What do you need help with?
Pick your state and what you need. We'll show the federal and state programs to look at, and how to apply.
2. What you need (choose any)
5 programs to look at in Ohio
These are programs to look into, not a decision. Rules and amounts depend on your household and your state.
SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Monthly money on an EBT card to buy groceries if your household income is low.
Apply: Through the Ohio SNAP agency
WIC — Women, Infants, and Children
Healthy food, nutrition advice and support for pregnant people, new parents and children under 5.
Apply: At a local Ohio WIC clinic
Medicaid
Free or low-cost health coverage for people with low income. Who qualifies depends on your state.
Apply: Through Ohio Medicaid or HealthCare.gov
CHIP — Children's Health Insurance Program
Low-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much for Medicaid.
Apply: Through Ohio or HealthCare.gov
Medicare
Health insurance for people 65 or older, and some younger people with disabilities.
Apply: Through Social Security or Medicare.gov
Federal, state, or both?
In the US, who runs a program decides where you apply and how much you can get. Most programs fall into one of three groups.
Same rules everywhere
Run nationally. You apply to a federal agency, and amounts don't change by state.
Federal money, state rules
Paid for at least partly by the federal government, but your state runs it and sets some rules.
Different in every state
Your state sets who qualifies, how much it pays and for how long.
Numbers to know
Checked October 14, 2026Social Security and SSI increase for 2027. Social Security payments rise from January 2027.
Source: Social Security Administration
Maximum federal payment a month for one person, or $1,491 for a couple.
Source: SSA 2026 COLA fact sheet
Maximum monthly benefit for a household of 4 in the 48 contiguous states and DC.
Source: USDA maximum allotments, FY 2027
Estimated average a month for a retired worker from January 2027, up from $2,095.
Source: SSA 2027 COLA announcement
Browse programs
Applying is always free. Government agencies won't charge you to apply or ask for payment by gift card. Apply only through official .gov websites or your state agency.
Common questions about US benefit programs
Is Benefits Guidance a government website?
No. Benefits Guidance is an independent guide — we are not affiliated with any federal or state government agency. We explain programs using plain English and link to official sources. To actually apply, use the official agency websites such as Benefits.gov, ssa.gov, or your state's Medicaid portal.
What is the difference between federal and state programs?
Federal programs (like Medicare and Social Security retirement) are run entirely by the federal government — same rules in every state. State programs (like Unemployment Insurance) are run by your state with its own rules. Most programs are "federal and state" — the federal government funds and sets minimum standards, but each state runs it and can set additional rules. SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, WIC and TANF all work this way.
What is the SNAP maximum benefit in 2026/27?
From October 1, 2026, the maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of 4 in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. is $1,023. Alaska, Hawaii and US territories have higher limits. Your actual benefit depends on your household income and deductions.
How much is Social Security increasing in 2027?
Social Security and SSI benefits will increase by 3.6% starting January 2027, based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The estimated average retirement benefit will rise from $2,095 to $2,170 a month.
Does applying for benefits cost money?
No. Applying for any government benefit program is always free. Government agencies will never charge you a fee to apply or ask for payment by gift card. Apply only through official .gov websites or your state agency. If someone charges you to help apply, that is a scam.