Help and assistance programs
What to do if your benefits application is denied
A denial is not always the final word. Most benefit programs give you the right to appeal or reapply — and many decisions are reversed once a missing document or a simple error is fixed.
Read Help and assistance programsHow to stop a utility shutoff
If your power, gas, or water is about to be shut off, you often have more options than you realize — from emergency assistance and payment plans to legal protections that can delay or prevent disconnection.
Read Help and assistance programsHow to get help paying for prescriptions
If your medications cost too much, patient assistance programs, discount tools, and community clinics can bring the price way down — sometimes to little or nothing.
Read Help and assistance programsHow to get help paying for childcare
Childcare is one of the biggest costs families face, but subsidy programs and free early-learning options like Head Start can cut it dramatically — or cover it entirely.
Read Help and assistance programsSSI vs SSDI: disability benefits explained
SSI and SSDI both provide monthly income if a disability keeps you from working — but they qualify people differently: SSI is based on financial need, while SSDI is based on your work history.
Read Help and assistance programsHow Section 8 housing vouchers work
A Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher helps you pay rent on a home you choose in the private market — you generally pay about 30% of your income and the program covers the rest.
Read Help and assistance programsHow TANF cash assistance works for families
TANF gives short-term monthly cash to families with children who have little or no income — and often connects you to job, childcare, and other support along the way.
Read Help and assistance programsHow to get emergency rental and eviction help
If you're behind on rent or facing eviction, emergency rental assistance and local programs may be able to cover back rent and help you stay housed — but acting early makes a big difference.
Read Help and assistance programsHow to get help with your phone bill
If you're struggling to pay your phone or internet bill, there are real programs that can lower your costs or even cover them. Here's how to find help.
Read Help and assistance programsHow to apply for unemployment
If you've lost your job, unemployment benefits can help you cover basic bills while you look for work. Here are the steps to file a claim and what to expect.
Read Help and assistance programsWhat WIC offers for families
WIC is a free government program that provides food, nutrition support, and other resources to pregnant women, new moms, babies, and young children who qualify.
Read Help and assistance programsHow to apply for SNAP
Applying for SNAP food benefits can feel overwhelming, but the process is simpler than most people think. Here are the steps to get food help when you need it most.
Read Help and assistance programsHow to get free tax and money help
Free, trustworthy tax and money help is available near you — no cost, no judgment, just real support from trained people who want to help.
Read Help and assistance programsHow unemployment benefits work
Unemployment benefits can give you some income to cover basics while you look for your next job. Here is how the program works and how to apply.
Read Help and assistance programsHow to find local assistance programs
Finding local help for housing, health, and other needs can feel overwhelming. This guide shows you simple, practical ways to locate assistance programs right in your community.
Read Help and assistance programsHow Medicaid works, explained
Medicaid is a government program that gives free or very low-cost health coverage to people with limited income. If you qualify, it can help pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and more.
Read Help and assistance programsHow LIHEAP helps with energy bills
LIHEAP is a free government program that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. If you're struggling to keep the lights on or stay warm, this program may be able to help.
Read Help and assistance programsHow SNAP (food stamps) works
SNAP (formerly food stamps) helps low-income individuals and families pay for groceries. Here's how it works and how to apply.
Read