Government Benefits for Low-Income Families: The Complete List

There are five major federal programs that help low-income families pay for food, health care, heating, taxes, and phone service. Each has different income limits and application processes. Applying for benefits is free, and only the agency decides whether you qualify.

Who These Programs Are For

These five programs are designed for households with low income. If your income is above certain limits, you may not qualify. But income limits vary by program and by state, so it's worth checking even if you think you earn too much.

Some programs also look at your assets (money in the bank, for example) or your household situation. For example, Medicaid covers not just working adults but also children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities—often with different income limits for each group.

The best first step is to use our benefits screener to see which programs you might qualify for based on your situation.

The Five Main Programs and Their Income Limits

SNAP (food assistance) helps you buy groceries. For the 2025–2026 year in 48 states and DC, a single person with gross monthly income of $1,696 or less may qualify, and a family of four with gross income of $3,483 or less may qualify. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.

Medicaid (health coverage) is free or low-cost insurance run by each state. In most states that expanded Medicaid, adults aged 19–64 can qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. In 2026, the poverty guideline is $15,960 a year for one person and $33,000 a year for a family of four in 48 states and DC. Alaska and Hawaii have higher guidelines. Medicaid also covers children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities, usually with different income limits.

EITC (the Earned Income Tax Credit) is a tax credit for working people with low to moderate income. You claim it when you file your taxes, and it can give you a refund even if you owe no tax.

LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps pay heating and cooling bills. Each state sets its own income limit. Federal law lets states serve households up to the greater of 150% of the poverty guidelines or 60% of the state median income.

Lifeline is a federal discount program that helps low-income households get phone service or broadband internet at a reduced cost.

How to Apply

Step 1: Check which programs you might qualify for. Use our benefits screener to see which programs may be right for you. It's a quick way to narrow down your options.

Step 2: Learn about application deadlines and processes in your state. Visit your state's website or contact the agency that runs each program. Deadlines and processes vary widely. For LIHEAP, funding is limited and application periods vary by state, so apply as soon as the season opens.

Step 3: Gather what you'll need. Different programs ask for different documents. Generally, be ready to show proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of where you live. If you already receive SNAP, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), you may qualify automatically for LIHEAP in many states.

Step 4: Apply. You can apply online, by mail, or in person, depending on the program and your state. Applying is always free. Never pay anyone to help you apply for these programs.

What Happens Next

After you apply, the agency will review your information and let you know if you qualify. The time it takes varies by program and state. Some decisions come quickly; others can take several weeks. The agency will tell you what to expect.

If you qualify for SNAP or Lifeline, you'll receive benefits on a card or through your phone service. For Medicaid, you'll get a card and can use it at any provider that accepts Medicaid. For EITC, you claim it on your tax return. For LIHEAP, the agency pays your utility company directly or sends you a check.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't assume you earn too much. Income limits are often higher than people think, especially if you have dependents or high expenses. Use our benefits screener to check.

Don't miss application deadlines. LIHEAP and some other programs have limited funding and specific application seasons. Missing the deadline means waiting until next year.

Don't pay for help. Applying for these programs is free. If someone asks you for money to help you apply, that's a scam.

Don't ignore income changes. If your income changes, tell the agency. You may still qualify, or you may qualify for a different amount of benefits.

Related Help

If you've recently lost a job or faced another change in income, check our guide on what to do when your situation changes. For more information about any of these programs, visit our programs page or use our calculators to estimate your benefits. You can also search by state to learn about programs specific to where you live.

Summary

Five major federal programs help low-income families with food, health care, heating, taxes, and phone service. Income limits vary by program and state. Start with our benefits screener to see what you may qualify for, then apply directly to the programs you're interested in. Applying is free, and only the agency decides if you qualify.