nursing home or a program for the elderly or disabled, you will need to send an application to one of Medicaid's 11 district offices serving your county.

Alabama ALL Kids #

Alabama ALL Kids provides low-cost healthcare coverage for Alabama’s uninsured children under age 19 whose family incomes are above the Medicaid income limits. Depending on your income, you may pay small premiums and co-pays for coverage.

Benefits include 12 months continuous coverage, regular check-ups and immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision and dental care, hospitalization, and much more.

What is the income limit for Alabama ALL Kids?

ALL Kids covers children under the age of 18 in families with income up to 317% of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, that's about $78,810.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $46,220
• 2 $62,510
• 3 $78,810
• 4 $95,100
• 5 $111,390
• 6 $127,690
• 7 $143,980
• 8 $160,280

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

How much does All Kids cost?

The fee group for which your child qualifies will determine the premium you will pay for your child's coverage — ranging from $52 to $104 per child, per year.

How do I apply for All Kids?

ALL Kids shares an application with Medicaid. The program for which you and/or your children qualify will be determined by your family size and income.

If you have any questions about ALL Kids, call
1-888-373-KIDS (5437)

Alabama Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) #

Alabama Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the state subsidy program targeted at low-income Alabama families who need help paying for child care.

It provides assistance with payment for child care on a sliding fee basis for families whose income does not exceed 180% of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, the limit is $3,729 per month.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Alabama?

• Family Size Income Limit
• 2 $2,958
• 3 $3,729
• 4 $4,500
• 5 $5,271
• 6 $6,042
• 7 $6,813
• 8 $7,584

Depending on the county you live in, you will need to meet the work requirements and have a child under the age of 13. Some exceptions can be made for those that are disabled.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Alabama?

If you think you’re income eligible, you must download and complete the “Application for Subsidized Child Care” form and mail it to your local Child Care Management Agency that serves your county.

Alabama Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) #

Alabama WIC helps eligible families in Alabama with special vouchers for buying healthy foods to supplement their diet. Other benefits may include, but are not limited to, nutrition education, free screening and referral for health care.

WIC target population are low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under the age of 5 who meet income requirements and are certified to be "nutritionally at risk".

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $2,248
• 2 $3,040
• 3 $3,833
• 4 $4,625
• 5 $5,418
• 6 $6,210
• 7 $7,003
• 8 $7,795

How do I apply for WIC in Alabama?

If you think you may qualify, please call (888) 942-4673 to find a WIC agency closest to you and schedule an appointment.

Alabama Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) #

Alabama LIHEAP assists households with the costs for heating during winter and cooling during summer. Eligible households can receive up to $820 once per program year for the LIHEAP program.

In order to receive LIHEAP assistance, the applicant’s gross monthly income must not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level. That's about $3,108 for a family of three.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $1,823
• 2 $2,465
• 3 $3,108
• 4 $3,750
• 5 $4,393
• 6 $5,035
• 7 $5,678
• 8 $6,320

Priority is given to households with elderly members, disabled members, and/or households with young children under the age of five.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in Alabama?

If you would like to apply for assistance with your home heating or cooling bill, locate the agency located in your county by following this link: https://adeca.alabama.gov/liheap/.

For more information on how to apply, call
(800) 392-8098

Alabama Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) #

Alabama LIHWAP offers one-time emergency assistance up to $2,000 to help qualified households pay their residential water and wastewater past due utility bills.

Households that meet the LIHEAP income eligibility requirements are also deemed as categorically income-eligible for LIHWAP assistance. Priority is given to households with the elderly, disabled or a young child under age 6.

How do I get help paying my water bill in Alabama?

Alabama’s LIHWAP is administered by 20 local agencies currently accepting LIHWAP applications and determine benefit eligibility. Application must be done in-person through the local agency that administers the program in your county.

Alabama Unemployment Insurance #

Alabama Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to Alabama workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

Alabama currently provides up to 14 weeks of UI for new enrollees, with an additional five-week extension for those enrolled in a state-approved training program.

How much unemployment will I get in Alabama?

Benefits per week range from a minimum of $45 to a maximum of $275, which is determined by wages paid during the qualifying period.

How do I file for unemployment online in Alabama?

You may file your claim online or alternatively, you can call the Initial Claims Line at 1-866-234-5382 if you wish to file by phone or 1-800-361-4524 if you would like to request the status of an existing claim.

Alabama reinstated the work search requirement for all claimants, which was temporarily waived during the height of the pandemic. This requires all claimants to actively search for work to remain eligible for unemployment benefits.

Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) #

Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) is one of the Alabama Student Aid Programs that awards eligible Alabama state residents to study at an independent college or university in Alabama.

Applicants must meet general eligibility requirements and demonstrate substantial financial need. Up to $5,000 per academic year with maximum amount available only when sufficient funds are available.

How do I apply for the Alabama State grant?

There are currently 51 Alabama institutions participating in the program. To be considered for ASAP, you must first submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Alabama Student Grant Program #

Alabama Student Grant Program is available only to students enrolled in one of the dozen or so “independent” colleges in Alabama. However, this is a non-need based program.

Grant amounts vary from year-to-year based on the availability of funds, but cannot exceed $1,200 per academic year.

This program is currently available only in the following 13 institutions:

1. Amridge University
2. Birmingham Southern College
3. Concordia College
4. Faulkner University
5. Huntingdon College
6. Judson College
7. Miles College
8. Oakwood University
9. Samford University
10. Spring Hill College
11. Stillman College
12. U.S. Sports Academy
13. University of Mobile

Applications are available from the financial aid office at the participating institution you plan to attend.