Assistance Programs in United States (federal programs)
17 programs, grouped by what you need help with. Each links to its official application site, and most have a plain-language how-to-apply guide.
Free · Private · Takes under 2 minutes
Rent & Housing Assistance
- HUD Housing Counseling
Free or low-cost HUD-approved counselors who help with eviction prevention, foreclosure, renting, and homelessness — and know every local housing program.
Utility Bill Help
- LIHEAP (Energy Bill Assistance)
Federal program that helps pay heating and cooling bills, and can help in a shutoff emergency. Run by state and local agencies.
- Lifeline (Phone & Internet Discount)
Monthly discount on phone or internet service for low-income households.
Food Assistance
- Feeding America Food Bank Locator
Find your nearest food bank and free food distribution. No paperwork needed at most pantries.
- SNAP (Food Stamps)
Monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy groceries. The largest food assistance program in the country — millions of eligible people never apply.
- WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
Food benefits, nutrition support, and healthcare referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.
Free & Low-Cost Healthcare
- Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov)
Subsidized health insurance if you don't qualify for Medicaid. Losing a job or income counts as a special enrollment event.
- Medicaid & CHIP
Free or very low-cost health coverage for people with limited income, including children (CHIP), pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Cash Assistance & Benefits
- Social Security (SSI / SSDI)
SSI provides monthly payments to people 65+ or with disabilities who have very limited income. SSDI covers workers who become disabled.
- TANF (Cash Assistance for Families)
Monthly cash assistance and work support for very-low-income families with children. Run by states under different names.
- USAGov Benefit Finder
Official government screening tool that checks 1,000+ federal and state programs you may qualify for in about 10 minutes.
Debt & Credit Help
- NFCC Nonprofit Credit Counseling
Free or low-cost counseling from nonprofit agencies: budgeting, debt management plans, and negotiating with creditors. A safe alternative to for-profit "debt relief" companies.
Veterans Benefits & Services
- VA Benefits (Veterans)
Disability compensation, pensions, healthcare, housing help, and more for veterans and eligible family members.
Unclaimed Money
- MissingMoney (Unclaimed Property Search)
Official state-endorsed search for money owed to you: old deposits, uncashed checks, forgotten accounts. Free — never pay anyone to claim it.
Free Legal Aid
- LawHelp.org (Free Legal Aid)
Find free legal aid in your state for evictions, debt collection, benefits denials, and family issues.
Crisis Support
- 211 — Community Resource Helpline
Free, confidential helpline that connects you with local assistance programs of every kind — rent, utilities, food, shelter, healthcare, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas, in many languages.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or crisis. Call or text 988.