I need help right now
When you're facing a shutoff, an eviction, or an empty fridge, these guides show you exactly where to turn — real programs that can help with rent, utilities, food, health, childcare, and cash, plus simple steps for how to apply.
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Your reading path
- 1How to get emergency rental and eviction helpIf 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.
- 2How to stop a utility shutoffIf 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.
- 3How TANF cash assistance works for familiesTANF 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.
- 4How to get help paying for prescriptionsIf your medications cost too much, patient assistance programs, discount tools, and community clinics can bring the price way down — sometimes to little or nothing.
- 5How to get help paying for childcareChildcare 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.
- 6How Section 8 housing vouchers workA 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.
- 7SSI vs SSDI: disability benefits explainedSSI 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.
- 8What to do if your benefits application is deniedA 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.
Related questions
Common questions people ask along this path.
Can I get help paying rent if I've already gotten an eviction notice?
Yes. Many rental-assistance programs still help after a notice is issued, and some courts pause eviction cases while your application is reviewed. Contact a local legal aid office and apply for assistance immediately — acting fast gives you the best chance.
Does rental assistance go to me or to my landlord?
In most programs the money is paid directly to your landlord for the rent you owe. Some programs can also cover utilities or upcoming rent. You'll usually need your landlord's cooperation and payment details to complete the application.
What if my landlord won't accept assistance?
Some programs can still help you, and a legal aid office can explain your rights. In certain areas, landlords cannot refuse assistance funds during an active case. If you're stuck, ask about relocation help or other local resources through 211.
Can my utility be shut off in winter?
Many states have cold-weather (and sometimes hot-weather) moratoriums that block disconnection during dangerous temperatures. Rules vary by state and utility, so call your provider or 211 to ask what protection applies where you live.
What is LIHEAP crisis assistance?
LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) includes emergency 'crisis' funds meant for situations like a shutoff notice or no heat. It can pay part of an overdue bill to keep or restore service. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office or call 211.
What if I've already been disconnected?
Act immediately — apply for LIHEAP crisis help, call 211 for local emergency funds, and contact your utility about the fastest path to reconnection. Explaining a medical need or a plan to pay can sometimes speed things up.
How much money does TANF pay each month?
It varies a lot by state and by family size — some states pay a few hundred dollars a month, others more or less. Your caseworker can tell you the exact amount you'd receive based on your household and income.
Do I have to work to get TANF?
In most states, adults receiving TANF must take part in work activities like a job, job training, or an active job search, unless they qualify for an exemption. TANF programs often provide childcare and transportation help so you can meet these requirements.
Is there a time limit on TANF?
Yes. Federal rules set a lifetime limit of about 60 months of cash assistance for most adults, and states can set shorter limits. TANF is meant to be temporary support while you work toward steadier income.
How do patient assistance programs work?
Many drug manufacturers run programs that provide their medications free or at very low cost to people who qualify, usually based on income and insurance status. You can search for a specific drug's program on sites like NeedyMeds or RxAssist, or ask your doctor's office for help applying.
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