This directory collects official programs and nationwide finders for free and low-cost help. Each card explains who the resource helps, how to get started and links to the official source, because that is where you actually apply. Applying for government benefits is free.
Most programs are run by states, counties or local agencies, so the exact rules and application steps depend on where you live. If a program below is not available in your area, dialing 211 or visiting 211.org is the fastest way to find the local equivalent. For step-by-step explanations, see our guides.
Community & Legal
Find Help Near You: 211
A free national information and referral service that connects people to local help with food, housing, utilities, healthcare, childcare and more.
- Who it helps
- Anyone looking for local community services.
- How to get started
- Dial 211, search by ZIP code at 211.org or, in many areas, text your ZIP code to 898211.
Community & Legal
USAGov Benefit Finder
A U.S. government questionnaire that helps you discover federal benefit programs you may be eligible for based on your situation.
- Who it helps
- Individuals and families wondering which federal benefits may apply.
- How to get started
- Answer a short set of questions on the site. It then links to the official application for each program.
Food
SNAP (Food Stamps) State Directory
Find your state SNAP agency to apply for monthly benefits to buy groceries with an EBT card.
- Who it helps
- Households with limited income and resources.
- How to get started
- Choose your state to reach its application page or local office. Applications are free.
Food
WIC: Women, Infants and Children
Healthy foods, nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support for pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5.
- Who it helps
- Pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children under 5 with qualifying income and nutrition need.
- How to get started
- Contact your state or local WIC agency to book an appointment and bring ID, proof of residence and income.
Food
Feeding America Food Bank Locator
Find the food bank that serves your area and its partner pantries and meal programs.
- Who it helps
- Anyone who needs free groceries or meals.
- How to get started
- Enter your ZIP code. Call ahead to confirm hours and any ID requirements.
Food
School Meals (Lunch and Breakfast)
The National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs provide free or low-cost meals to students.
- Who it helps
- School-age children. Families with limited income may qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
- How to get started
- Apply through your child's school or school district. Some schools serve all students for free.
Food
Meals on Wheels America
A network of local programs delivering meals and friendly check-ins to older adults, along with community dining sites.
- Who it helps
- Older adults who have difficulty shopping or cooking for themselves.
- How to get started
- Use the "find a meal" option on the site to locate your local provider and ask about eligibility.
Utilities & Energy
LIHEAP: Home Energy Assistance
Help paying heating and cooling bills, with crisis assistance in many states. The phone number is the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline.
- Who it helps
- Households with low incomes, with priority in many states for older adults, people with disabilities and families with young children.
- How to get started
- Call the hotline or dial 211 to find where to apply in your state. Apply early because funds are limited.
Utilities & Energy
Weatherization Assistance Program
Free energy-saving upgrades such as insulation, air sealing and heating system repairs for eligible low-income households.
- Who it helps
- Low-income homeowners and renters, with priority for older adults, people with disabilities and families with children.
- How to get started
- Apply through your state or local weatherization agency, which the Department of Energy page can help you find.
Internet & Phone
Lifeline: Discounted Phone and Internet
A federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible households.
- Who it helps
- Households at or below the income limit, or that participate in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal public housing assistance or certain veterans programs.
- How to get started
- Apply through a participating provider or directly through the National Verifier at LifelineSupport.org.
Internet & Phone
Lifeline Support: Check Eligibility and Apply
The official site to check your eligibility, apply through the National Verifier and find participating providers in your area.
- Who it helps
- Anyone who may qualify for Lifeline.
- How to get started
- Start an application online or by mail. Never pay a fee to apply.
Internet & Phone
PCs for People
A nonprofit that provides refurbished computers and low-cost internet service to eligible households.
- Who it helps
- Households with limited income, often those that receive government benefits.
- How to get started
- Check eligibility on the website and order a computer or internet service online.
Transportation
Eldercare Locator
A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that connects older adults and caregivers to local services such as transportation, meals and in-home care.
- Who it helps
- Adults 60 and older and their caregivers.
- How to get started
- Search by ZIP code online or call to be connected to your local Area Agency on Aging.
Transportation
Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Information on free rides to covered medical appointments for people who have Medicaid.
- Who it helps
- Medicaid members who have no other way to get to covered care.
- How to get started
- Call your state Medicaid office or health plan and schedule rides several days in advance.
Housing
HUD Rental Assistance
Explains Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing and other HUD rental help, and how to contact your local housing authority.
- Who it helps
- Households with low incomes compared with their area median income.
- How to get started
- Contact your local Public Housing Agency to ask which waiting lists are open.
Housing
HUD Resource Locator
Search for HUD-assisted apartments, housing counselors, public housing agencies and other housing resources by location.
- Who it helps
- Renters, homebuyers and people seeking affordable apartments.
- How to get started
- Search by city, state or ZIP code, then contact the property or agency directly.
Housing
Find a Housing Counselor (CFPB)
Find HUD-approved housing counseling agencies that offer free or low-cost help with renting, budgeting, foreclosure prevention and buying a home.
- Who it helps
- Renters and homeowners, including people behind on rent or mortgage payments.
- How to get started
- Search by ZIP code or call the HUD housing counseling line.
Community & Legal
LawHelp.org: Free Legal Aid
Find free civil legal help and plain-language information about housing, eviction, benefits, family law and consumer issues.
- Who it helps
- People with low incomes facing civil legal problems.
- How to get started
- Select your state to find legal aid organizations, self-help guides and clinics.
Healthcare
Medicaid and CHIP
Low-cost or free health coverage for eligible children, pregnant people, parents, older adults and people with disabilities.
- Who it helps
- People who meet your state's income and category rules.
- How to get started
- Apply any time of year through HealthCare.gov or your state Medicaid agency.
Healthcare
Find a Health Center (HRSA)
Locate community health centers that provide primary care, and often dental and mental health care, with fees based on income.
- Who it helps
- Anyone, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
- How to get started
- Search by address or ZIP code and call the center to ask about the sliding fee scale.
Healthcare
Free and Charitable Clinics
A directory of free and charitable clinics that provide care to people who are uninsured or underinsured.
- Who it helps
- People without insurance or with limited means.
- How to get started
- Use the clinic finder and call ahead to confirm services and eligibility.
Healthcare
NeedyMeds
A nonprofit directory of patient assistance programs, discount cards and other ways to lower the cost of medicines and medical care.
- Who it helps
- People who struggle to pay for prescriptions or health care.
- How to get started
- Search for your medicine, then follow the link to the program's application.
Healthcare
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Costs
A Social Security program that helps people with Medicare and limited income and resources pay for prescription drug premiums and copays.
- Who it helps
- People with Medicare who have limited income and resources.
- How to get started
- Apply online at the Social Security Administration or call the number listed.
Community & Legal
Community Action Agency Finder
Find the local community action agency that may offer energy assistance, weatherization, food, housing help, job training and Head Start.
- Who it helps
- People with low incomes seeking help with several needs.
- How to get started
- Search by ZIP code or county and contact the agency for an intake appointment.
Community & Legal
Head Start
Free early learning and family support programs for eligible children from birth to age 5, including Early Head Start.
- Who it helps
- Families with young children and limited income, including children in foster care and families experiencing homelessness.
- How to get started
- Use the center locator on the website or ask your local community action agency.
Money & Jobs
Free Tax Help (VITA)
IRS-certified volunteers prepare and e-file tax returns for free and help claim credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.
- Who it helps
- People who earn below the IRS income limit, people with disabilities and those with limited English.
- How to get started
- Find a site near you on the IRS website, then bring ID, Social Security cards and income documents.
Money & Jobs
CareerOneStop: American Job Centers
The U.S. Department of Labor's career site, with a locator for American Job Centers that offer free job search help, training and support services.
- Who it helps
- Anyone looking for work, training or a career change.
- How to get started
- Use the "Find local help" tools to locate a job center and ask about supportive services.
Money & Jobs
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Tools
Free guides and tools on budgeting, debt, credit reports, mortgages and avoiding financial scams.
- Who it helps
- Anyone who wants clear, unbiased money information.
- How to get started
- Browse the tools and guides online. Use the site to submit a complaint about a financial company.
Community & Legal
Report Fraud (FTC)
Report scams, including fake benefit and grant offers, to the Federal Trade Commission and get next steps to protect yourself.
- Who it helps
- Anyone who encountered or fell victim to a scam.
- How to get started
- File a report online in a few minutes. Also contact your bank if money was sent.
Healthcare
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, 24/7 support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, by call, text or chat.
- Who it helps
- Anyone in crisis, or worried about someone who is.
- How to get started
- Call or text 988, or chat online.
Housing
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential support, safety planning and referrals, including to shelters, for people experiencing domestic violence.
- Who it helps
- Anyone experiencing abuse and their friends and family.
- How to get started
- Call, text or chat online at any time.