Public Assistance Navigator

SNAP gives you money on a card (like a debit card) to buy food at most grocery stores. The amount depends on your income and family size.

WIC provides free healthy foods (like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits, and vegetables), nutrition counseling, and referrals to healthcare for pregnant women, new moms, and young children.

Your child can get free or low-cost breakfast and lunch at school every day. Free meals are available if your household income is at or below 130% of the poverty level.

TEFAP provides free food — including canned goods, dairy, meat, and produce — through local food banks and pantries. No income paperwork is required at most locations.

Medicaid pays for your doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and more — usually for free or very low cost. If you qualify, you get a Medicaid card to use at most doctors and hospitals.

CHIP covers kids' doctor visits, shots, prescriptions, dental, and vision — at very low or no cost. It covers children up to age 19.

If you don't have insurance through a job or Medicaid, you can buy a plan on Healthcare.gov and get tax credits that lower your monthly premium — sometimes to $0/month.

If you have Medicare and a limited income, these programs can pay your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copays — saving you hundreds of dollars per month.

Extra Help pays most of your Medicare drug plan costs — premiums, deductibles, and copays. Most people with Extra Help pay no more than $11.20 per prescription in 2024.

If you have HIV/AIDS and can't afford care, Ryan White pays for your doctor visits, HIV medications (including ART), lab tests, and support services like case management.

Community health centers offer doctor visits, dental care, mental health services, and prescriptions at a cost based on what you can afford — even $0 for those with no income.

Section 8 pays part of your rent directly to your landlord. You pay about 30% of your income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest — up to the local fair market rent.

Public housing provides affordable apartments owned by your local housing authority. Rent is typically set at 30% of your income. Apply through your local housing authority.

If you are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence, emergency housing vouchers and grants can help you find and pay for stable housing quickly.

If you live in a rural area and can't get a regular mortgage, USDA can give you a low-interest loan to buy, build, or repair a home. Some grants are available for home repairs.

TANF gives cash payments to families with children who have very low income. It also helps with job training, childcare, and other services to help families become self-sufficient.

The EITC is a tax credit that can give you back hundreds or even thousands of dollars when you file your taxes. You must have earned income from a job. The more children you have, the larger the credit.

If you were laid off or lost your job, unemployment insurance pays you a weekly check while you look for work. The amount is based on your past wages. Apply through your state's unemployment office.

Job Corps provides free education, career training, housing, meals, and a small allowance for young adults who need help getting started. You can earn a high school diploma or GED and learn a trade.

SSI sends you a monthly check if you are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability and have very little income or savings. It helps cover basic needs like food, clothing, and housing.

SSDI pays you a monthly benefit if you have a disability that prevents you from working and you have enough work history. After 24 months on SSDI, you automatically get Medicare.

If you have a disability that makes it hard to work, vocational rehabilitation can pay for job training, college, assistive technology, and help finding a job — all for free.

If you served in the military, you may qualify for free or low-cost health care through the VA — including doctor visits, mental health care, prescriptions, dental, and more.

The GI Bill pays for college tuition, housing, and books for veterans and sometimes their family members. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover full in-state tuition at public schools.

VA home loans let eligible veterans buy a home with no down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates. The VA guarantees part of the loan so lenders offer better terms.

If you served during wartime and have a low income, the VA pension gives you monthly payments to help cover living expenses. Surviving spouses of wartime veterans may also qualify.

HUD-VASH combines a Section 8 housing voucher with VA case management services to help homeless veterans find and keep stable housing.

CCDF pays part or all of your child care costs so you can work or go to school. You choose your own licensed child care provider. Apply through your state or local social services office.

Head Start is a free preschool program for children from birth to age 5 from low-income families. It provides education, meals, health screenings, and family support services.

The Pell Grant gives you free money for college or vocational school — you don't have to pay it back. The amount depends on your financial need, school costs, and enrollment status.

Federal student loans have lower interest rates than private loans and offer income-driven repayment plans where your monthly payment is based on what you earn — as low as $0/month if your income is low.

LIHEAP helps pay your electric, gas, or heating oil bills so you don't have to choose between keeping the lights on and buying food. It can also help in energy emergencies.

Lifeline gives you a discount of up to $9.25/month on your phone or internet bill. If you qualify for ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program), you may get free or very low-cost internet.

WAP sends a crew to your home to add insulation, seal air leaks, upgrade your heating system, and make other improvements — all for free. This can save you $300-$500 per year on energy bills.

Meals on Wheels delivers hot, nutritious meals to seniors who can't easily leave home. Senior centers also offer congregate meals. There is no income requirement — donations are accepted but not required.

PACE provides all the care a nursing home would — doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, meals, transportation, and social activities — but you live at home instead of a facility.