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Life change guide

I'm caring for a family member

Find out if you qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits to help support your family member.

4 steps, in order4 programs that can helpFree to apply

Where to start

Caring for a family member takes time, energy, and money. You may qualify for help with food, health coverage, and prescription drug costs. This guide walks you through the programs available and how to apply.

These programs can help whether you're caring for a child, parent, or other family member. Some apply if your household income is low. Others look at your own income and resources. Applying is free, and only the agency decides if you qualify.

Start with the program that fits your situation best. If you're struggling to afford food, apply for SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). If you or your family member need health coverage, Medicaid may help. If you or they have Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help can reduce what you pay.

You don't have to choose just one. Many people qualify for more than one program at the same time.

Do these first

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Check if you qualify for SNAP

    SNAP gives you monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy food. In most states, your household gross income must be 130% of poverty or less. If anyone in your household is 60 or older or disabled, you only need to meet the net income limit. Apply through your state's SNAP office. You can also use SNAP's online pre-screening tool to see if you may qualify.

    About SNAP
  2. 2

    Step 2

    Apply for Medicaid if you need health coverage

    Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage. In states that expanded Medicaid, most adults aged 19–64 qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities may also qualify. Apply anytime through your state Medicaid agency or through HealthCare.gov.

    About Medicaid
  3. 3

    Step 3

    Apply for Medicare Savings Programs if you have Medicare

    If you or your family member have Medicare and limited income, Medicare Savings Programs help pay Medicare costs like premiums and deductibles. Monthly income limits range from $1,350 to $1,816 for individuals. Apply through your state Medicaid agency. Some states have higher limits, so apply even if you're slightly over.

    About MSP
  4. 4

    Step 4

    Apply for Extra Help with Medicare drug costs

    Extra Help reduces what you pay for prescription drugs if you have Medicare Part D and limited income and resources. If you already qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you automatically qualify for Extra Help. Apply through Social Security or your state Medicaid agency.

    About Extra Help

Programs that can help

SNAPState-run · USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.MedicaidState-run · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.MSPState-run · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare Savings Programs help people with Medicare who have limited income and resources pay Medicare costs such as premiums.Extra HelpFederal · Social Security AdministrationExtra Help may lower what people with Medicare and limited income and resources pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.