30 step-by-step guides
Guides for life changes
When your situation changes, the right benefits can change too. Each guide lists what to do first, in order.
- Divorce or separationAfter divorce or separation, you may qualify for food stamps, Medicaid, cash assistance, and tax credits. See what to apply for first.See what to do first
- I can't pay my energy billsFind energy bill assistance programs. Learn which benefits to apply for first when you can't afford utilities.See what to do first
- I can't pay my rentFind government benefits you may qualify for if you can't pay rent. Get help with food, utilities, cash assistance and housing vouchers.See what to do first
- I have big medical billsFind free or low-cost health coverage and help paying medical costs through Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help.See what to do first
- I lost my health insuranceYou may qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or help paying for an ACA plan. Learn how to apply for free health coverage after losing your insurance.See what to do first
- I lost my jobLearn what benefits you may qualify for after job loss: unemployment, food stamps, Medicaid, and more. Apply free through your state.See what to do first
- I was hit by a natural disasterFind help with food, unemployment, and energy bills after a natural disaster. Apply for SNAP, unemployment insurance, and LIHEAP.See what to do first
- I was recently released from incarcerationFind out what government benefits and programs you may qualify for after being released from incarceration.See what to do first
- I'm a college studentFind out what government benefits you may qualify for as a college student. Learn about SNAP, Medicaid, Pell Grants and more.See what to do first
- I'm a new single parentFind food, cash, childcare and tax credit help available to single parents. Free to apply. No judgment.See what to do first
- I'm adopting or fostering a childFree guide to Medicaid, CHIP, childcare help, and tax credits for families adopting or fostering.See what to do first
- I'm aging out of foster careFree help with health coverage, food, and education when you leave foster care. Learn what programs you may qualify for.See what to do first
- I'm caring for a family memberFind out if you qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits to help support your family member.See what to do first
- I'm experiencing homelessnessFind help with food, health coverage, housing, and phone service if you're experiencing homelessness. Apply for free benefits.See what to do first
- I'm facing evictionLearn about TANF, SNAP, and Section 8 housing vouchers to help with eviction. Steps to apply for help now.See what to do first
- I'm getting marriedHow getting married affects SNAP, Medicaid, tax credits and more. What to do after your wedding.See what to do first
- I'm having a babyFind programs you may qualify for when you're having a baby. Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Child Tax Credit, and more.See what to do first
- I'm leaving an abusive relationshipFree help with housing, food, health care and cash. Step-by-step guide to government benefits you may qualify for.See what to do first
- I'm leaving the militaryGuide to VA benefits, Medicaid, unemployment, and SNAP for people separating from military service.See what to do first
- I'm moving to a new stateWhen you move states, you may qualify for new benefits. Learn what to apply for first: SNAP, Medicaid, unemployment, and unclaimed property.See what to do first
- I'm new to the U.S.Find free health coverage, food assistance and other benefits available to new residents in the U.S. Apply through your state.See what to do first
- I'm raising my grandchildrenFree benefits for food, health coverage, cash and taxes when you're raising your grandchildren. Apply anytime.See what to do first
- I'm retiringWhen you retire, you may qualify for Medicare, help paying healthcare costs, and property tax relief. Find out what you may get.See what to do first
- I'm self-employed or a gig workerFind out if you qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, tax credits, and other benefits as a self-employed or gig worker.See what to do first
- I'm turning 65Learn what benefits to apply for when you turn 65. Medicare, SNAP, SSI, and more programs explained.See what to do first
- Living with a disabilityLearn what benefits you may qualify for if you're living with a disability. Find SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI and more.See what to do first
- My hours were cut at workIf your hours were cut at work, you may qualify for unemployment, food help, health coverage, or energy bill assistance.See what to do first
- My kids are going back to schoolFree programs can help with school meals, childcare, and early education. Learn what you may qualify for.See what to do first
- My spouse diedSteps to take after your spouse's death: update records, check benefits, find money owed.See what to do first
- Winter heating bills are comingFree programs help pay heating bills and improve your home's energy efficiency so you pay less in winter.See what to do first
Not sure where your situation fits?
Answer 8 quick questions and we'll list every program that may apply, with where to apply for each.