In my newspaper column this week, I responded to a 40-year-old mother of four who had just left an abusive husband and whose money problems were so severe she feared she could fall dead of a heart attack from the stress.

Her situation was pretty dire. She made less than $20,000 a year, spent nearly half her take-home pay just on rent, and had yet to finish the night school degree that might give her a shot at better pay.

Sometimes all the cost-cutting in the world isn’t enough. Sometimes you need help, but many people don’t know where to find it. 

If you’re low income and struggling, here are some places to turn:

Govbenefits.gov has an interactive quiz that can identify federal government programs, from food stamps to job training, for which you might qualify. Govbenefits.gov also has a map to help you identify state resources.

HUD Rental Assistance offers help in finding subsidized housing.

Ways to Work offers money for car repairs or purchases for low-income individuals in some counties.

Angel Food Ministries provides groceries worth about $65 for $30.

Low Income Energy Assistance Programs help people with utility bills. Many utilities and phone companies have lower-cost “lifeline” accounts for low-income folks.

Other community resouces to check out include food banks; organizations including the Salvation Army and the Red Cross; and your local church, temple or mosque.

TAGS: food stamps, government benefits, Low income, poverty, rental assistance, utility assistance