If you are reading this, chances are the math is not working. The bills keep coming, the paychecks keep falling short, and you need to know what help is actually out there — not vague advice, but specific programs with real benefits you can apply for this week. In 2026, the federal government, all 50 state governments, and thousands of nonprofit organizations collectively spend over $700 billion per year on financial assistance for American families. The money is there. The programs are real. The challenge is that most people only know about one or two of them when they could be benefiting from five or six.
This guide lists every major financial assistance program available in the United States in 2026, organized by category so you can quickly find what applies to your situation. And because even the best assistance programs leave gaps, apps like I am Beezy let you earn $5 to $15 per day from your phone by viewing content, adding $150 to $300 per month to your budget with no strings attached. Government assistance plus supplemental income — that is the formula for getting back on your feet.
Food Assistance Programs
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
SNAP is the largest food assistance program in the country, serving over 42 million Americans. Benefits average $234 per person per month and are loaded onto an EBT card that works at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers. Income limits are generally 130 percent of the federal poverty level for gross income and 100 percent for net income. Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — many states offer online applications, and expedited processing is available if your situation is urgent.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5. Specific foods covered include milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juice, beans, peanut butter, and infant formula. Income eligibility is 185 percent of the federal poverty level. Apply at your local WIC clinic.
TEFAP and food banks
The Emergency Food Assistance Program distributes free USDA commodities through local food banks and pantries. No formal application is required at most distribution sites. To find a food bank near you, visit feedingamerica.org or call 211.
Housing and Rent Assistance Programs
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
Section 8 covers the gap between 30 percent of your income and fair market rent in your area. Over 2.3 million households use this program. Apply through your local Public Housing Authority at hud.gov. Waitlists are long — typically 2 to 5 years — so apply as early as possible.
Public housing
HUD funds approximately 1 million public housing units across the country. Rent is set at 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. Apply through your local housing authority.
Emergency rental assistance
Many states and counties still operate emergency rental assistance programs funded by federal and state dollars. These can cover rent arrears, current rent, and sometimes future rent for qualifying households. Call 211 to find active programs near you.
Utility and Energy Assistance Programs
LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides $400 to $1,000 per heating season toward utility bills. Income eligibility is 150 percent of the federal poverty level or 60 percent of state median income. Apply through your local Community Action Agency.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
WAP provides free energy efficiency improvements to low-income homes, saving an average of $372 per year on energy costs. Administered through Community Action Agencies.
Lifeline
The FCC's Lifeline program provides a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households.
Healthcare Assistance Programs
Medicaid
Medicaid provides free or very low-cost healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families. In expansion states, adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level qualify. Apply through your state health department or healthcare.gov.
Medicare Savings Programs
If you are on Medicare and have limited income, Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays. Contact your state Medicaid office for eligibility.
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Apply through healthcare.gov or your state's CHIP program.
| Category | Program | Typical Benefit | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | SNAP | $234/month per person | State DHS website |
| Food | WIC | $50-$75/month in food | Local WIC clinic |
| Rent | Section 8 | Covers ~70% of rent | Local housing authority |
| Utilities | LIHEAP | $400-$1,000/season | Community Action Agency |
| Healthcare | Medicaid | Full medical coverage | healthcare.gov |
| Cash | TANF | $200-$700/month | State DHS website |
| Phone/Internet | Lifeline | $9.25/month discount | lifelinesupport.org |
| Childcare | CCDF | Subsidized childcare | State childcare agency |
Cash and Income Assistance Programs
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
TANF provides monthly cash assistance to families with children. Benefits range from $200 to $700 per month depending on your state and family size. There are work requirements in most states, but exemptions exist for certain circumstances. Apply through your state's Department of Human Services.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
SSI provides monthly payments to adults 65 and older, blind, or disabled who have limited income and resources. The maximum federal benefit in 2026 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Many states supplement the federal amount. Apply at ssa.gov or your local Social Security office.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The EITC is a refundable tax credit worth up to $7,830 for qualifying families with three or more children in 2026. Even if you owe no taxes, you can receive the full credit as a refund. File a tax return to claim it — free tax preparation is available through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites nationwide.
How Supplemental Income Fills the Gaps
The gap between what programs provide and what life costs
Even if you qualify for every program listed above, the total assistance will not cover 100 percent of your expenses. SNAP covers groceries but not toiletries. Section 8 has a years-long waitlist. TANF provides cash but the amounts are modest. The gap between assistance and actual living costs is real, and it is where most families get stuck.
Filling the gap with your phone
With I am Beezy, you view content on your cell phone and earn real money for each view. There is no interview, no credit check, and no minimum commitment. You earn when you have time — 10 minutes waiting at the doctor's office, 20 minutes after the kids go to bed, 30 minutes on the bus. Active users consistently report $150 to $300 per month, and the referral program lets you earn even more by inviting friends. That supplemental income, combined with the programs listed above, creates a comprehensive safety net that actually works.
Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Assistance
Can I apply for multiple programs at the same time?
Absolutely. In fact, you should. Most federal assistance programs are designed to work together. Receiving SNAP does not disqualify you from LIHEAP. Using Section 8 does not affect your Medicaid eligibility. Apply for every program you qualify for — the system is designed to provide layered support.
What is the fastest program to get approved for?
SNAP expedited processing can get you food benefits within 7 days. Medicaid in expansion states often approves applications within days. LIHEAP crisis assistance can be disbursed within 48 hours if you have a shutoff notice. Call 211 to identify the quickest programs for your situation.
Will I lose benefits if I earn extra income?
Most programs have income deductions and phase-out ranges that cushion the impact of additional earnings. Small amounts of supplemental income — $150 to $300 per month — are unlikely to disqualify you from most programs. Always report income changes to your caseworker and they can tell you exactly how it affects each benefit.
Where do I start if I need help with everything?
Call 211. A trained specialist will assess your situation and connect you with every program available in your area. You can also visit benefitscheckup.org from the National Council on Aging to run a free benefits eligibility screening. These services are free and confidential.
Start Applying Today
Every program on this list exists to help you. You have paid into these systems through your taxes, and there is no shame in using them when you need them. Start with 211 to identify your top priorities, apply for SNAP and Medicaid first for the fastest approvals, then work through housing, utility, and cash assistance programs. And while those applications process, build supplemental income by signing up for free on I am Beezy. Government assistance plus what you earn on your phone — that is how you close the gap and start moving forward.
