Money help that's actually right for Puerto Rico
Most money advice online is written for the 50 states. On the island the programs, the agencies and even the tax forms are different. These guides are built for how things really work here — in Spanish and English.
- PAN, not SNAP
- Plan Vital, not Medicaid
- No SSI on the island
- Hacienda before the IRS
- 16 guides
Benefits (ayudas)
PAN instead of SNAP, Plan Vital instead of Medicaid, and why there's no SSI on the island.
WIC, LIHEAP and TANF in Puerto Rico: the smaller programs that add up
WIC, LIHEAP, and TANF are three government programs that can help you cover food, electricity, and basic expenses if your family has low or moderate income in Puerto Rico. Here we explain how they work, what makes them unique on the island, and how to get started applying.
There is no SSI in Puerto Rico: what seniors and people with disabilities can get instead
If you live in Puerto Rico, SSI is not available to you — but there are other federal and local programs that can help older adults and people with disabilities. This guide explains which programs you may be able to apply for, how they work, and what steps you can take today.
Plan Vital explained: Puerto Rico's Medicaid and why there's no Obamacare marketplace
Plan Vital is Puerto Rico's Medicaid and CHIP program, managed by ASES (the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration), and it covers low- and moderate-income families who can't afford private insurance. Unlike the 50 states, Puerto Rico has no Obamacare marketplace and no tax credits to help buy coverage.
PAN in Puerto Rico: how it differs from SNAP and how to apply
PAN (Programa de Asistencia Nutricional — Puerto Rico's food assistance program) is managed by ADSEF and works differently from the SNAP benefits available in the 50 states. Here we explain how it works, what makes it different, and how you can apply.
Housing (vivienda)
Sección 8 and residenciales, buying with AFV help, CRIM, and hurricane repair money.
Hurricane damage repair money: FEMA, SBA disaster loans and CDBG-DR, step by step
If a hurricane damaged your home in Puerto Rico, there are three main sources of help: FEMA, low-interest loans from the SBA, and CDBG-DR funds managed by the Departamento de la Vivienda (Puerto Rico's Housing Department). This guide walks you through how to access each one, step by step, with no promises about specific results.
CRIM property tax in Puerto Rico: exemptions, payment plans and clearing a debt
CRIM (Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales — Puerto Rico's municipal tax collection agency) collects property taxes in Puerto Rico and offers exemptions, payment plans, and amnesty programs that could help you lower or pay off what you owe. Knowing your options early can protect you from penalties, interest charges, and even losing a home sale.
Buying a home in Puerto Rico with help: AFV/PRHFA programs, FHA, USDA and VA loans
If you have low or moderate income and dream of owning your first home in Puerto Rico, programs like those from the AFV, plus FHA, VA, and USDA loans, can help you cover the down payment and closing costs. Rules change often, so always check with the agency before making any decisions.
Public housing (residenciales) in Puerto Rico: how to apply with AVP
The Administración de Vivienda Pública (AVP) — Puerto Rico's Public Housing Administration — manages about 325 public housing communities across the island, where rent is based on your income. This guide explains how to apply, what documents you need, and what your rights are as a resident.
Section 8 in Puerto Rico: how vouchers work with Vivienda and the municipal housing authorities
The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) helps low- and moderate-income families in Puerto Rico pay rent by covering the difference between what you can afford and the actual cost of an apartment. Here we explain how it works, who runs it, and what steps you can take today.
Taxes & income
Hacienda vs. the IRS, the Child Tax Credit, Crédito por Trabajo, and self-employment on the island.
Self-employed in Puerto Rico: SURI, IVU, patente municipal and Social Security taxes
If you work for yourself in Puerto Rico — as a freelancer, gig worker, or independent seller — you have tax responsibilities with Hacienda (Puerto Rico's Treasury Department), your municipality, and the federal IRS that are different from those of a regular employee. This guide walks you through the main steps to operate legally and avoid penalties.
Crédito por Trabajo: Puerto Rico's own earned income credit, explained
The Crédito por Trabajo (EITC-PR) — Puerto Rico's earned income tax credit — is a refundable tax credit offered by Hacienda (Puerto Rico's Department of the Treasury) to workers with low or moderate incomes. If you qualify, you could get money back even if you don't owe any taxes.
The Child Tax Credit for Puerto Rico families: who qualifies and how to claim it
Starting with tax year 2021, families in Puerto Rico with one or more qualifying children can claim the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) — even if they don't owe federal taxes. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, and what pitfalls to avoid.
Hacienda or the IRS? Who files what when you live in Puerto Rico
If you live in Puerto Rico, you most likely file with Hacienda (Puerto Rico's Treasury Department), not the IRS — but there are important exceptions you need to know so you don't make costly mistakes.
Credit & banking
Cooperativas vs. banks, building credit, and your rights when a collector calls.
Debt collection in Puerto Rico: your rights, prescription periods and how to respond
If a collection agency calls or writes to you, you have real rights under both federal and Puerto Rico law. This guide explains what collectors can and can't do, how long they have to collect, and how to protect yourself.
Building credit in Puerto Rico: what's the same, what's different
Building credit in Puerto Rico follows the same federal rules and uses the same credit bureaus as the 50 states, but there are local details — like compound last names, urbanización addresses, and cooperativas — that you should know to protect and grow your credit history.
Cooperativas vs banks in Puerto Rico: where to open an account or get a loan
In Puerto Rico, you have two main options for managing your money: cooperativas de ahorro y crédito (credit unions) and commercial banks. Understanding the differences can help you save money on fees and get better loan terms.
Decide: "Should I…?" for Puerto Rico
Three quick questions, one straight answer for your situation on the island.
Cooperativa or bank for my first loan in Puerto Rico?
Both are insured. The right one depends on your credit file, how fast you need the money, and whether you'll stay a member.
FEMA, an SBA loan, or CDBG-DR to fix my home after a hurricane?
Three pots of money, three sets of rules. The order you apply in matters.
Hacienda or the IRS — where do I file if I live in Puerto Rico?
Most residents file with Hacienda. Some also owe the IRS a form — and families with kids should want to.
Programs directory
Every agency in one place: what it does, what to bring, and the official phone and website.
- ADSEF — Departamento de la Familia
PAN (Nutrition Assistance)
Monthly food benefit on the Tarjeta de la Familia. Puerto Rico's version of SNAP.
What to bring: ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, rent/utility bills, birth certificates for children.
- ASES / Programa Medicaid
Plan Vital (Medicaid PR)
Government health coverage delivered through private insurers. No ACA marketplace exists in PR.
What to bring: ID, Social Security cards, proof of income and residence for everyone in the household.
- Departamento de Salud
WIC Puerto Rico
Food, formula and nutrition help for pregnant women, infants and children under 5.
What to bring: ID, proof of income and address, the child's immunization record.
- ADSEF
LIHEAP (energy bill help)
Yearly payment toward your LUMA electric bill when the enrollment window opens.
What to bring: Recent LUMA bill, ID, proof of income.
- Social Security Administration
Social Security & SSDI (SSI is not available in PR)
Retirement, survivors and disability (SSDI) benefits apply in Puerto Rico. SSI does not.
What to bring: Social Security number, birth certificate, work history, medical records for SSDI.
- Departamento de la Vivienda + autoridades municipales
Sección 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers)
Rent subsidy you take to a private landlord. Each housing authority keeps its own waitlist — apply to several.
What to bring: ID, Social Security cards, income proof, birth certificates, current lease if any.
- Administración de Vivienda Pública (AVP)
Public housing (residenciales)
Government-owned apartments with rent set at about 30% of your adjusted income.
What to bring: ID, Social Security cards, income proof, birth certificates.
- Autoridad para el Financiamiento de la Vivienda (AFV)
Homebuyer assistance (AFV / PRHFA)
Down-payment and closing-cost help and subsidized mortgage programs for first-time buyers.
What to bring: Income proof, credit report, pre-qualification from a participating lender.
- CRIM
CRIM property tax & exemption
Check your property tax account, request the primary-residence exemption, or set up a payment plan.
What to bring: Deed (escritura) or proof of ownership, ID, catastro number.
- FEMA
FEMA disaster assistance
Register after a federally declared disaster for home repair, temporary housing and personal property help.
What to bring: Social Security number, insurance info, photos of damage, proof you lived there (deed, bill, or sworn statement).
- Departamento de Hacienda
Planilla & SURI (Hacienda)
File your Puerto Rico income tax return, claim the Crédito por Trabajo, register as a merchant.
What to bring: W-2PR, 480.6 forms, Social Security numbers, dependents' info.
- IRS
Child Tax Credit for PR (Form 1040-SS / 1040-PR)
Federal credit for Puerto Rico families with children — claimed on a separate federal form, not on the planilla.
What to bring: Social Security numbers for parents and children, income records. Free help at VITA sites.
- COSSEC
Find an insured cooperativa
COSSEC insures deposits at Puerto Rico's cooperativas (like FDIC for banks) and lists every insured coop.
What to bring: ID and a small deposit to buy your membership shares (acciones).
- DACO
Consumer complaints (DACO)
File a complaint against a collection agency, lender, dealer or store that broke the rules.
What to bring: Contracts, receipts, letters or call logs from the business.
- Servicios Legales de Puerto Rico
Free legal help
Free lawyers for low-income residents: debt collection, evictions, benefits denials, FEMA appeals.
What to bring: ID, proof of income, and any letters or court papers you received.
MoneyFAQ is an educational resource, not a government agency, lender, lawyer or tax preparer. Program rules, income limits and deadlines change — always confirm with the agency listed. Links go to official sites.
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