Wyoming Hardship Relief: Financial Assistance Programs Available

Facing financial hardship can be an overwhelming experience, but Wyoming hardship relief programs offer a network of support for residents in need. A wide array of state, federal, and non-profit assistance is available to help individuals and families secure basic necessities like food and housing, manage utility bills, and find employment.

The most effective first step is often connecting with a centralized resource that can provide guidance tailored to a specific situation. These services can help navigate the various options and identify the most appropriate forms of aid, from emergency cash assistance to long-term housing solutions.

The following table provides a quick-reference directory to the most essential services for Wyoming residents seeking immediate assistance. It is designed to connect individuals with the primary organizations that can offer direct help or expert guidance for the most urgent needs.

Your First Steps for Wyoming Hardship Relief

When facing a financial crisis, knowing where to begin is the most critical challenge. Wyoming has two primary starting points that serve as gateways to a broad spectrum of assistance programs. By contacting these centralized entities first, residents can receive a comprehensive assessment of their needs and be directed to the most suitable resources, simplifying the process of getting help.

Wyoming 211: The Most Important Call to Make

Wyoming 211 is the state's indispensable first point of contact for anyone seeking assistance. It is a free, confidential, and comprehensive information and referral service that connects residents in all 23 counties to a wide range of health and human services. With a database of nearly 3,000 statewide resources, its specialists are equipped to help with needs related to food, housing, utility assistance, job training, counseling, and more.

Expert Navigation for Complex Needs

The primary value of Wyoming 211 lies in its role as an expert navigator. Financial hardship is rarely a single issue, as a person facing eviction may also be dealing with food insecurity and healthcare needs. Instead of requiring an individual to contact dozens of separate agencies, a Wyoming 211 Community Resource Specialist conducts a holistic assessment of the caller's situation.

They then provide a curated set of referrals to specific programs and local partners that can address the full scope of the household's challenges. Partners can include Enroll Wyoming for health insurance or Kinship Connections for caregiver support. This triage function is vital in a rural state where services can be fragmented and difficult to locate.

How to Contact Wyoming 211

There are several ways to connect with a Wyoming 211 specialist:

• By Phone: Dial 211 or the toll-free number at 1 (888) 425-7138 to speak directly with a Community Resource Specialist.
• By Text: Text your zip code to 898211 to connect with a specialist via text message.
• Online: Use the searchable resource database on the Wyoming 211 website at wyoming211.org.

Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS): Accessing State Support

The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) is the primary state agency responsible for administering many of the largest government-funded assistance programs. It serves as the official portal for residents to apply for foundational support covering essential needs.

Key assistance programs managed by DFS fall into four main categories:

• Food Assistance (including SNAP)
• Home, Utility & Energy Assistance (including LIEAP and WAP)
• Cash Assistance (TANF/POWER)
• Child Care Assistance

Applying for DFS Programs

Residents can find information and applications for these programs on the DFS website at dfs.wyo.gov/assistance-programs/. While this portal is the central hub, several key programs like the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) now accept applications exclusively online.

This can present a challenge for individuals without reliable internet access, those with disabilities, or seniors. Acknowledging this, DFS provides direct phone support for these programs. For example, any applicant who is housebound or unable to use the online system for LIEAP can call 800-246-4221 to receive direct assistance. This ensures that these vital relief programs remain accessible to all eligible Wyoming residents.

Securing Your Home: Housing, Rent, and Utility Assistance

Maintaining stable housing is the cornerstone of financial security. For Wyoming residents facing eviction, foreclosure, or unaffordable utility bills, a variety of targeted programs offer emergency relief and long-term support. These resources are designed to address the specific needs of renters, homeowners, and those struggling with energy costs.

Preventing Eviction and Getting Rent Help

For renters facing housing instability, immediate action is crucial. Wyoming offers legal aid, emergency funds, and resources for finding sustainable, affordable housing.

• Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): This program was established to help eligible Wyoming renters struggling to make rent, internet, and utility payments. ERAP can cover a wide range of costs, including unpaid past-due, current, and future rent; utility services like electricity, water, and sewer; and other expenses such as security deposits and reasonable relocation fees.
• Legal Assistance: Any renter who has received an eviction notice should immediately seek legal counsel. Free legal services are available for low-income residents through several organizations:
• Legal Aid of Wyoming: Contact at (877) 432-9955 for help with eviction defense, negotiating with landlords, and addressing issues related to the safety of a rental home.
• Equal Justice Wyoming: Reachable at (307) 777-8383, this organization also provides legal assistance.
• Specialized Support for Survivors: Survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking who need help obtaining or maintaining safe housing can receive specialized services through the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Services include assistance with rent, security deposits, utilities, and safety measures. Contact them at (307) 755-5481.
• Finding Affordable Rentals: For long-term stability, several resources can help locate affordable housing across the state:
• HUD Resource Locator: An online tool to find affordable housing opportunities at resources.hud.gov.
• Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Local PHAs manage public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program. A list of Wyoming PHAs is available on the HUD website.
• Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA): The WCDA maintains a rental directory with information on affordable housing developments throughout Wyoming.

Relief for Homeowners

Homeowners experiencing financial hardship have access to programs designed to prevent foreclosure and cover essential housing-related costs.

• Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program: The HAF Program was created to help eligible Wyoming homeowners who fell behind on payments due to a COVID-related financial hardship. It provides a one-time award of up to $35,000 to cover delinquent mortgage payments, past-due utility bills, property taxes, and homeowners insurance or association dues.
• Eligibility: To qualify, an applicant must own and occupy a property in Wyoming as their primary residence, have experienced a financial hardship after January 21, 2020, and have a household income at or below 150% of the area median income.
• Application Process: The application is available online at dfs.wyo.gov/haf. For assistance, the HAF call center can be reached at 1-888-WYO-HAFP (1-888-996-4237).
• Program Status: It is important to note that the HAF Program officially stopped accepting new applications as of October 31, 2024.
• Foreclosure Counseling: Homeowners are strongly encouraged to seek expert advice before their situation becomes critical. A HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency can help homeowners understand their options and explore alternatives to foreclosure. In Wyoming, the primary HUD-approved counselor is the Wyoming Housing Network, which can be reached at (307) 472-5843.

Managing Energy and Utility Bills

High energy costs, especially during Wyoming's cold winters, can place a significant strain on household budgets. Several programs are available to provide direct financial assistance and long-term cost-saving solutions.

• Wyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP): This federally funded program helps eligible low-income households by paying a portion of their winter heating bills for fuels such as natural gas, electricity, propane, and wood.
• Program Features: LIEAP provides both seasonal heating assistance and crisis intervention assistance. The crisis component helps with energy-related emergencies, such as a utility shut-off notice or a broken furnace.
• Eligibility: To be eligible, applicants must be Wyoming residents with a household income at or below 60% of the state median income. Priority is given to households with members who are elderly (60+), disabled, or children under five.
• Application Process: Applications are accepted online only at lieapwyo.org. The application period for priority households typically opens in early September, with general applications accepted from October 1 through April 30. For assistance with the online application, call the LIEAP hotline at (800) 246-4221.
• Energy Share of Wyoming: This private, non-profit organization serves as a fund of last resort for residents facing energy-related emergencies who may not qualify for LIEAP or have exhausted other forms of assistance.
• Program Features: Energy Share can provide a one-time expenditure of up to $500 per household to help pay energy bills. Special consideration is given to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.
• Application Process: The program's "giving season" runs from December 1 through April 30 each year. Applications are administered through local Salvation Army offices.
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): WAP offers a long-term solution to high energy costs by providing free home energy improvements to eligible low-income households. Services include adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and performing health and safety checks to make homes more energy-efficient. Approved LIEAP applicants are automatically considered for WAP, and applications are accepted year-round through the joint online portal.

Emergency Shelter and Homeless Services

For individuals and families experiencing homelessness, immediate access to safe shelter and support is the top priority.

• First Point of Contact: Anyone in need of immediate shelter should dial 2-1-1 and press 6 to be connected with homeless services in their area.
• Statewide Coordination: The Wyoming Homeless Services Program, run by DFS, partners with the Wyoming Homeless Collaborative to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the state.
• Local Shelters: Major emergency shelters are located in cities throughout Wyoming. Key facilities include:
• Cheyenne: COMEA House (serves men, women, and families) and Family Promise of Cheyenne (serves families with minor children).
• Casper: Wyoming Rescue Mission provides shelter, meals, and case management.
• Jackson: Good Samaritan Mission offers shelter for working men and women.
• Gillette: The Council of Community Services operates a homeless shelter for individuals and families. 
• Support for Veterans: Veterans facing a housing crisis can access specialized support through the VA Homeless Program and the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which offers housing stability assistance and case management.

Meeting Essential Needs: Food and Healthcare Support

Beyond housing, access to nutritious food and adequate healthcare is fundamental to well-being. Wyoming offers several key programs designed to ensure these basic needs are met for low-income residents.

State and Federal Food Programs

Government-funded programs provide consistent, reliable food assistance to eligible households, helping to bridge nutritional gaps.

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Commonly known as food stamps, SNAP provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. This card can be used like a debit card to purchase groceries at authorized stores.
• Eligibility: SNAP eligibility is based on household size, income, and assets. The Wyoming DFS provides detailed income limit tables to help residents determine if they may qualify. Certain households, such as those with elderly or disabled members, may have different resource limits.
• Application Process: Residents can download an "Application for Assistance" from the DFS website or get one from a local DFS office. After submitting the application, a benefit specialist will conduct an interview to determine eligibility. Verification documents can be emailed to snappowerservice@wyo.gov.
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): The WIC program safeguards the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five. WIC provides checks or an EBT card for purchasing specific healthy foods, along with nutrition education and healthcare referrals. For information, call 888-996-9378 or 307-777-7494.

Local Food Resources

A network of non-profit organizations provides immediate food assistance to communities across Wyoming.

• Food Bank of Wyoming: This organization acts as the central hub for food distribution, supplying a statewide network of partner agencies, including local food pantries and soup kitchens.
• Finding a Local Pantry: The most effective way for residents to find free food assistance is to use the "Find Food" tool on the Food Bank of Wyoming's website (wyomingfoodbank.org). This interactive map allows users to search by zip code to find pantries and their hours of operation.
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): TEFAP is a federal program that provides emergency food at no cost to low-income individuals. This food is distributed through the Food Bank of Wyoming's network to households that meet specific income guidelines.

Accessing Affordable Healthcare

For families and individuals without adequate health insurance, several programs can provide access to essential medical care.

• Kid Care CHIP: The Wyoming Children's Health Insurance Program, known as Kid Care CHIP, offers low-cost or free health coverage for eligible children and teenagers. This comprehensive coverage includes medical, dental, and vision services. For more information, call 1-877-543-7669.
• Free and Low-Cost Medical Clinics: Several non-profit clinics across Wyoming provide free primary medical care to low-income and uninsured residents. These clinics are a vital safety net for those who cannot afford health insurance. Notable clinics include:
• Teton Free Clinic (Jackson): Provides free primary care, lab services, and prescriptions to those who live or work in the Jackson Hole area.
• Lander Free Medical Clinic: Serves uninsured adults in Lander and the greater Fremont County area with free, patient-centered primary care.
• Foundation for Heart Mountain Free Clinic (Cody/Powell): Bridges the gap in healthcare access for uninsured and limited-income individuals throughout the Bighorn Basin.

Building Financial Stability: Cash, Debt, and Employment Aid

Beyond meeting immediate needs, achieving long-term stability requires access to financial resources, employment opportunities, and tools for managing debt. Wyoming offers programs designed to provide a temporary financial cushion, connect residents with jobs, and offer pathways out of debt.

Direct Financial Support (Cash Assistance)

For families facing a severe income shortfall, direct cash assistance can provide the stability needed to get back on their feet.

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/POWER): In Wyoming, the federal TANF program is known as Personal Opportunities with Employment Responsibilities (POWER). It provides temporary cash payments to low-income families with children under 18.
• Program Types: The POWER Work program is for adults and requires cooperation with the Department of Workforce Services to create a plan aimed at achieving self-sufficiency. The   POWER Caretaker Relative program provides assistance to relatives (such as grandparents) who are the primary caregivers for children.
• Eligibility: Key requirements include an asset limit of $5,000, meeting income guidelines, and being a Wyoming resident responsible for a child.
• Application: To apply, individuals must download and complete the application and contact their local DFS office for an appointment.
• Community-Based Emergency Funds: Local organizations often provide one-time emergency financial assistance for a variety of needs.
• Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): CSBG funds are distributed through local Community Action Agencies to address the causes of poverty. These agencies can provide emergency assistance for housing, utilities, and other basic needs.
• The Salvation Army: Local Salvation Army units across Wyoming offer emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, food, and transportation. This assistance is often intended as a last resort when other resources have been exhausted.

Employment and Career Resources

Securing stable employment is the most effective path out of financial hardship. The state provides robust resources for job seekers.

• Unemployment Insurance (UI): UI is a joint state-federal program that provides temporary weekly payments to eligible workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, such as a layoff.
• Eligibility: To qualify, an individual must have been unemployed through no fault of their own, have earned sufficient wages, and be able, available, and actively seeking new work.
• Application: Claims must be filed online through the Wyoming Unemployment Insurance portal at wyui.wyo.gov. After filing, individuals must certify their eligibility each week to continue receiving benefits.
• Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS): DWS is the state's central resource for employment assistance, operating local Workforce Centers across Wyoming. These centers provide free services to job seekers, including personalized job search guidance, resume assistance, and mock interviews.
• Job Training Programs: DWS offers several programs to help residents gain new skills, including:
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): A federally funded program providing services that can include occupational skills training and on-the-job training.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Helps individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful careers through services like career counseling and financial support for vocational training.
• Job Corps: A free residential career training program for low-income young adults ages 16 through 24, offering hands-on training in high-demand industries.

Solutions for Managing Debt

Overwhelming debt can be a major barrier to financial stability. Trustworthy resources are available to help residents regain control of their finances.

• Non-Profit Credit Counseling: For individuals struggling with credit card debt, personal loans, or medical bills, contacting a non-profit credit counseling agency is a reliable first step. These organizations offer free counseling to assess a person's financial situation and provide unbiased advice.
• Debt Management Plans (DMPs): A common tool offered by credit counselors is a DMP. This is a structured repayment plan where the agency works with creditors to potentially lower interest rates and consolidate multiple debts into a single, more affordable monthly payment.
• Other Debt Relief Options: While options like debt settlement and bankruptcy exist, they should be considered with extreme caution. Both can have severe and long-lasting negative impacts on a person's credit score, making it difficult to obtain future loans.

Specialized Assistance Programs

In addition to the broad programs available to all residents, several resources are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with children.

Dedicated Resources for Wyoming Veterans

Veterans facing hardship have access to a dedicated support network to address housing, employment, and other needs.

• Housing Assistance: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines rental assistance with case management for homeless veterans. Additionally, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program assists veterans and their families who are facing a housing crisis.
• General Support: Veteran Outreach Centers provide a range of services, and the Wyoming Professional Assistance Program offers resources for veterans dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues.

Support for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

Many state and federal programs offer priority services or have specific provisions for seniors and people with disabilities.

• Priority for Services: The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) opens its application period early for households with members who are age 60 or older or have a disability.
• Housing Stability: The Housing Stability Services program, linked to ERAP, offers help to seniors who may have trouble accessing or maintaining their households, with services like home modifications and personal care.
• Disability Benefits: The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits through two main programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for those with a sufficient work history, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on financial need. Applications can be completed online or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
• Employment Support: The Wyoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment.

Child Care Assistance for Working Parents

The high cost of child care can be a significant financial burden for working families. The Wyoming Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by the Department of Family Services, helps low-income families pay for the cost of child care.

To be eligible, parents or caretakers must be participating in an approved activity, such as working, searching for a job, or attending a training program. The state pays a portion of the child care cost directly to the provider, with the family potentially responsible for a co-payment depending on their income. Information on eligibility and how to apply is available through local DFS offices.

Frequently Asked Questions