Government Benefits

Federal government benefit programs can help people with a low income cover basic expenses like food, housing, and healthcare.

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If you're looking for immediate or emergency help, your state's human service or social service agency might be able to provide financial assistance or refer you to local community organizations.

Search for Financial Assistance from the Government

Benefits.gov is a free website that can help you determine which types of government assistance you might qualify for and how and where to apply.

• Using the Benefit Finder, answer questions about yourself and your needs to see if you’re eligible for programs to help you pay for food, health insurance, or other necessities.

Check back with Benefits.gov in the future to see if you’re eligible for additional benefits after major life events and as new benefit programs become available.

Search for Benefits and Programs for People with Disabilities

Find government and local disability programs including housing, jobs, education, and health care.

If you receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), review these top questions about Social Security.

Search for Benefits for Military Veterans and Their Families

Learn about veterans benefits such as burial, education, health, and housing.

What help is available?

There are a variety of benefit and aid programs to help you if you lose your job. CareerOneStop.org is a good place to start. It can help with unemployment insurance benefits, job training, and finding a job.

Unemployment Insurance

Am I eligible?

Unemployment insurance programs pay you money if you lose your job through no fault of your own. You must meet your state's eligibility requirements.

How do I apply?

Each state runs its own program. Select your state from this map to find out how to apply. You may be able to file online, by phone, or in person. 

Is there anything else I need to know?

• Some states provide extended benefits when there's high unemployment. Extended unemployment insurance benefits last for 13 weeks. You can apply for extended benefits only once you've run out of regular benefits. Check with your state; not everyone qualifies.

• You must report unemployment benefits as income on your tax return.

Other Types of Benefits and Programs for the Unemployed

Educational Help

Federal agencies offer many unemployment education and training programs. They are generally free or low cost to the unemployed.

Self-Employment Help

Self-employment assistance programs help unemployed workers start their own small businesses. Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, and Oregon offer this program.

What help is available?

If you have a low income, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as "food stamps," is a federal nutrition program that can help you stretch your food budget.

Am I eligible?

To determine if you are eligible, you must meet certain requirements including resource and income limits. 

How do I apply?

Find the online application for your state, local office addresses, and phone numbers. You may  also apply in person at a state or local office.

Is there anything else I need to know?

• You get benefits each month on a plastic electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, which you use like a credit or debit card to purchase eligible food items at your local authorized SNAP grocery stores and some farmer's markets. 

• Some states have websites set up for managing your benefits. If your state doesn't have an EBT management website, you can contact your state SNAP office to check your benefits.

How do I file a complaint?

If you need to file a complaint concerning your food stamps or attempt to get food stamps, the following resources can help:

• If you have questions about your benefit amount, contact your local field office to request a hearing.

• File a complaint online or by phone about a SNAP retailer. You will need to give the name and the location of the store. You may remain anonymous if you choose.

• If you suspect fraud or abuse of the SNAP program, contact your state's SNAP fraud hotline  or website.

• Learn how to file a complaint if you believe you have experienced discrimination in the SNAP program because of age, sex, color, race, disability, religious creed, national origin, limited English proficiency, or political beliefs.

For Retailers

If you are a retailer or farmers market trying to become authorized to accept SNAP benefits, follow these application steps.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), also known as welfare, is designed to help families recover from temporary difficulties and move forward.

What help is available?

Recipients may qualify for help with food, housing, home energy, child care, job training, and more.

Each state TANF program is operated differently and has a different name.

Some tribal groups operate their own TANF programs.

Am I eligible?  

• Each state or tribal territory decides the specific eligibility criteria for financial assistance or other benefits and services.
• You must be a resident of the state where you are applying.

How do I apply?

• To sign-up for temporary benefits, you can apply at your local or county social services agency. Call your state TANF office for your local contact information.

How do I report TANF benefit fraud?

If you suspect possible welfare fraud, contact your local TANF office or contact the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General’s Fraud Hotline.

What else do I need to know?

If you receive TANF, you may be eligible to receive other government benefits.

Medicaid is a federal and state health insurance program for people with a low income.

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers health coverage to children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but who can’t afford private coverage. Medicaid and CHIP program names are different in each state.

Medicaid

What help is available?

Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical benefits to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Am I eligible?

Check with your state’s Medicaid office to see if you or your family members are eligible for benefits. In general, it depends on at least one or a combination of

• Age
• Income level
• Number of people in your family
• If you are pregnant or have a disability

How do I apply?

There are two ways to apply for Medicaid:

• Contact your state Medicaid agency. You must be a resident of the state where you are applying for benefits.
• Fill out an application through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

How do I complain?

If you have a problem with Medicaid or CHIP services, you can file a complaint. These programs are managed by each state rather than the federal government. Contact your state's Medicaid program to report your issue.

What additional help is available for children?

If your income is too high for Medicaid, your child may still qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It covers medical and dental care for uninsured children and teens up to age 19.

Is my child eligible for CHIP?

Rules to qualify are different in every state. In most cases, they depend on income.

How do I apply?

You have two ways to apply for CHIP:

• Find a program by state or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).
• Fill out an application through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Is there anything else I need to know?

• You can apply for and enroll in Medicaid or CHIP anytime during the year.
• Learn how to use your Medicaid or CHIP coverage.

• The Basic Health Program (BHP) offers affordable, continued coverage for people whose income shifts above and below Medicaid or CHIP levels.
• Get information on other common types of health insurance, such as Medicare, and find help paying for medical bills.