An official website of the United States government
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or http:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Get information on government programs that may help you pay for food, housing, health care, and other basic living expenses. Find out about eligibility requirements for programs like food stamps, welfare, and Medicaid, and how to apply for them.
If you have a low income and need help with basic living expenses, you may qualify for government benefits to help cover food, housing, medical, and other costs.
Major Government Benefits Programs
The federal government creates and gives money to states to run major assistance programs. Your state helps pay for some of these and may offer others too.
Food
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps)Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miền provides eligible people with benefits cards, used like debit cards, to buy food at authorized grocery stores and farmers markets.
Other food aid programs offer:
Healthy foods to pregnant women, new moms, and kids under age 5
Free or low-cost meals or milk to kids at schools and daycare centers
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnMonthly food packages and farmers market coupons to seniors
Healthcare
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health benefits to adults, kids, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miền offers free or low-cost medical and dental care to uninsured kids up to age 19 whose family income is above Medicaid’s limit but below their state’s CHIP limit.
Housing
Subsidized Housing, Housing Vouchers, and Public Housing programs help low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities get into affordable private or government-owned rental housing.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miền helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills and offers low-cost home improvements to reduce those costs.
Financial Assistance
Welfare or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash for a limited time to low-income families working toward self-sufficiency. TANF may also offer non-cash benefits such as child care and job training.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides cash to low-income seniors and low-income adults and kids with disabilities.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnAll programs have income limits.
Most programs require you to be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnMany programs have other state requirements like a family’s size and financial resources.
Learn more about who’s eligible and how to apply for these programs at Benefits.gov or your state’s social, human, or health services office.
Grants and Loans Are Not Benefits
Don’t believe ads for “free government grants” to start a business or pay personal expenses. The federal government does not give grants to individuals.Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miền It awards grants to states, universities, and other organizations.
You may be able to get a government loan to help with school, housing, and business costs, but you must repay it,Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miền typically with interest.
Learn more at USA.gov/benefits-grants-loans.
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnBrought to you by USAGov
Benefits and Financial Assistance from the Government
If you're looking for immediate or emergency help, your state's human service or social service agency might be able to help. They can either provide financial assistance or refer you to local community organizations.
Search for Financial Assistance from the Government
Benefits.gov is a free website that can help you determine which types of government assistance you might qualify for. You can also find out how and where to app
, answer questions about yourself and your needs. Afterwards, you can find out if you’re eligible for programs to help you pay for:
Food
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnHealth insurance
Housing
Utilities, and other necessities
Check back with in the future to see if you’re eligible for additional benefits. You can report major life events or see if new benefit programs have become available.
Search for Benefits and Programs for People with Disabilities
Do you receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI)? If you need help with your benefits, you can review these top questions about Social Security.
Search for Benefits for Military Veterans and Their Families
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miền
is a good place to start. It can help with unemployment insurance benefits, job training, and finding a job.
Unemployment Insurance
Am I eligible?
Unemployment insurance programs pay you money if you lose your job through no fault of your own. You must meet your state's eligibility requirements.
How do I apply?
Each state runs its own program. to find out how to apply. You may be able to file online, by phone, or in person.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Some states provide extended benefits when there's high unemployment. Extended unemployment insurance benefits last for 13 weeks. You can apply for extended benefits only once you've run out of regular benefits. Check with your state; not everyone qualifies.
You must on your tax return.
Other Types of Benefits and Programs for the Unemployed
Educational Help
Federal agencies offer many . They are generally free or low cost to the unemployed.
Self-Employment Help
help unemployed workers start their own small businesses. Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, and Oregon offer this program.
is a federal nutrition program. Known previously as "food stamps," SNAP benefits can help you stretch your food budget if you have a low income.
Learn About the Types of Food You Can Buy With SNAP Benefits
If you’re eligible, you can purchase food using benefits that are issued to you monthly. You can use your SNAP benefits to buy a variety of foods for your household, including:
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnBreads and cereals
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnSee the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) .
Find Out If You Are Eligible for SNAP
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnTo , you must meet certain requirements. States have income limits for SNAP recipients. They can also factor in your resources, such as money in the bank, to decide if you qualify for SNAP.
Apply for SNAP Benefits
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnUse the . You may also apply in person at your state or local office.
How Your SNAP Benefits Work
Your state will issue benefits each month on a plastic electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. Much like a credit or debit card, you can use your EBT card to buy eligible food items. You must buy them from:
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnSome states have . If your state doesn't have an EBT management website, you can contact your to check your benefits.
File a Complaint About SNAP
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnWhether you currently receive SNAP benefits or you're in the process of applying, you can file a complaint using these resources:
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miền to request a hearing if you have .
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnFile a . You will need to give the name and the location of the store. You may remain anonymous if you choose.
Contact your if you suspect fraud or abuse of the SNAP program.
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miền if you believe you have experienced discrimination in the SNAP program because of:
Age
Sex
Color
Race
Disability
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnReligious creed
National origin
English proficiency
Political beliefs
SNAP Information For Retailers
Learn how to work with SNAP if you or if you .
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miền
is a federally funded, state-run benefits program. Also known as welfare, TANF helps families achieve independence after experiencing temporary difficulties.
What help is available through TANF?
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnRecipients may qualify for help with:
Food
Housing
Home energy
Child care
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnJob training
Each state runs its TANF program differently and .
Some operate their own TANF programs.
Am I eligible for TANF?
Each state or tribal territory decides who is eligible for financial help, services, or other benefits.
You must be a resident of the state where you are applying.
How do I apply for TANF?
To sign-up for temporary benefits, you can:
Apply at your local or county social services agency, or
for your local contact information.
How do I report TANF benefit fraud?
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnIf you suspect possible welfare fraud, contact:
provides free or low-cost medical benefits to eligible:
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnAdults with a low income
Children
Pregnant women
People who are age 65 or over
People with disabilities
Am I eligible for Medicaid?
Check with your state’s Medicaid office to see if you or your family members are . In general, it depends on at least one or a combination of:
Age
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnIncome level
Number of people in your family
If you are pregnant or have a disability
How do I apply for Medicaid?
There are two ways to apply for Medicaid:
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miền. You must be a resident of the state where you are applying for benefits.
.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnIf your income is too high for Medicaid, your child may still qualify for the . It covers medical and for uninsured children and teens up to age 19.
Is my child eligible for CHIP?
. In most cases, they depend on income.
How do I apply for CHIP benefits?
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnYou have two ways to apply for CHIP:
, or call the Health Insurance Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596.
Fill out an application through the .
What else do I need to know about CHIP?
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnYou can apply for and enroll in Medicaid or CHIP anytime during the year.
.
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnLike Medicare and CHIP, the offers affordable, continued coverage. It's available to people with incomes that shift above and below Medicaid or CHIP levels.
Xổ số trực tiếp 3 miềnIf you have a problem with Medicaid or CHIP services, you can file a complaint. These programs are managed by each state rather than the federal government. Contact your to report your issue.
Share This Page:
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
