Programs
US benefit programs
Federal and state programs that provide food, health coverage, housing help, cash assistance and more. Select a category to filter.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
USDA, run by states
Monthly money on an EBT card to buy groceries if your household income is low.
Learn more →Women, Infants, and Children
USDA, run by states
Healthy food, nutrition advice and support for pregnant people, new parents and children under 5.
Learn more →Medicaid
CMS, run by states
Free or low-cost health coverage for people with low income. Who qualifies depends on your state.
Learn more →Children's Health Insurance Program
CMS, run by states
Low-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much for Medicaid.
Learn more →Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Health insurance for people 65 or older, and some younger people with disabilities.
Learn more →Social Security Retirement
Social Security Administration
Monthly retirement benefit based on your work history. Increases 3.6% in January 2027.
Learn more →Supplemental Security Income
Social Security Administration
Monthly cash for people aged 65+ or with disabilities who have limited income and resources. $994/month max in 2026.
Learn more →Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Administration
Monthly benefit if you have a disability and enough work credits from previous employment.
Learn more →Unemployment Insurance
Run by each state
Temporary cash payments if you lose your job through no fault of your own. Rules and amounts vary by state.
Learn more →Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
HHS, run by states
Cash assistance and support services for families with children in financial need.
Learn more →Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
HUD, run by local housing agencies
Rental subsidy for very low-income households. Apply through your local housing authority.
Learn more →Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
HHS, run by states
Help paying heating and cooling bills for households with low income.
Learn more →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
How do I know which programs I qualify for?
Eligibility depends on your income, household size, state, age and disability status. The official Benefits.gov eligibility screener checks dozens of programs at once. You can also call 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local assistance.
Can I get more than one program at the same time?
Yes. Many households receive multiple programs simultaneously — for example, SNAP plus Medicaid plus CHIP for children. Getting one benefit generally does not stop you from qualifying for another, though income rules overlap.
Is there a single application for all programs?
No single application covers all programs, but many states have combined applications for SNAP, Medicaid, and CHIP. Some states also accept a single application for several programs at once through their online portals.