26 programs · 10 categories
All benefit programs
Every program we cover, grouped by what it helps with. Choose a program to see who qualifies and how to apply in your state.
Food & Nutrition
SNAP, WIC, school meals and other food help.
- SNAPState-run · USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.
- School MealsState-run · USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceFree and reduced-price school meals help children eat well at school, and Summer EBT helps families buy food for children in the summer.
- WICState-run · USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceWIC gives healthy foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children with low income.
Health Coverage
Medicaid, CHIP, ACA subsidies and Medicare.
- ACA SubsidiesFederal · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesPremium tax credits may lower the monthly cost of a health plan you buy through the ACA Marketplace.
- CHIPState-run · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesCHIP gives low-cost health coverage to uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid.
- 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.
- MedicareFederal · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare is federal health insurance for older adults and some younger people with disabilities.
Cash & Tax Credits
EITC, Child Tax Credit, TANF and state credits.
- Child Tax CreditFederal · Internal Revenue ServiceThe Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit that may lower the tax you owe if you are raising qualifying children.
- EITCFederal · Internal Revenue ServiceThe EITC is a federal tax credit for people who work and have low to moderate income. It may lower your tax and add to your refund.
- TANFState-run · HHS Administration for Children and FamiliesTANF gives cash help and support services to families with children who have low income. Each state runs its own program.
Housing & Utilities
Section 8, energy bill help, phone and internet discounts.
- LIHEAPState-run · HHS Administration for Children and FamiliesLIHEAP helps households with low income pay heating and cooling bills, and may help in an energy crisis such as a shut-off notice.
- LifelineFederal · FCC / Universal Service Administrative CompanyLifeline is a federal program that may give households with low income a discount on phone or internet service.
- Section 8Local · US Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHousing Choice Vouchers, often called Section 8, help families with low income pay rent for a home they find in the private market.
- WeatherizationState-run · US Department of EnergyThe Weatherization Assistance Program makes free energy-saving home improvements, like insulation and heating repairs, for households with low income.
Family & Childcare
Childcare subsidies, Head Start and family support.
- Child Care AidState-run · HHS Administration for Children and FamiliesChild care assistance helps families with low income pay for child care so parents can work, look for work, or go to school or training.
- Head StartLocal · HHS Administration for Children and FamiliesHead Start and Early Head Start offer free early learning, health and family support services to young children from families with low income.
Education
Pell Grants, FAFSA and student benefits.
Seniors & Disability
SSI, SSDI, Medicare help and property tax relief.
- 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.
- 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.
- Property Tax ReliefState-run · State revenue departmentsMany states offer property tax relief that may lower property tax bills for some homeowners, such as older adults, people with disabilities and veterans.
- SSDIFederal · Social Security AdministrationSSDI pays monthly benefits to people who cannot work because of a disability and who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
- SSIFederal · Social Security AdministrationSSI pays monthly cash to people with limited income and resources who are older, blind or have a disability.
Veterans
VA disability, pension, health care and state benefits.
Work & Unemployment
Unemployment insurance and job training.
Money You're Owed
Tax refunds, unclaimed property and other money owed to you.
- IRS RefundFederal · Internal Revenue ServiceWhere's My Refund? is the IRS online tool for checking the status of your federal income tax refund.
- Unclaimed MoneyState-run · State treasurers / NAUPAUnclaimed property is money owed to you, like old bank accounts or uncashed checks, that your state holds until you claim it.
Rules differ by state
See local income limits, offices and apply links for every program in your state.