In wanting to assist Muslim and non-Muslim impoverished people living in America, one may feel hindered by the perceived financial obligations involved. Yet, federal and state governments may be legally obligated to provide aid to impoverished people in the form of benefits such as temporary cash assistance, food stamps, emergency housing assistance, help with child care, home heating assistance, etc.

Food stamps supplement the food budgets of low-income households. To be eligible for food stamps, households must not exceed an income limit. For example, in New York, a family of four's gross income must be less than $28,668 to receive food stamps. Food stamps may be available on an expedited basis - within five calendar days - in emergency situations.

Temporary cash assistance, or welfare, is a monetary benefit that low-income individuals may receive for a limited period of time. Temporary cash assistance programs also include a resource limit. For example, in Pennsylvania, an applicant's resources, including his bank account and other property, must be less than $1,000. Furthermore, as a condition of receiving temporary cash assistance, many states require that a person look for a job or participate in an employment training program. Finally, in some states, child care assistance is also available for low-income parents with children under the age of 13. Through this benefit, the state directly pays a needy family's day care costs.

To obtain these benefits, an applicant may go to his county's local benefits office. These offices are known by various names; in New York, it is known as a Department of Social Services, whereas in Pennsylvania it is known as an Assistance Office. In many states it is also very easy to apply for benefits online. If you applied for benefits and believe you were improperly denied, contact a local Legal Services or Legal Aid office for help. These offices will have a staff attorney on hand who will review your case and vouch for your right to benefits. These offices may also help you determine if you are eligible for other benefits for which you haven't applied.

For more information on assisting the less fortunate in your community, please contact Muslim Congress at info@MuslimCongress.org, subject line "No More Hunger."

The author of this article can be reached via email at Justice360@muslimcongress.org. For more information about Justice360, visit http://www.muslimcongress.org/360.

DISCLAIMER: Justice360° Legal Bulletin’s are meant to assist in the general understanding of the current law relating to the stated topics. JUSTICE360° LEGAL BULLETINS SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED AS LEGAL ADVICE. Organizations or individuals with specific questions should seek the advice of legal counsel.