If you are affected by the Federal Government Shutdown, here are Montana-based resources available to you right now. This guide keeps things simple: manage cash flow, secure food and health coverage, keep your utilities on, and protect your housing.
NOTE: This information is gathered from public internet sources. Programs change; always click through, confirm details, and beware of scams (no fees to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, UI, housing, or 2-1-1). If something looks off, call the official numbers on the linked sites to verify before sharing personal info. This is not legal, financial, or life advice; seek licensed professionals for help.
🕐 What to do first (10-minute plan)
- Cash flow triage: File or reopen your Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim through the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) UI Claimant Portal, and certify weekly.
- Food & health coverage: Apply for SNAP (Food Assistance) and Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) / Medicaid through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) at Apply.mt.gov. Check eligibility for WIC through Montana WIC Services.
- Keep the heat and lights on: Apply for LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) through your local Community Action Agency or DPHHS. Contact NorthWestern Energy, Flathead Electric, or your cooperative for hardship payment plans.
- Housing stability: Seek rent and mortgage help through the Montana Housing Division (Board of Housing) and HUD Montana.
- One-stop referrals: Dial 2-1-1 Montana or visit montana211.org for food, rent, utility, and legal help.
🔗 Links & Resources (Montana)
Income & Jobs
Montana Department of Labor & Industry (UI):
🔗 https://uid.dli.mt.gov/
File or Manage Claim:
🔗 https://uiclaims.mt.gov/
MontanaWorks (Job Search & Training):
🔗 https://montanaworks.gov/
Food Access
SNAP (Food Assistance):
🔗 https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/SNAP
Apply for Benefits (Apply.mt.gov):
🔗 https://apply.mt.gov/
WIC (Women, Infants & Children):
🔗 https://dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/wic
Montana Food Bank Network (Find Local Food):
🔗 https://mfbn.org/get-help/
Health Coverage
Medicaid & Healthy Montana Kids (HMK):
🔗 https://dphhs.mt.gov/healthcare
Apply via Apply.mt.gov:
🔗 https://apply.mt.gov/
Community Health Centers:
🔗 https://www.mtpca.org/find-health-center
Heat, Utilities & Weatherization
LIHEAP (Energy Assistance):
🔗 https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/energyassistance
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP):
🔗 https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/energyassistance/weatherization
NorthWestern Energy Assistance:
🔗 https://www.northwesternenergy.com/billing-payment/assistance
Flathead Electric Cooperative Programs:
🔗 https://www.flatheadelectric.com/account/payment-assistance/
Housing
Montana Housing (Board of Housing):
🔗 https://housing.mt.gov/
HUD Montana:
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/states/montana
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA):
🔗 https://housing.mt.gov/Rental-Housing/Emergency-Rental-Assistance
One-stop referrals
2-1-1 Montana:
🔗 https://montana211.org/
Community Action Partnership of Montana:
🔗 https://capmt.org/
Legal Help
Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA):
🔗 https://www.mtlsa.org/
Disability Rights Montana:
🔗 https://www.disabilityrightsmt.org/
State Law Library Self-Help Center:
🔗 https://courts.mt.gov/selfhelp
Volunteer Lawyers Program:
🔗 https://www.mtlsa.org/legal-help/
Crafted by JobsInMyState.com in support of fellow Americans.