Browse Programs (41 programs)

Explore government benefits and assistance programs available to you.

Food Assistance

SNAP (Food Stamps)

Federal

Monthly grocery benefits for low-income households.

$23 to $1,756/mo depending on household size

Food Assistance

WIC

Federal

Nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

Varies by household

Food Assistance

Free and Reduced School Meals

Federal

Free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch for eligible students.

Free or $0.40 reduced-price meals daily

Housing

Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher

Federal

Federal rental assistance vouchers for low-income families.

Pays difference above 30% of income up to fair market rent

Housing

Emergency Rental Assistance

State

Emergency funds to help cover rent and utility arrears.

Up to $15,000 (varies by program)

Healthcare

Medicaid

State

Free or low-cost health coverage for low-income individuals and families.

Free or low-cost health coverage

Healthcare

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP)

State

Low-cost health coverage for children in families above Medicaid limits.

Free or low-cost — copays up to $35

Healthcare

ACA Marketplace Plans

Federal

Subsidized health insurance through the federal marketplace.

Premium tax credits average $536/mo in savings

Disability

SSDI (Social Security Disability)

Federal

Monthly benefits for people with disabilities who have work history.

Average $1,537/mo; up to $3,627

Disability

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

Federal

Monthly payments for low-income disabled adults and seniors.

Up to $967/mo (2024)

Employment

Unemployment Insurance

State

Weekly payments if you recently lost your job through no fault of your own.

Typically 40-50% of prior wages; up to about $600/wk

Employment

WIOA Job Training

Federal

Free job training, education, and placement services.

Free training and services; varies by program

Child & Family

Child Care Assistance (CCAP)

State

Subsidized childcare for working low-income families.

Covers most or all childcare costs; copay based on income

Tax Credits

Child Tax Credit

Federal

Up to $2,000 per child under 17 in tax credits.

Up to $2,000/child (up to $1,700 refundable)

Food Assistance

TEFAP (Emergency Food Assistance)

Federal

Free food distributed through local food banks and pantries.

Free food packages — contents vary by location

Food Assistance

Summer Food Service Program

Federal

Free meals for children during the summer when school is out.

Free breakfast and lunch daily during summer

Education

Pell Grant

Federal

Federal grant for low-income undergraduates that does not need to be repaid.

Up to $7,395/year (2024-25)

Education

Head Start / Early Head Start

Federal

Free early childhood education and family support for low-income children.

Free — full comprehensive early education and services

Education

Adult Basic Education / GED Preparation

Federal

Free adult education classes including GED prep and basic literacy.

Free classes and materials

Education

Federal Work-Study

Federal

Part-time jobs for college students with financial need.

Varies — earn at least federal minimum wage

Education

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

State

Job training, education support, and employment services for people with disabilities.

Varies — can cover tuition, training, and equipment costs

Seniors

Medicare

Federal

Federal health insurance for adults 65+ and some younger disabled individuals.

Most pay $0 for Part A; Part B about $174/mo (2024)

Seniors

Social Security Retirement

Federal

Monthly retirement income based on your work history.

Average $1,907/mo; max $4,873 at age 70 (2024)

Seniors

Meals on Wheels (NSIP)

Federal

Home-delivered and congregate meals for seniors 60+.

Low or no cost — suggested donation only

Seniors

Extra Help (Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy)

Federal

Help paying Medicare prescription drug costs for low-income beneficiaries.

Up to ~$5,900/year in prescription cost savings

Veterans

VA Disability Compensation

Federal

Monthly tax-free payments for veterans with service-connected disabilities.

$171 to $4,028+/mo based on rating (2024)

Veterans

VA Health Care

Federal

Comprehensive healthcare for eligible veterans.

Free or low-cost depending on priority group

Veterans

GI Bill Education Benefits

Federal

Education and training benefits for veterans and some dependents.

Up to full tuition + ~$2,000/mo housing allowance (varies)

Veterans

VA Home Loan Guarantee

Federal

No down payment home loans for eligible veterans and service members.

No down payment required; no PMI

Energy & Bills

LIHEAP

Federal

Help paying heating and cooling bills.

Varies by state — typically $200-$1,000/year

Energy & Bills

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Federal

Free home energy upgrades to lower heating and cooling costs.

Average $5,000-$7,500 in free home improvements

Energy & Bills

Low-Income Solar Programs

Federal

Free or subsidized solar installation and discounted electricity for low-income households.

Varies — free installation or bill discounts

Tax Credits

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Federal

Refundable tax credit for low- and moderate-income workers.

Up to $7,830 (2024, 3+ children)

Housing

Public Housing

Federal

Affordable rental units owned and managed by local housing authorities.

Rent capped at 30% of household income

Housing

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

Federal

Federal grants that fund affordable rental and homeownership opportunities.

Varies — rental assistance, down payment help, or rehab grants

Housing

Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly

Federal

Affordable rental housing with supportive services for low-income seniors.

Rent at 30% of income; supportive services included

Healthcare

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program

Federal

Healthcare, medications, and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Free or low-cost HIV-related healthcare and medications

Healthcare

Community Health Centers (FQHC)

Federal

Sliding-scale primary care clinics serving all patients regardless of ability to pay.

Sliding scale — as low as $0 based on income

Legal Aid

Legal Aid Services

State

Free civil legal help for low-income individuals.

Free legal services

Legal Aid

Civil Legal Aid for Domestic Violence (VAWA)

Federal

Free legal help for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Free civil legal services

Legal Aid

Public Defender Services

State

Free criminal defense attorneys for people who cannot afford a lawyer.

Free criminal defense representation