Social services in the United States are typically reserved for low-income families and disadvantaged communities. If your family has minimal resources or income, federal and state governments can step in if you're eligible and apply for help.
While there are too many government assistance programs to list them all, here are seven free ways to get financial help from the government for everything from food costs to housing and education.
7 Ways to Get Financial Help From the Government
1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The TANF program, commonly known as welfare, provides eligible low-income families that have children with temporary cash assistance and free services. It's administered on the state level, so support services vary but could include job training, work assistance and child care assistance.
Who qualifies: Those with low or very low income, and those who are unemployed or underemployed. You also must live in the state where you apply and be a U.S. citizen or a legal or qualified alien. You must be pregnant, have a child who's 18 or younger or be 18 years old or younger while also serving as head of your household.
Limits: The maximum benefit amount varies by state. Monthly payments are typically low and not enough to cover all basic needs but can help with some essentials. As of May 2024, the monthly benefit amount in the median state was $549, up from $492 the prior year, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
How to apply: TANF is funded at the federal level, but states determine how it's used and dispersed. On the TANF website, select your state for contact information for your local office, which you'll apply through.
2. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Low-income households can receive financial assistance with heating and cooling bills through this program. In most states, it also helps with energy crises like utility shut-offs, home weatherization and minor energy-related repairs.
Who qualifies: Rules vary by state, but eligibility factors include your location, energy needs and costs, household size, income and other benefits. Assess your eligibility on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse website.
Limits: Limits vary by state, though typically helps only with your main heating source, and it's not meant to cover all of your energy costs or your entire bill. Not everyone who's eligible will receive aid since funding is limited.
How to apply: Apply through your local LIHEAP office; find yours with LIHEAP's search tool. Some states have online applications.
3. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP covers some costs of nutritious food for eligible low-income families. Formerly called the food stamp program, SNAP provides an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that functions like a debit card, but can only be used in retail food stores for eligible items.
Who qualifies: Your gross monthly household income typically must be at or below 130% of the poverty line, and some states have a maximum for assets like bank account balances. Households with a member who's disabled or over 60 can have more assets.
Limits: The larger your household, the greater benefit you'll receive. If you have no net income, you'll receive the maximum (which varies by year). If you have income, your household is expected to contribute 30% of your net income on food; you'll receive the maximum benefit minus the contribution amount. If you're 18 to 50 years old without dependents, and working or in work training at least 20 hours weekly, you can only be on SNAP for three months (and only every three years).
How to apply: SNAP is a federal program handled at the state level, so apply in the state where you currently live. Some allow online applications. Find your local SNAP office and contact them to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
4. Housing Choice Vouchers
Formerly called Section 8, this federal program reduces costs of renting private properties for very low income families, plus elderly or disabled people. The government pays part of the rent cost directly to the landlord, with renters paying their landlord the difference. Housing choice vouchers are federally funded but provided by local public housing agencies (PHA).
Who qualifies: Typically, households with income that doesn't exceed 50% of the median income in their county or city. Other factors include family size and assets.
Limits: Rental properties must meet the government's minimum health and safety standards. If you're eligible, assistance may not be immediate; due to demand, it's common to spend a while on a waiting list.
How to apply: Since housing choice vouchers are handled locally, find your local PHA and contact them. Don't forget about other affordable housing programs, such as public housing.
5. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Older adults and children or adults with disabilities who have minimal resources and income may qualify for monthly SSI payments, a benefit from the Social Security Administration.
Who qualifies: Individuals with a very limiting disability or blindness, or who are 65 years or older. You must have little to no assets and income, including benefits. Limits are higher for couples and children than for individuals.
Limits: For 2024, the maximum monthly payment for individuals is $943 and $1,415 for couples. You may receive less depending on your income, your spouse's income and money from non-work sources such as pensions, unemployment or disability benefits.
How to apply: You can apply for SSI online, by phone or by visiting your local Social Security office.
6. Head Start
Low-income families can access free education and development programs for children from birth to age 5 through these programs. Head Start offers preschool for children ages 3 and 4, while Early Head Start offers programs to infants, toddlers, and in some cases, to pregnant people.
Who qualifies: Families at or below the current poverty level. You can qualify regardless of income if you receive TANF, SSI or SNAP.
Limits: There may not be enough spaces, landing you on a waiting list.
How to apply: Head Start is federally funded but operated by states. Explore eligibility and apply through your local Head Start center.
7. Federal Pell Grants
Private and federal student loans need to be repaid, which can make obtaining a higher education unaffordable. Federal Pell Grants, on the other hand, provide needs-based money for low-income students and isn't repaid.
Who qualifies: You must have strong financial need and be attending college for your first bachelor's degree (or be enrolled in certain graduate programs leading to teacher certification).
Limits: The maximum Pell Grant amount can vary annually; for the 2024-2025 academic year, it's $7,395. However, your amount will depend on factors such as financial need, your school's cost to attend, whether you're a full-time or part-time student and more. You can only receive Pell Grants for up to 12 full-time terms or equivalent, which is around six years.
How to apply: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA automatically determines eligibility for Pell Grants and any other financial aid for the next school year.
Avoid Government Assistance Scams
Tragically, scammers have found ways to take advantage of those seeking government assistance through a variety of tactics.
These "free money" scams typically involve fraudsters contacting you while pretending to be with a government agency. They may offer financial assistance or help obtaining benefits. You might also encounter scams if you already use a benefit, like Social Security scams, where criminals contact beneficiaries and request money for phony fees or upgrades.
Scammers have become more sophisticated through call spoofing, making it appear as though they're calling from a legitimate government agency or business.
To avoid becoming a victim, use these strategies:
- If you receive an unsolicited call, email or text, never give out personal information such as your Social Security number, credit card numbers or bank account.
- Be skeptical; if you're contacted and unsure if it's legitimate, end communication. Look up the number for that agency and call them to find out if you were contacted legitimately or not. Many government agencies will only contact you through the U.S. mail.
- If the person puts pressure on you or makes threats, it's more likely to be a scam; stop communicating.
- Know that requests for payment by money wire, cryptocurrency, a payment app or a gift card are likely to be scams.
Learn More >> How to Avoid Financial Scams
The Bottom Line
The seven government programs above only scratch the surface. You can find additional benefits through the federal government's Benefit Finder, which asks various questions to determine any and all benefits you might be eligible for. This includes things like tax credits for families, Medicaid, free job training programs and much more. You may also be able to find help beyond government programs, such as credit counseling and financial assistance if you need help paying monthly bills or getting out of debt.