The United States government spends over $700 billion annually on assistance programs — and a huge portion of that money goes unclaimed every year because people do not know the programs exist or assume they do not qualify. In 2026, there are dozens of federal, state, and local programs that provide completely free benefits: healthcare, food, housing, phone service, internet, cash assistance, job training, childcare, and more. The average low-income household that enrolls in all programs they qualify for receives over $20,000 in annual benefits. If you are leaving money on the table, this guide is going to change that.
Government programs provide the foundation, but they rarely cover everything. The gap between what programs provide and what a family actually needs is where supplemental income becomes essential. With I am Beezy, you can earn $5 to $15 per day from your phone by viewing content — no application, no interview, no wait time. That extra $150 to $300 per month stacked on top of government benefits creates real financial stability. But first, let us make sure you are enrolled in every program you are entitled to.
Healthcare Programs — Free Coverage in 2026
Medicaid — free health insurance
Medicaid provides completely free health insurance to over 90 million Americans. In 2026, eligibility varies by state, but most states cover adults with household incomes below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($20,783 for a single person). Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, dental care (in many states), and preventive care. Apply at your state Medicaid office, through healthcare.gov, or at your local Department of Social Services. Many states have online applications that take 15 to 20 minutes.
CHIP — free health insurance for children
The Children's Health Insurance Program covers children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Income limits are higher than Medicaid — often up to 200% to 300% of the poverty level or more. CHIP provides comprehensive coverage including doctor visits, immunizations, dental care, vision care, hospital care, and prescriptions. In most states, the coverage is completely free or requires only minimal copayments. Apply at healthcare.gov or your state's CHIP office.
Community Health Centers — free or sliding-scale care
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serve over 30 million patients annually and cannot turn anyone away based on ability to pay. If you are uninsured or underinsured, these centers offer medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding fee scale based on your income. For the lowest income patients, services are free. There are over 1,400 FQHCs with more than 14,000 service sites nationwide. Find one near you at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Food Assistance Programs — Free Groceries and Meals
SNAP — free groceries every month
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides an average of $234 per person per month loaded onto an EBT card accepted at grocery stores, farmers markets, and online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. In 2026, over 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits. Eligibility is based on income (generally 130% of the poverty level for gross income) and available resources. Apply at your state's Department of Human Services — many states now offer fully online applications with expedited processing for emergency situations.
WIC — free food for mothers and young children
WIC provides free nutritious food, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5. The program covers milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, fruits, vegetables, juice, beans, and infant formula. Nearly half of all US infants receive WIC benefits. Income eligibility extends to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. Apply at your local WIC clinic.
Free school meals and Summer EBT
The National School Lunch and Breakfast programs provide free meals to millions of children. Many districts now participate in Community Eligibility, making all students eligible for free meals regardless of family income. During summer, the Summer EBT program provides $120 per eligible child to cover meals when school is out. Contact your child's school to enroll.
| Program Category | Program Name | Monthly Benefit Value | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Medicaid | $500+ (insurance value) | healthcare.gov |
| Healthcare | CHIP | $300+ (insurance value) | healthcare.gov |
| Food | SNAP | $234/person average | State DHS |
| Food | WIC | $50-75 (food value) | Local WIC clinic |
| Phone | Lifeline | $50-80 (service value) | checklifeline.org |
| Internet | Lifeline broadband | $9.25 discount | checklifeline.org |
| Heating/cooling | LIHEAP | $200-800/year | State energy office |
| Cash | TANF | $200-700+ | State DHS |
| Housing | Section 8 voucher | $500-1,500+ | Local housing authority |
Housing, Phone, Internet, and Utility Programs
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Section 8 vouchers pay a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, typically covering 60% to 70% of the cost. Over 2.3 million households use Section 8 in 2026. The waiting lists are long in most cities — sometimes years — so apply as soon as possible, even if you do not need help immediately. Contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to find out when the waiting list is open and how to apply.
Lifeline phone and internet
The Lifeline program provides a free cell phone with monthly service (unlimited talk, text, and 4.5 GB+ data) or a $9.25 monthly discount on broadband internet. Only one Lifeline benefit per household. Eligibility is based on income below 135% FPL or participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or public housing. Apply at checklifeline.org.
LIHEAP — utility bill assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps pay heating and cooling bills, provides weatherization services, and covers energy-related emergencies. Average annual benefits range from $200 to $800 depending on your state, climate zone, and household size. Apply through your state or local LIHEAP office — you can find contact information by calling 211 or visiting liheapch.acf.hhs.gov.
How to Maximize Your Benefits and Close the Gap
Stack everything you qualify for
The most important strategy for maximizing government assistance is stacking: enrolling in every program you qualify for simultaneously. Most people who qualify for one program qualify for several others. If you receive SNAP, you almost certainly qualify for Medicaid, Lifeline, LIHEAP, and possibly WIC, TANF, or Section 8. Enrolling in all of them creates a comprehensive support system. Use benefits.gov to check your eligibility for every federal program in one place.
Fill the remaining gap with supplemental income
Even with maximum benefits stacked, most families still face a monthly shortfall. That is not a failure of the system — it is the reality of living costs in 2026. With I am Beezy, you fill that gap by spending 20 to 30 minutes per day on your phone. The $150 to $300 monthly earnings from content viewing cover the expenses that no government program touches: clothing, transportation, school supplies, personal care products, and the small comforts that make life livable. Active users who combine government benefits with Beezy earnings report feeling financially stable for the first time in years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out which government programs I qualify for?
Visit benefits.gov and complete the benefits finder questionnaire. It takes about 10 minutes and checks your eligibility for over 1,000 federal, state, and local programs. You can also call 211 for personalized guidance from a trained specialist who knows every program available in your area. Both services are free and confidential.
Can I receive multiple government benefits at the same time?
Yes. Most government programs are designed to work together. You can receive SNAP, Medicaid, Lifeline, LIHEAP, WIC, and other benefits simultaneously. In fact, qualifying for one program often automatically qualifies you for others — this is called "categorical eligibility." Enrolling in SNAP, for example, can streamline your applications for Medicaid and Lifeline.
Do I have to be a US citizen to receive government benefits?
Requirements vary by program. SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF are available to US citizens and many categories of legal immigrants (with some waiting periods for recent arrivals). Emergency Medicaid is available regardless of immigration status. WIC is available to all income-eligible individuals regardless of immigration status. School meals are available to all enrolled children. Check specific program rules or call 211 for guidance based on your situation.
Will receiving government benefits affect my taxes?
Most government benefits are not taxable income. SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Lifeline, and LIHEAP benefits are not reported as income on your tax return. TANF cash assistance may be taxable in some situations. Social Security disability benefits may be partially taxable if your total income exceeds certain thresholds. When in doubt, consult a free tax preparation service like VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), which operates nationwide during tax season.
Start Claiming Your Benefits Today
Every day you are not enrolled in programs you qualify for is money left on the table. Visit benefits.gov right now, complete the eligibility screener, and begin applications for every program that matches your situation. Call 211 for additional local resources. And for the gap between what government covers and what you actually need, put your phone to work. Join I am Beezy for free and start earning $5 to $15 per day — because the best financial plan combines every resource available, from government benefits to the smartphone in your pocket.
