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.
- I can't pay my energy billsFind energy bill assistance programs. Learn which benefits to apply for first when you can't afford utilities.
- 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.
- I have big medical billsFind free or low-cost health coverage and help paying medical costs through Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help.
- 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.
- I lost my jobLearn what benefits you may qualify for after job loss: unemployment, food stamps, Medicaid, and more. Apply free through your state.
- 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.
- I was recently released from incarcerationFind out what government benefits and programs you may qualify for after being released from incarceration.
- 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.
- I'm a new single parentFind food, cash, childcare and tax credit help available to single parents. Free to apply. No judgment.
- I'm adopting or fostering a childFree guide to Medicaid, CHIP, childcare help, and tax credits for families adopting or fostering.
- 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.
- I'm caring for a family memberFind out if you qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits to help support your family member.
- I'm experiencing homelessnessFind help with food, health coverage, housing, and phone service if you're experiencing homelessness. Apply for free benefits.
- I'm facing evictionLearn about TANF, SNAP, and Section 8 housing vouchers to help with eviction. Steps to apply for help now.
- I'm getting marriedHow getting married affects SNAP, Medicaid, tax credits and more. What to do after your wedding.
- 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.
- 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.
- I'm leaving the militaryGuide to VA benefits, Medicaid, unemployment, and SNAP for people separating from military service.
- 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.
- 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.
- I'm raising my grandchildrenFree benefits for food, health coverage, cash and taxes when you're raising your grandchildren. Apply anytime.
- I'm retiringWhen you retire, you may qualify for Medicare, help paying healthcare costs, and property tax relief. Find out what you may get.
- 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.
- I'm turning 65Learn what benefits to apply for when you turn 65. Medicare, SNAP, SSI, and more programs explained.
- Living with a disabilityLearn what benefits you may qualify for if you're living with a disability. Find SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI and more.
- 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.
- My kids are going back to schoolFree programs can help with school meals, childcare, and early education. Learn what you may qualify for.
- My spouse diedSteps to take after your spouse's death: update records, check benefits, find money owed.
- Winter heating bills are comingFree programs help pay heating bills and improve your home's energy efficiency so you pay less in winter.