There are millions of Americans who have always been able to “get by” financially. They pay their bills, although often pay them late because the money never seems to come in fast enough to send the payments out; they have just enough food, even if they’d like to eat better or more often; and they manage to keep some sort of shelter over their heads.

As the economy continues to fall, many of these people who have been “getting by” are now having even more difficulty keeping their families fed, warm and keeping up with their living expenses. Commonly, families start by reducing their food costs - since this is a variable expense, but is not healthy. Poor nutrition leads to illnesses and disease, poor performance at work and school, and a number of other problems if it becomes a long term sacrifice. As much of the country is experiencing colder weather with full-on winter around the corner, keeping the home warm enough will become an issue.

Here are some tips for finding help. There is no shame in getting help when you need it, and the assistance you receive now can go a long way in helping you get back on your feet and improve your situation in the near future:

Women, Infants & Children: If you are pregnant, have had a baby in the last six months, or breastfeeding an infant up to their first birthday; are an infant or child up to the age of five, and meet income requirements, you qualify for WIC services. WIC provides checks to get important nutritional items for pregnant or new mothers; and for young children (things like milk, formula, cheese, cereal, fruits and vegetables.)

SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program): income individuals and families can apply for this program (used to be called foodstamps) and receive assistance in purchasing healthy foods. The benefits are loaded onto an ATM card for your privacy when grocery shopping, and is accepted at most grocery stores.

Heat Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): In some states, having low income will qualify you for assistance in paying your heating/energy bills. There are regular benefits which give you money each month towards the expense of heating your home (whether you rent or own); and in emergency situations (like when your heating fuel tanks are less than 10% full) you can get a larger cash assistance to help fill them up once.

Food Banks - Around the country there are churches and other organizations who arrange for food banks/food pantries. People donate food and they help families who need it receive it. Most require that you live in the county the food bank serves, and that you sign a form stating you will not go to any other food banks in the same month that you receive food from another food bank - but that’s about it. You can walk in, tell them how many people live in your home, sign the form, and leave with a few bags of groceries.

Temporary Assistance Programs: From housing to heat to food to help getting child support from your children’s other parent, each state runs a temporary assistance program designed to help people who have fallen short of their living needs. Click the link to search offerings by state.