Quick answer
The main government assistance programs are SNAP (food), TANF (cash for families), LIHEAP (energy bills), Medicaid and CHIP (health coverage), housing vouchers, and unemployment insurance. Federal agencies fund them, but your state runs the applications, so you apply through your state agency. The official USA.gov Benefit Finder shows which federal programs may fit you, and applying is always free.
Find assistance programs in your state
Every program below is official and free to apply for. Your state runs most of them.
How government assistance works
Most government assistance is a partnership. Federal agencies fund the programs and set broad rules, while your state (sometimes your county) takes applications and decides eligibility. That is why the answer to "how do I apply?" is almost always your state agency, and why the same program can have different income limits or waiting lists in different states.
Eligibility usually depends on household size and income measured against the federal poverty guidelines, plus program rules about children in the home, disability, or age. For 2026, the HHS poverty guideline is $15,960 a year for one person, plus $5,680 for each additional person (48 contiguous states and DC; Alaska and Hawaii are higher). You can check your household with our free poverty level calculator.
Benefits.gov closed in 2024. Its replacement is the USA.gov Benefit Finder, which asks a few questions and lists federal benefits you may qualify for. Applying for any official program is free.
The major programs at a glance
| Program | What it helps with | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Monthly food benefits on an EBT card. From October 2026 to September 2027, the gross income limit for one person is $1,729 a month (48 states and DC). | SNAP state directory |
| TANF | Temporary cash help for families with children | Your state human services agency (ACF overview) |
| LIHEAP | Heating and cooling bills, plus crisis help to prevent a shutoff | State LIHEAP contacts |
| Medicaid and CHIP | Health coverage for lower-income adults, children, pregnant people, and people with disabilities | HealthCare.gov or your state Medicaid agency |
| Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing | Rent you can afford, based on income | Your local public housing agency |
| Unemployment insurance | Partial wage replacement if you lost work through no fault of your own | Your state unemployment office |
Find help by need
Start with the need that is most urgent. Each guide explains who qualifies and how to apply.
| Need | Where to start | Our guide |
|---|---|---|
| Food this week | A food pantry today, then a SNAP application | Food pantries and free meals |
| Cash for bills | TANF, state emergency aid, and charity funds | Government financial assistance |
| Rent | Local rental assistance, 211, and charities | Programs to help pay rent |
| Energy bills | LIHEAP and utility hardship plans | LIHEAP guide |
| Health coverage | Medicaid and CHIP | Medicaid guide |
| Long-term housing | Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists | Housing Choice Voucher Program |
| An emergency today | 211 and local emergency funds | Emergency financial assistance |
| Older adults | Area agencies on aging, Medicare savings programs, SNAP | Help for older adults |
| Disability | SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state programs | Help for disabled people |
The federal Emergency Rental Assistance program has ended, so rent help now comes from state, county, and charity programs. For a walkthrough of the application process itself, read How to Apply for Government Assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to repay government assistance?
No. Benefits like SNAP, TANF, and LIHEAP are not loans and are not repaid. Overpayments caused by reporting errors can be reclaimed, so always report changes accurately.
Can I get help if I'm working?
Yes. Many programs are designed for working households whose income still falls under the limit. Having a job does not disqualify you.
Does applying cost anything?
No. Applying for official programs is always free. Any site or caller charging a fee to apply or to release benefits is a scam. See our scam warnings.
What replaced Benefits.gov?
Benefits.gov closed in 2024. The official replacement is the USA.gov Benefit Finder, which lists federal benefits you may qualify for after a short questionnaire.
Are there federal stimulus checks right now?
No new federal stimulus checks are scheduled. Be careful with any message that offers one, especially if it asks for a fee or your bank details.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on October 25, 2026. If a source and this page ever disagree, follow the source.
- USA.gov: Benefit Finder
- HHS ASPE: Poverty guidelines
- USDA: SNAP eligibility
- USDA: SNAP state directory
- HHS ACF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- HHS ACF: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid and CHIP
- USA.gov: Unemployment benefits
- USA.gov: Emergency housing assistance
National Relief Program is an independent information website, not a government agency. Program rules change, so always confirm details with the agency that runs the program.
Before you apply: program rules, amounts, and deadlines change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program administrator. Applying for government benefits is free.
National Relief Program is an independent guide, not a government agency. Spotted an error? Email support@nationalreliefprogram.org.