There is a phone number that can change your financial situation in a single call, and most Americans have never used it. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone — cell phone, landline, even a borrowed phone — and you are connected to a trained specialist who knows every assistance program available in your zip code. Rent help. Utility assistance. Food banks. Healthcare. Prescription assistance. Job training. Childcare subsidies. Everything. In 2026, the 211 network handles over 16 million contacts per year and covers 94 percent of the US population. It is the single most underutilized resource in America for people struggling with bills.
United Way's 211 service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day in most areas. A specialist will listen to your situation, search a comprehensive database of local resources, and give you specific program names, phone numbers, addresses, and application instructions. And while you are connecting with those programs, you can start generating supplemental income right away — I am Beezy lets you earn $5 to $15 per day from your phone by viewing content, adding $150 to $300 per month to your budget with zero commitment. Let us show you exactly how 211 works and why you should call today.
What Is United Way 211 and How Does It Work?
The basics: one call, every local resource
211 is a free, confidential service operated by United Way and local partner organizations in communities across the country. When you call, a trained Information and Referral Specialist assesses your situation and searches a database of local, state, and federal programs to find every resource you qualify for. The database is updated continuously, so the information is current. You will receive specific referrals — not vague suggestions — including program names, eligibility requirements, contact information, and next steps.
Three ways to access 211
You can reach 211 in three ways. First, dial 2-1-1 from any phone for a live conversation with a specialist. Second, text your zip code to 898-211 for information via text message. Third, visit 211.org and search the database yourself using your zip code. The phone call is the most thorough option because the specialist can ask follow-up questions and identify programs you might not think to search for. But all three methods connect you to the same comprehensive resource database.
What 211 can help with
The range of services 211 covers is enormous. It includes utility bill assistance (LIHEAP, utility company programs, emergency funds), rent and housing assistance (Section 8, emergency rental assistance, shelters), food assistance (SNAP, WIC, food banks, meal programs), healthcare (Medicaid, free clinics, prescription assistance), mental health and substance abuse services, job training and employment assistance, childcare and education programs, tax preparation assistance (VITA sites), legal aid, disaster assistance, and veteran services. If a program exists in your area, 211 knows about it.
| Category | What 211 Can Connect You To | Average Number of Local Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | LIHEAP, utility hardship plans, emergency funds | 5-12 per area |
| Rent/Housing | Section 8, ESG, emergency rent assistance, shelters | 8-15 per area |
| Food | SNAP, WIC, food banks, soup kitchens, TEFAP | 10-25 per area |
| Healthcare | Medicaid, CHIP, free clinics, prescription assistance | 5-10 per area |
| Cash assistance | TANF, SSI, EITC, emergency cash aid | 3-8 per area |
| Employment | Job training, resume help, career services | 4-10 per area |
How to Get the Most Out of Your 211 Call
What to have ready before you call
Your 211 call will be most productive if you have some basic information ready. Know your zip code, approximate household income, household size (number of people living with you), and a general sense of which bills you are struggling with. If you have shutoff notices, eviction notices, or past-due bills, have the amounts handy. You do not need to have all of this perfectly organized — the specialist will guide you — but the more specific you are, the better the referrals.
Ask about everything, not just one thing
Most people call 211 about one specific problem — "I need help with my electric bill" — and that is fine. But ask the specialist to look at your full picture. If you need electric bill help, you probably also qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, and Lifeline. A good 211 specialist will proactively suggest additional programs, but do not be afraid to ask: "Is there anything else I might qualify for?" Many callers leave with referrals to 4 or 5 programs they did not know existed.
Follow up on every referral
The 211 specialist will give you several referrals. Write down every one. Then call or visit each program within the next few days. Assistance programs have limited funding that runs out, especially toward the end of the month or the end of the fiscal year. The sooner you follow up, the better your chances of receiving help. Keep a folder or notebook with the program name, contact information, application status, and any deadlines.
Supplementing Assistance With Income From Your Phone
Why 211 referrals are just the starting point
211 connects you to programs that reduce your expenses — a LIHEAP grant for your heating bill, SNAP for groceries, Medicaid for healthcare. But reducing expenses is only half the equation. The other half is income. If your income does not cover your bills even after assistance, you need a way to earn more that does not require a car, a degree, a fixed schedule, or childcare.
Earning on your phone while waiting for assistance
I am Beezy is designed for exactly this situation. You view content on your cell phone — videos, articles, and ads — and earn money for each view. There is no application, no interview, and no schedule. You earn when you have time. Active users who spend 20 to 30 minutes per day report $150 to $300 per month. The referral program amplifies your earnings — every person you tell about Beezy generates additional income for you. Combined with the programs 211 connects you to, that supplemental income creates a comprehensive approach to financial stability.
| Morning (bus/waiting room) | Lunch Break | Evening (after kids sleep) | Daily Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 min = $2-$4 | 10 min = $2-$3 | 15 min = $3-$5 | $7-$12/day |
That daily total of $7 to $12 adds up to $210 to $360 per month — enough to cover the gap between what assistance programs provide and what your bills actually cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About United Way 211
Is 211 really free?
Yes, completely free. There is no charge for calling, texting, or using the website. The service is funded by United Way, local governments, and community donations. You will never be asked for a credit card number or any form of payment. If anyone claiming to be from 211 asks for money, it is a scam.
Is the call confidential?
Yes. Your personal information is kept confidential and is only used to help the specialist find appropriate referrals. 211 does not share your information with landlords, employers, creditors, or anyone else. Some centers collect anonymous data for community planning purposes, but your identity is never attached to it.
What if 211 does not cover my area?
211 covers 94 percent of the US population, but if you are in an area without coverage, you can visit 211.org to search the national database online, or contact your local United Way chapter directly. You can also try calling the Salvation Army at 1-800-SAL-ARMY or your county's Department of Social Services for similar referral services.
Can 211 help with non-financial emergencies?
Yes. 211 can connect you to crisis hotlines for mental health, domestic violence, and substance abuse. They can also help with disaster relief, veterans services, and legal aid. If you are in immediate danger, always call 911 first, but for non-emergency crises, 211 is an invaluable resource.
Make the Call That Changes Everything
If you are struggling with bills, rent, food, or any other expense, call 211 today. It takes less than 15 minutes, it costs nothing, and it can connect you to thousands of dollars in assistance you did not know you qualified for. After your call, follow up on every referral and apply for every program the specialist recommends. And while those applications process, start building supplemental income by signing up for free on I am Beezy. One phone call to 211 plus a few minutes per day on Beezy — that is the combination that turns financial stress into financial progress.
