Government benefit programs can help you stock your pantry, pay part of your rent, cover your children’s medical visits, and pay your electricity bill; furthermore, a single household can often receive several of these benefits simultaneously. The major programs—including SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, WIC, Section 8, and LIHEAP—exist in every state.
This page offers a plain-language guide to these benefits. Each section explains what the program covers, who typically qualifies, and how to start the application process, including links for more details on each one. Since most of these programs are administered by states and often have specific local names, you will find a directory of state public assistance pages below to help you locate the exact programs and offices in your area.
Monthly cash for bills: TANF, SSI, and other government payments
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides monthly cash payments to low-income families with children; these funds can be used for rent, utilities, food, clothing, public transportation, or other household needs. Most states require working-age parents to look for a job or participate in a training program as a condition for receiving payments, which are also subject to time limits. Almost all states administer TANF cash assistance under their own program name, so do not be confused if it is known by a different name in your state.
Key Tip
Scammers often impersonate government officials. Official agencies will never pressure or threaten you, nor will they demand immediate payment over the phone.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly federal payment for people aged 65 or older, as well as adults and children with disabilities who have very low income. This benefit is processed through the Social Security Administration, not the local social services office. Individuals who worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming disabled might instead qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), which is based on work history rather than income. Our guide on disability assistance explains both programs; additionally, older adults can find more options in the guide to free government benefits for seniors.
Adults without children at home often assume there is no financial aid available to them. However, many states and counties administer “last resort” programs—usually called “General Assistance” or “General Relief”—that provide a small monthly payment to single adults and others who do not qualify for TANF or SSI. You can apply for these at the same local social services office where you apply for other benefits. Consult our guide on cash assistance for single adults to learn about the programs that actually exist for this group.
Tax credits are another form of government financial aid that millions of working families overlook. The Earned Income Tax Credit (website: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc ) and the Child Tax Credit can provide you with money during tax season—even if you do not owe any taxes—but only if you file a tax return. IRS-trained volunteers can prepare your return at no cost; look into the VITA free tax preparation service. Single mothers with low or no income may also qualify for additional aid; learn more about government assistance for single mothers.
Help buying groceries – SNAP, WIC, school meals, and SUN Bucks
SNAP—a program many still know as “food stamps”—deposits funds for groceries onto an EBT card each month; this card is accepted at most supermarkets and many online stores. Households with working members may still qualify; earning a wage does not automatically disqualify you. If your pantry is currently empty, ask about the expedited SNAP process, designed to provide benefits in days rather than weeks. The SNAP guide explains how the program works.
The WIC program serves pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under the age of five. This benefit covers a specific list of healthy foods—such as milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables, and infant formula—and includes nutritional counseling. A family can receive both WIC and SNAP benefits at the same time; find out how to apply for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
Children’s nutritional needs can also be met through school programs. Free or reduced-price school breakfasts and lunches are offered based on family income; generally, children from families receiving SNAP or TANF qualify automatically. When school is out for the summer, the SUN Bucks program—also known as Summer EBT (website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks)—deposits food funds onto an EBT card for each school-age child in participating states, automatically enrolling most eligible children.
There are two other federal food programs that operate through local agencies rather than using a benefits card. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides free food boxes each month to individuals over the age of 60, while TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies local food pantries with free food for low-income individuals.
Free or low-cost health insurance – Medicaid, CHIP, and help with Medicare costs
Medicaid is the primary government health insurance program for low-income individuals. Each state administers its own version and sets its own rules, but coverage generally includes doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and often dental and mental health care, at little or no cost to the patient. Check for other free medical and dental care programs.
CHIP health insurance covers children from families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford a private plan; this insurance includes dental care. In most states, a single application covers both Medicaid and CHIP, so parents do not have to determine which program applies to them before applying.
Medicare covers older adults and many people with disabilities; coverage itself is not based on income, although assistance with paying for it is (website: https://www.medicare.gov/about-us/contact-medicare). Medicare Savings Programs—applied for through the state Medicaid office—can pay Medicare premiums for individuals with limited income, and the federal “Extra Help” program reduces prescription drug costs. Anyone on a fixed income who struggles to pay Medicare bills should look into both programs. There are also free dental clinics—non-profits partially funded by the government—as well as free or low-cost medication programs for people without insurance coverage.
Help paying rent: Section 8 vouchers and public housing
The two main government housing benefits are administered through local public housing agencies. HUD’s Section 8 vouchers pay a portion of the rent for a privately owned apartment or house, while the tenant pays an affordable share based on their income. Public housing consists of government-owned apartments rented at income-based rates. Both programs almost always involve waiting lists—sometimes long ones—so it is advisable to apply to more than one housing agency and get on the lists early, even if your need isn’t urgent right now.
Reductions or assistance for utility, phone, and internet bills: LIHEAP, weatherization, and Lifeline
The LIHEAP energy assistance program helps pay for heating and air conditioning bills and can act quickly in crisis situations, such as when facing a service disconnection notice or an empty fuel tank. It operates in every state through local agencies. The associated weatherization program sends crews to make free, energy-efficient home improvements—such as insulation, air leak sealing, and heating system repairs—that permanently lower energy bills. Lifeline is a federal benefit that reduces monthly phone or internet bills; households already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI generally qualify automatically. Find out how to get a free government phone or check details on low-cost internet options, as well as a directory of state phone bill assistance programs that can help you save even more.
Child care, Head Start, and job training for working parents
Government child care assistance covers part—and in some cases, all—of the cost of child care so that parents can work, study, or receive job training. Funds are administered through the states, and waiting lists are common, so it is advisable to apply for assistance before the need becomes urgent. Head Start and Early Head Start programs offer free early education, meals, and health screenings to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from low-income families. Adults can also access free job training, resume assistance, and job placement services through state employment centers.
Benefit names vary by state: how to find and apply for yours
The same federal benefit often has different names depending on where you live. For example, SNAP is known as CalFresh in California; Medicaid is called MassHealth in Massachusetts and TennCare in Tennessee; and most states use a local name for their TANF cash assistance program. Although the name may change, the way the benefit works remains the same; you will find the local names on the state-specific pages of this site to help you locate them.
In most states, a single application allows you to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and sometimes child care assistance all at once. This application can be submitted online through the state’s benefits portal or in person at your local Department of Social or Human Services office. Be sure to inform the caseworker about all your needs, as households often qualify for programs they had never applied for.
United Way also offers advice on how to apply for public benefits (website: https://www.unitedway.org/our-impact/financial-security/my-smart-money/immediate-needs/applying-for-public-benefits). Additionally, if an application is denied, you have the right to appeal and access free advocates; look for information on how to contest the denial of public assistance. The USA.gov federal benefits finder tool (website: https://www.usa.gov/benefits) is a quick way to check which programs match your situation before applying. To read about how other families have handled applications, waiting lists, and denials—or to ask your own questions—visit the moderated discussion forum on government benefits.
Select your state to find information on local offices, program names, and county-level benefits.
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