Quick answer
For local help with rent, food, utilities, or shelter, start with 211 (dial 211 or visit 211.org). For a mental health or suicidal crisis, call or text 988. To see which federal benefits you may qualify for, use the free USA.gov Benefit Finder, which replaced Benefits.gov. Every official program below is free to apply for.
Immediate help
- 211 — local help with rent, food, utilities, shelter: 211.org or dial 211
- 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7, free and confidential: 988lifeline.org or call/text 988
- Food banks — Feeding America locator
Federal benefits
- Benefit Finder — usa.gov/benefit-finder (Benefits.gov closed in 2024 and now points here)
- SNAP state directory — USDA SNAP state directory
- LIHEAP contacts — LIHEAP state and territory contacts
- TANF — TANF programs by state
- Unemployment — usa.gov/unemployment-benefits
Housing
- HUD housing counseling (free) — hud.gov
- Rent help — the federal Emergency Rental Assistance program has ended, so rent help now comes from local programs, charities, and 211. Our guide to programs to help pay rent lists what still exists.
- Legal aid — LawHelp.org
Money, credit & debt
- Free credit reports — AnnualCreditReport.com (the only federally authorized source)
- Nonprofit credit counseling — NFCC.org
- Consumer protection — CFPB
- Unclaimed property — unclaimed.org and MissingMoney.com
- Free tax filing — IRS Free File
Report fraud
- Scams — ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Identity theft — IdentityTheft.gov
Our guides by need
| Need | Where to start | Our guide |
|---|---|---|
| Rent or eviction | 211 and local rent programs | Programs to help pay rent |
| Heating or cooling bills | Your state LIHEAP office | LIHEAP guide |
| Health coverage | Your state Medicaid agency | Medicaid guide |
| Emergency cash | 211, charities, state emergency aid | Emergency financial assistance |
| Shelter tonight | 211 and local shelters | Emergency hotel vouchers |
| Hardship grants | Charities and community action agencies | Hardship grants for individuals |
| Unclaimed money | Your state treasury search | Search every state for free |
For more of our guides organized by need, see the full assistance directory.
Frequently asked questions
What is 211 and what can it help with?
211 is a free, confidential referral line run by local United Way and partner agencies. It connects you to nearby help with rent, utilities, food, shelter, and other basic needs.
What replaced Benefits.gov?
Benefits.gov closed in 2024. Its eligibility questionnaire now lives at the USA.gov Benefit Finder, which is free to use.
Is there still federal emergency rent assistance?
No. The Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance program has ended. Rent help now comes from state and local programs, charities, and referrals through 211.
Do I have to pay to apply for government benefits?
No. Applying for official programs is always free. Anyone who asks for a fee to get you a benefit or grant is a scam, and you can report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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.
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.