This time-limited cash assistance program aims to help families in need care for their children in their own home, reduce dependency by promoting job preparation, reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies and encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides a supplement to assist qualifying low-income Nevadans with the cost of home energy, ensuring that these residents can weather the extreme heat and cold during summer and winter.
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Child Care Program assists low-income families, families receiving temporary public assistance and those transitioning from public assistance in obtaining child care so they can work.
CSE is a family-first program intended to ensure families' self-sufficiency by making child support a more reliable source of income. The program goals are to ensure children have the financial and medical support of both their parents; to foster responsible behavior towards children; to emphasize children need to have both parents involved in their lives; and, to reduce welfare costs.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $52,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
Here’s a descriptive list of major government assistance programs for individuals and businesses, with links to where and how to apply to them and applicable deadlines.
Key Takeaways
- There are eight general program categories: financial, home rental, homeownership, food, healthcare, retirement, taxes, and small business.
- Programs may be administered by the federal government alone or in partnership with states.
- Scammers often prey on individuals in need of assistance and should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Financial Assistance for Individuals and Families
These programs provide benefits in the form of payments, goods, or services to help with basic living expenses if you qualify due to low wages.
Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program
The Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program, created on Aug. 1, 2020, was a federal-state unemployment benefit that provided $300 to $400 in weekly compensation to eligible claimants. The federal government provided $300 per claimant from the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), and states were asked to provide the remaining $100.
LWA was established in response to the expiration of the FPUC program on July 31, 2020, and was designed to offer compensation through Dec. 27, 2020.
Pros of Unemployment Insurance
- Partial wages until you are rehired or find another job
- Time to explore new/better employment opportunities
- Opportunity to pursue education or training in a new career path
Cons of Unemployment Insurance
- Less income than when working (usually)
- Regular benefits only for 26 weeks
- No employer-provided healthcare benefits
- Unemployment benefits are subject to income tax
Source: U.S. Department of Labor and FEMA
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), also known as welfare, is another federally funded, state-run benefits program designed to help families achieve independence following temporary difficulty. Qualified recipients may receive help with food, housing, home energy, childcare, and job training. TANF recipients must engage in some type of work activity as defined by their state.
Each state runs its TANF program and determines eligibility criteria. You can apply at your local county social services agency or call your state TANF office for local contact information to sign up for benefits. Qualifying for TANF does not disqualify you from other government benefits.
Pros of TANF
- Provides needed assistance for families
- Targets specific help for children
- Can supplement income if you are already working
- Provides job training to encourage independence
Cons of TANF
- The income to qualify is often too low
- Can create a negative social stigma
- Uneven coverage due to individual state rules
- May discourage job hunting
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool provides an excellent way to determine your eligibility for any benefit administered by the SSA.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are paid to people who cannot work for at least one year due to a medical condition or who are expected to die from that condition.
To be eligible, you must:
- Have worked in a job or jobs covered by Social Security
- Meet Social Security’s definition of disability
- Have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for disability benefits
Additional information about SSDI can be found in the Social Security Disability Benefits brochure. The Social Security Disability Planner helps you determine if you are eligible. If you believe you qualify, you can apply online.
Pros of SSDI
- Increased monthly income
- Freezes Social Security earnings record
- Possibility of tax-free income
- Provides rehab and back-to-work incentives
Cons of SSDI
- Long time to process and approve SSDI claims
- Low income
- Eligibility will be reviewed, depending on the expectation of medical condition improvement/recovery, anywhere from six months to 7 years
- Can cause loss of Medicaid or SSI benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal income program administered but not funded by Social Security. SSI is designed to meet the basic needs of older, blind, and/or disabled Americans who have little or no income. SSI consists of a monthly payment to help with the cost of food, clothing, and shelter and can let you qualify for Medicaid coverage as well as food stamps.
SSI qualification requirements generally require you to be 65 or older and blind or disabled. Among other things, you must also:
- Have limited income
- Have limited resources
- Be a U.S. citizen or national or "qualified alien"
The SSI application process web page explains how to apply and includes an extensive How Someone Can Help You With Your SSI section.
Pros of SSI
- Benefits are set at the federal level, not by your state
- Can qualify for Medicaid and food stamps on SSI
- No prior work history required
- May also qualify for concurrent Social Security
Cons of SSI
- Eligibility is negatively affected by living arrangements
- Significant documentation needed to qualify
- Claims and appeals processes often slow
- Significant asset restriction rules
The table below compares TANF with both SSDI and SSI regarding eligibility.
| TANF | Yes | Yes | None | Single adult/couple with no children: No. Families with children: Yes | Yes |
| SSDI | No | No | Disabled | Yes | Yes |
| SSI | Yes | No | Any | Yes | No |
Source: Social Security Administration
Student Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the government access point for all forms of student financial aid, including grants and scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs. These programs provide financial help to college students with demonstrated financial needs.
Eligibility is based on:
- Financial need
- Being a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
- Maintaining good standing on your federal student loans
- Acceptance into an eligible degree program
- Maintaining adequate academic progress
Additional requirements can be found on the Federal Student Aid web page. The Federal Student Aid Application Process begins with FAFSA.
Pros of Student Financial Aid
- Helps to pay for college
- Deferment for federal loans
- Opportunity to attend better colleges
- Creates good credit if loans are paid on time
Cons of Student Financial Aid
- Loan repayment required
- Lifetime limits on Pell Grants
- Private loans are more expensive and restrictive
- Defaulting on loans hurts credit
Student loan payments, including principal and interest, on federally held student loans, have been suspended through Dec. 31, 2022; however, the suspension only applies to federal student loans held by the Department of Education.
The Department of Education also created an initiative called "Fresh Start" to help borrowers in default. Defaulted loans will return to repayment status and the record of default will be removed from credit reports.
The American Rescue Plan passed by Congress and signed by President Biden in March 2021 includes a provision that makes all student loan forgiveness from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2025, tax-free.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program at the start of 2022. The ACP is an extension of the EBB program, put in place by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The ACP offers a maximum monthly maximum discount of $30 for broadband services ($75 for those on tribal lands) that qualify. The program also grants a one-time discount of up to $100 toward a new laptop, desktop, or tablet purchased from participating providers.
Your household is eligible if the household income is at or below 200% of the current Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Your household can also qualify if at least one household member meets one of the following criteria:
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program.
- Participates in one of the assistance programs: The National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program (including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision), SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), WIC, Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits, or Lifeline.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
To apply, do the following:
- Go to ACPBenefit.org to apply online or print an application to mail in.
- Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.
Pros of the EBB
- The EBB program attacks the high cost of broadband, one of the leading causes of the digital divide
- The $50 (or $75) discount can be used alongside other discount programs
- Your internet service provider must give you fair warning that your discount is about to run out
Cons of the EBB
- The program has limited funding ($3.2 billion) and may not last as long as the need for it exists
- Although the list of participating providers is long (more than 1,200 at last count), it is possible you cannot find a provider in your area
- You could be tempted to upgrade to a faster plan and be responsible for payment when EBB funds run out
Subsidized Rental Housing
There are three forms of subsidized rental housing: privately owned subsidized housing, the housing choice voucher (HCV) program (formerly Section 8), and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) public housing. With privately-owned housing, you find the housing you want and apply for it at the rental office. You can search for housing at Resources.HUD.gov. With HCV, you find your apartment or house, and then the government pays the amount for which you qualify while you pay the difference.
HUD public housing, often used by people who don’t qualify for Section 8 housing, requires you to rent from a local public housing authority based on your income. Wait times for both HCV and public housing programs maybe long, depending on where you are applying.
To be eligible for privately owned subsidized housing, you must:
- Be within the income limit for your location and the size of your family.
- Meet other requirements set by the property owner.
To be eligible for housing choice or HUD public housing, you must:
- Be a family, a senior citizen, or have a disability
- Fall within program income limits
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
As noted above, apply for privately owned housing at the rental office. For the other two programs:
- Contact your local Public Housing Agency.
- Complete an application (requiring information such as income, family size, employer, and bank).
- Provide documentation, such as a photo ID, birth certificates, and tax returns.
Pros of Subsidized Rental Housing
- Below-market rental rates
- The benefit of government oversight
- Opportunity to save for something better
- Programs allow for choice
Cons of Subsidized Rental Housing
- Can deplete city resources and services
- Some of the existing housing is located in areas with high crime rates
- Difficult to qualify
- Long waiting lists
The table below compares all three housing programs and the requirements for each.
| Private subsidized | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Housing choice voucher (HCV) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Public housing | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Source: USA.gov
Homeownership Programs
HUD has several programs designed to help you purchase a home if you qualify for them.
FHA loans
One part of HUD, known as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), insures mortgages, which makes it easier for buyers to become homeowners thanks to less strict eligibility requirements. The program is popular with first-time homebuyers but not limited to them.
Eligibility for an FHA loan depends in part on your ability to post a down payment of 3.5% of the purchase price and have a credit score of at least 580. You must also make sure the home is priced within the loan limit for an FHA home in its location.
To apply for an FHA loan, you must find an approved FHA lender because the FHA doesn’t lend the money. If you have good credit and the ability to pay 10% to 15% down, you may find a conventional loan is less expensive than an FHA-insured loan.
Homeownership Vouchers
The HUD homeownership voucher program lets low-income families in the HCV program, including those in public housing, use their vouchers to meet monthly mortgage payments and other expenses when buying a home for the first time. Contact your local PHA to find out if your PHA offers this program.
Programs for Active-Duty Service Members and Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loan programs to active-duty service members, surviving spouses, and veterans. VA loans are provided by private lenders, with the VA guaranteeing a significant portion of the loan. A certificate of eligibility (COE) is required and can be applied for through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Mortgage lending discrimination is illegal. If you think you've been discriminated against based on race, religion, sex, marital status, use of public assistance, national origin, disability, or age, there are steps you can take. One such step is to file a report to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or with HUD.
State Programs
In addition to housing programs administered by the federal government, state housing finance agencies and state HUD offices offer special programs as well.
HUD also funds counseling agencies nationwide that advise on topics related to housing, including buying a home.
This table compares basic eligibility requirements for various government homeownership programs, including FICO credit score and debt-to-income ratio requirements.
| FHA | 500 or higher | 50% or less | Yes |
| Housing choice voucher (HCV) | PHA (Public Housing Agency) decision | PHA decision | Yes |
| Active-duty/veterans | 620 by lender | 41% | Yes |
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Pros of Government Homeownership Programs
- Low or no down payment
- Lower credit score to qualify
- No mortgage insurance (VA)
- Especially helpful for first-time buyers
Cons of Government Homeownership Programs
- Higher mortgage insurance costs (except VA)
- Restrictive government property standards
- Limited to primary residence
- Not competitive with multiple offers
Food Programs
From emergency food needs to ongoing nutrition assistance, the federal government, in partnership with states, offers free and low-cost food programs for families and individuals.
Immediate Aid
If you need food quickly, the USDA maintains a National Hunger Hotline—866-3-HUNGRY (866-348-6479)—with information and eligibility requirements available in English and Spanish. The hotline, which will connect you with emergency food providers, government programs, and social service agencies, operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP (no longer officially called food stamps) helps needy families supplement their food budget to move toward self-sufficiency. Eligibility is determined by individual states that administer the program. You apply in the state where you live by contacting your state agency.
Some states allow online applications, while others require your physical presence.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC provides low-income women and their young children with healthy food, nutrition counseling, and referral to health, welfare, and social services agencies. WIC is a federal grant program administered by the government through 90 WIC agencies and approximately 47,000 WIC retailers.
To be eligible, the mother must be pregnant, nursing, or postpartum (up to six months after birth) with infants (up to a year old) or children (under the age of five). There are additional income requirements posted on the WIC FAQ web page.
School-Age Children
Programs for school-age children include the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Eligibility requirements for all three programs are the same. If your family income falls below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines, your child is entitled to free food. If income is between 130% and 185% of guidelines, prices for meals are reduced.
Seniors
The federal government sponsors two programs designed to get food to low-income seniors. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) offers coupons to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and farms.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides healthy food every month. You must be 60 years of age or older and live in an area that offers either program to apply. Both programs have income limits. For more information, use the USDA's state contacts list.
Pros of Government Food Programs
- Nutritious food at no cost
- Improved dietary intake for vulnerable populations
- Reduced food insecurity for schoolchildren
- Reduced medical costs for adults, children, and seniors
Cons of Government Food Programs
- Social stigma for recipients
- The consistency and quality of state-run programs vary
- Limitations on what products can be purchased
- Mandated work requirements difficult for adults with children
The table below lists eligibility requirements for federal food programs.
| SNAP | Must meet state guidelines |
| WIC | Women: Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum Children: Under five years old. Must meet additional WIC requirements |
| NSLP, SBP, and SFSP | Less than 130% of poverty guidelines = free meals 130% to 185% of poverty guidelines = reduced-price meals |
| Seniors | 60 or older and must meet state guidelines |
Source: USA.gov.
Healthcare
Six major government healthcare programs provide medical coverage for low-income and older Americans, children, veterans, and those who have recently lost their jobs.
Medicare
Medicare is the main health insurance plan for those 65 and older. If you are still working and covered by employer health insurance when you are three months away from your 65th birthday, discuss your Medicare options and requirements with your human resources office. You can also consult "How To Apply Online for Just Medicare" on the Social Security website.
Medicare Part A pays for inpatient hospital stays and nursing care. Medicare Part B covers doctor's visits, tests, flu shots, physical therapy, and chemotherapy. Medicare Part D is Medicare's prescription drug benefit program, which is an optional benefit administered by private insurance companies.
Most people usually don't pay a monthly premium for Part A, and there are no coinsurance costs for hospital stays of 60 days or less. Part A is paid for through taxes during an individual's working years so that they receive the benefits in retirement.
The tax rate for Medicare is 1.45%. Employers also pay a tax of 1.45% for their employees, making the total Medicare tax 2.9%. If individuals earn over $200,000, they pay an additional 0.9%. This is only levied on employees, not employers.
Part B and Part D are paid for by premiums that the participant pays for out-of-pocket. Medicare is paid by two trust funds, the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, which funds Part A, which is funded through the payroll taxes described above, and the Supplemental Medical Insurance Trust Fund, which funds Part B and Part D, which is funded by premiums and other income, such as interest on the invested funds.
The trust funds don't cover the whole cost of healthcare for Medicare recipients, so there are still some monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
ACA Health Insurance Marketplace
Healthcare.gov is home to the Health Insurance Marketplace, created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), an Obama administration program designed to provide affordable health insurance to uninsured Americans. Anyone who doesn’t have health insurance can obtain coverage through the Marketplace. Those who fall below certain income limits can receive subsidies that lower the cost of coverage.
The Marketplace normally has an annual enrollment period to obtain or change coverage. In 2022, open enrollment begins November 1 and runs through the end of the year.
Medicaid and CHIP
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are related but have slightly different requirements. Medicaid is for low-income families and individuals. CHIP is for dependents under age 19 whose parents earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to pay for private health insurance coverage.
Both programs are federally funded in part and run at the state level. Each state has its own rules but must follow federal guidelines. You can apply for Medicaid and CHIP through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace or your state Medicaid agency.
Veterans Administration Healthcare
The primary criteria to receive VA healthcare benefits require that you be a military veteran or former member of the National Guard or Reserve who served on active duty and was not dishonorably discharged. Specific eligibility depends on when you served and for how long. The rules are complicated but well explained on the VA's eligibility web page.
COBRA
Coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is mandated by federal law for employees (and their dependents) when they lose their job or experience a reduction in work hours. One huge downside to COBRA coverage is the cost. When you lose your job, whatever your employer paid for your health insurance goes away, and you have to pay the entire amount.
Pros of Government Healthcare Programs
- Improve public health
- Stop medical bankruptcies for vulnerable populations
- Boost the economy due to savings
- Human rights issue
Cons of Government Healthcare Programs
- Increases government debt
- Potential for abuse
- Reduces competition
- Long wait times for service
State Health Department Programs
State health departments offer programs in addition to those available at the federal level. Use the USA.gov state health departments link to find out what is offered in your state, information about eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
Retirement
The primary government retirement programs are Social Security for most citizens 65 and over who qualify through their work history and the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) for certain government employees who are not covered by Social Security.
Social Security
Most people are familiar with Social Security and the fact that you apply for benefits at a certain age depending on when you were born and whether you want to receive partial or full benefits. You can apply for benefits for yourself or as a spouse if you meet the following four requirements:
- You are at least 61 years and 9 months old.
- You are not currently receiving Social Security on your work record.
- You have not already applied for benefits.
- You want benefits to start no more than four months in the future.
You can also apply for Medicare when you apply for Social Security if you are within three months of age 65.
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
FERS, which replaced the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) in 1987, provides benefits to civilian government workers through three programs: a Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Eligibility for FERS benefits is determined by your age and number of years of service. The CSRS and FERS planning and applying websites provide complete information depending on how close you are to retirement.
Taxes
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sponsors several tax-assistance programs to make federal and—in some cases—state tax filing easier and free.
Free File
If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $73,000 or below, you can file federal, and in many cases, state returns, online at no cost. The process and what you need to have to file are all explained in this Free File infographic. Get help choosing a product using the Free File Online Lookup Tool.
With income above $73,000, you can still use the Free File Fillable Forms tool to prepare your taxes as long as you are comfortable doing your taxes and don’t require assistance. The fillable forms tool lets you file electronically but does not include state forms.
VITA and TCE Tax Filing Assistance Programs
The IRS has two in-person tax assistance programs: the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). Both offer free tax-preparation assistance to qualified individuals. VITA generally applies to you if your income is $58,000 or less, you are disabled, or you have limited English-speaking skills. TCE is for citizens aged 60 or older.
You can find VITA and TCE program sites using either the IRS TCE/VITA locator tool or the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site locator tool.
Financial Assistance for Small Businesses
Small businesses are the beneficiaries of several long-standing government assistance loan programs, most of them originating from the Small Business Administration (SBA).
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The USDA offers several programs aimed at all sectors of the agricultural community. Programs include farm loans, housing assistance, loans and grants for rural economic development, loans for beginning farmers and ranchers, livestock insurance, and more.Detailed information on all USDA programs, including how to apply, can be found on the USDA Grants and Loans program web page.
Small Business Lending Fund
The Small Business Lending Fund (SMLF), created as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, is a dedicated fund that provides capital to community banks and community development loan funds (CDLFs) to encourage those organizations to lend to small businesses. Information about this fund, including the location of lending institutions near you, can be found on the U.S. Treasury Small Business Lending Fund website.
Pros of Government Business Programs
- Lower interest rates
- Favorable repayment terms
- Less collateral needed
- Low or no down payments
Cons of Government Business Programs
- The loan amount may be small
- Long approval process
- Personal guarantees are often required
Watch Out for Scams
People looking for government assistance sometimes come across ads for free government grants; however, the government does not award grants to individuals, only to states, universities, and other organizations. Anyone who suggests otherwise is probably running a scam. If you receive such an offer, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests the following dos and don'ts:
- Write down the phone number.
- Register at the National Do Not Call Registry.
- File a complaint with the FTC.
- Don’t give out bank account information.
- Don’t pay out any money.
- Don’t believe a caller or an email just because it claims to be from the government.
What Government Assistance Is Available in the U.S.?
There are many government assistance programs available in the U.S. Some of these are Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Veterans Administration Healthcare, and food program waivers. Spending time researching what programs are available in the areas where you need assistance could help ease your financial burden.
How Can I Get Financial Help Immediately?
If you are in need of financial help immediately, there are programs that the government provides to help with emergency financial assistance. These include government food programs (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), utilities help (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), housing assistance (Housing Choice Voucher Program), and medical assistance (Medicare).
Who Qualifies for Student Loan Forgiveness?
In August 2022, President Biden announced a plan for student loan forgiveness for up to $20,000 in federal loans per borrower. To receive the maximum forgiveness, a borrower must earn less than $125,000 a year ($250,000 for couples) and have received a Pell Grant in college. Those who did not receive a Pell Grant are eligible for $10,000 in forgiveness. Federal courts have issued orders blocking the student loan forgiveness plan. Consequently, as of Nov. 11, 2022, the Department of Education is no longer accepting applications for student loan forgiveness.
The Bottom Line
There are many government assistance programs available to individuals and businesses. If you feel you need assistance, spend time researching what is available and if you qualify. Many of these programs will be able to ease people's financial burdens.