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Life change guide
Find out if you qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits to help support your family member.
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.
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 SNAPMedicaid 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 MedicaidIf 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 MSPExtra 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 HelpServices from our partners. You never need a paid service to apply for benefits.
ClearLine Wireless
4.3out of 5 stars,(5,310 reviews)Qualify through SNAP, Medicaid or SSI and get a free smartphone plan.
On ClearLine Wireless's secure site
Pros
Good to know
Lifeline is limited to one discount per household.
BrightPath Medicare
4.5out of 5 stars,(8,920 reviews)A free, no-obligation comparison of plans available in your ZIP code.
On BrightPath Medicare's secure site
Pros
Good to know
Agents may not offer every plan in your area. Medicare.gov lists all plans.