National Financial Assistance Directory

Non-profit agencies accredited by the NFCC that offer free or low-cost budgeting advice, credit report reviews, and initial financial assessments. They help consumers create a sustainable framework to handle outstanding debts without taking on new loans.

Structured programs administered by credit counseling agencies where your unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) are consolidated into a single monthly payment. The agency negotiates lower interest rates and waives penalty fees on your behalf. Typically takes 3 to 5 years to complete.

A process where a company negotiates with your creditors to allow you to pay a "settlement" to resolve your debt—a lump sum that is less than the full amount you owe. Caution: This process can severely damage your credit score, result in lawsuits, and trigger tax liabilities on forgiven amounts.

Administered by the Social Security Administration, SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. It also provides payments to people aged 65 and older who meet the financial qualifications.

A program providing grant funds to states and territories to supply families with financial assistance and related support services. State-administered programs may include child care assistance, job preparation, and emergency cash assistance. Eligibility requirements vary strictly by state.

A joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers who have become unemployed through no fault of their own, and who meet their state's requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period.

Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

A federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. Foods are distributed to local organizations like food banks and soup kitchens.

Provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.

By calling 2-1-1, individuals can be connected to local community action agencies, charities (like St. Vincent de Paul), and county programs that offer emergency, one-time rental assistance to prevent immediate eviction.

The federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Administered locally by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). Waitlists are often exceptionally long.

Local agencies authorized by HUD to manage housing programs. Beyond Section 8, PHAs manage subsidized apartment buildings and may offer specialized housing grants depending on municipal funding.

Provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to buy private insurance. In some states, CHIP covers pregnant women.

A joint federal and state program that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, like nursing home care and personal care services.

An FCC program that helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating providers.

Helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and energy-related minor home repairs.

Provides funds to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills. It helps pay arrears and reduces the cost of maintaining these critical services. *Note: Program availability relies on continued federal appropriation allocations.*