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) runs applications and decides eligibility. That's 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 Level, plus program-specific factors like children in the home, disability, or age. Applying is always free.
The major programs at a glance
- SNAP — monthly food benefits on an EBT card. See our food relief guide.
- TANF — temporary cash assistance for families with children.
- LIHEAP — help with energy bills. See our utility relief guide.
- Housing Choice Vouchers & public housing — see our housing help guide.
- Medicaid & CHIP — health coverage for lower-income households.
- Unemployment insurance — if you lost work through no fault of your own.
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?
Benefits like SNAP, TANF, and LIHEAP are not loans — they 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 — being employed does not disqualify you.
Does applying cost anything?
Never. Any site or caller charging a fee to "apply" or "release" benefits is a scam — see our scam warnings.