Program directory
Every program we check
150 programs across 12 categories. Estimates are typical ranges, not promises - eligibility depends on your state, household, and income.
150 programs
Tax credits
16Refundable credits and unfiled returns that often add up to thousands.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
IRS
A refundable credit for working people with low to moderate income.
Workers with earned income; amount scales with children in the household.
Up to ~$7,830Child Tax Credit (CTC)
IRS
Per-child credit that can lower your tax bill or come back as a refund.
Parents and guardians of qualifying children under 17.
Up to $2,000 per childAdditional Child Tax Credit
IRS
The refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit paid out as cash.
Families whose CTC is larger than the tax they owe.
Up to $1,700 per childChild & Dependent Care Credit
IRS
Credit for work-related child or dependent care costs.
Working parents or caregivers paying for care.
Up to 35% of expensesAmerican Opportunity Tax Credit
IRS
Credit for tuition, fees, and course materials in the first four years of college.
Undergraduate students or whoever claims them.
Up to $2,500Lifetime Learning Credit
IRS
Credit for tuition at any level, including part-time and job-skills courses.
Students of any age taking eligible courses.
Up to $2,000Premium Tax Credit
IRS
Cuts the price of a Marketplace health plan, sometimes to near zero.
People buying their own health insurance.
Varies monthlySaver's Credit
IRS
Credit for money you put into a retirement account.
Low- and moderate-income savers.
Up to $1,000 ($2,000 joint)Adoption Tax Credit
IRS
Credit for qualified adoption expenses.
Families who adopted a child.
Up to ~$16,800Clean Vehicle Credit
IRS
Credit for buying a qualifying new or used electric vehicle.
Buyers under the income caps.
Up to $7,500Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
IRS
Credit for insulation, heat pumps, windows, and efficiency upgrades.
Homeowners making qualifying improvements.
Up to $3,200/yearResidential Clean Energy Credit
IRS
Credit for solar, wind, geothermal, and battery storage at home.
Homeowners installing clean energy systems.
30% of costUnfiled prior-year refunds
IRS
Refunds from past years you never claimed are still collectable for a window.
Anyone who skipped filing while owed money.
VariesState Earned Income Credits
State tax agencies
Many states add their own match on top of the federal EITC.
EITC-eligible filers in participating states.
10–40% of federal EITCProperty tax & renter credits
State tax agencies
State circuit-breaker credits that refund part of rent or property tax.
Renters and homeowners under state income limits.
$200–$1,500Credit for the Elderly or Disabled
IRS
A credit for older adults and people on permanent disability.
Filers 65+ or retired on total disability with limited income.
$3,750–$7,500
Cash assistance
13Direct payments, emergency funds, and income support.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
HHS / state agencies
Time-limited cash assistance for low-income families with children.
Parents and caretakers under state income limits.
$200–$700/monthSupplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration
Monthly cash for people who are 65+, blind, or disabled with very limited income.
Individuals with minimal income and resources.
Up to ~$967/monthSocial Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration
Monthly benefit when a disability keeps you from substantial work.
Workers with enough recent work credits.
Varies by work recordSocial Security Retirement Benefits
Social Security Administration
Monthly payments based on your lifetime earnings.
Workers 62 and older who paid into the system.
Varies by earningsSocial Security Survivor Benefits
Social Security Administration
Monthly payments to the family of a worker who died.
Spouses, children, and dependent parents.
VariesSocial Security Family Benefits
Social Security Administration
Payments to family members of someone on retirement or disability benefits.
Spouses and children of an entitled worker.
Up to 50% of worker benefitGeneral Assistance (GA)
County governments
Small, short-term cash help where the state offers it.
Adults without dependent children who don't qualify elsewhere.
$100–$400/monthUnemployment Insurance (UI)
DOL / state agencies
Temporary income after losing a job through no fault of your own.
Recently employed workers who meet state rules.
40–60% of prior wagesDisaster Unemployment Assistance
DOL / FEMA
Unemployment pay for people whose work stopped because of a declared disaster.
Workers and self-employed in disaster areas.
Varies weeklyFEMA Individual Assistance
FEMA
Grants for disaster-caused expenses insurance won't cover.
Households in federally declared disaster areas.
Varies by needRecovery Rebate Credit
IRS
Stimulus payments you never received, claimed on a return.
Filers who missed one of the economic impact payments.
Up to $1,400Child support enforcement
HHS / state agencies
Free help locating a parent and collecting owed support.
Custodial parents owed child support.
VariesEmergency cash assistance funds
State & county agencies
One-time payments for a crisis: eviction, utility shutoff, or car repair.
Households facing a documented emergency.
One-time $200–$1,500
Food
12Monthly grocery support for households, kids, and seniors.
SNAP food benefits
USDA / state agencies
A monthly grocery balance loaded onto an EBT card.
Households under the income limit for their size.
~$200+/monthWIC
USDA / state agencies
Nutrition support for pregnant people, infants, and children under five.
Families with young children who meet income guidelines.
~$70/month + food packageFree & reduced school meals
USDA
Daily breakfast and lunch at no cost during the school year.
School-age children in qualifying households.
~$1,000/child per yearSummer EBT (SUN Bucks)
USDA
Grocery money for kids while school is out.
Children eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
$120 per child per summerCommodity Supplemental Food Program
USDA
A monthly box of staple groceries for older adults.
Adults 60+ under income limits.
Monthly food boxEmergency Food Assistance (TEFAP)
USDA
USDA food distributed through local pantries.
Anyone under local income guidelines.
Free groceriesDouble Up Food Bucks / SNAP incentives
USDA & nonprofits
Doubles SNAP dollars spent on fruits and vegetables.
SNAP shoppers at participating markets.
Match up to $20–$40/visitSenior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
USDA
Vouchers for fresh produce at farmers markets.
Low-income adults 60+.
$50/seasonWIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
USDA
Produce vouchers added to WIC benefits.
WIC participants in participating states.
$30/seasonHome-delivered & congregate meals
Administration for Community Living
Delivered meals and community dining for older adults.
Adults 60+, especially homebound seniors.
Free or donationChild & Adult Care Food Program
USDA
Meals and snacks at child care centers and adult day programs.
Children and adults in participating care settings.
Free mealsLocal food pantry network
Feeding America & local groups
Weekly or monthly groceries with little or no paperwork.
Anyone in need; income rules vary by pantry.
Free groceries
Healthcare
16Free or low-cost coverage, prescriptions, and care programs.
Medicaid
CMS / state agencies
Comprehensive health coverage with little or no monthly premium.
Adults and families under state income thresholds.
Full coverageCHIP
CMS / state agencies
Children's coverage for families who earn too much for Medicaid.
Households with kids and modest income.
Low or no costMarketplace premium credits
HealthCare.gov
Subsidies that cut the price of a private plan, sometimes to near zero.
People without job-based coverage.
Varies monthlyCost-sharing reductions
HealthCare.gov
Extra savings on out-of-pocket costs with a Silver Marketplace plan.
Enrollees under 250% of the poverty line.
Lower deductibles & copaysMedicare Savings Programs
CMS / state agencies
State programs that pay Medicare premiums and sometimes copays.
Medicare enrollees with limited income.
Pays Part B premium (~$185/mo)Medicare Extra Help (Part D LIS)
Social Security Administration
Cuts prescription drug costs to a few dollars per fill.
Medicare enrollees under the income and asset limits.
~$5,900/year valueAdult Medicaid expansion coverage
CMS / state agencies
Coverage for adults up to 138% of the poverty line in expansion states.
Adults 19–64 in participating states.
Full coverageCommunity Health Centers (FQHCs)
HRSA
Primary, dental, and behavioral care priced to your income.
Anyone, insured or not.
Sliding-scale feesHospital charity care
Hospitals / HHS
Nonprofit hospitals must discount or forgive bills for qualifying patients.
Patients under the hospital's income policy.
Bills reduced or erasedVaccines for Children
CDC
No-cost childhood immunizations.
Uninsured, Medicaid, or underinsured children.
Free vaccinesRyan White HIV/AIDS Program
HRSA
Medical care, medication, and support for people with HIV.
Low-income people living with HIV.
Free care & medicationTitle X family planning
HHS
Contraception, screenings, and reproductive care.
Anyone; priority to low-income patients.
Free or sliding scaleAIDS Drug Assistance Program
HRSA / states
Covers HIV medications for people who can't afford them.
Low-income people living with HIV.
Free medicationSubstance use & mental health block grant services
SAMHSA
Treatment, counseling, and recovery support at local providers.
People seeking treatment; income rules vary.
Free or sliding scalePatient assistance programs
Drug manufacturers
Manufacturer programs that supply medication at no cost.
Uninsured or underinsured patients.
Free or discounted drugsBreast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection
CDC
Free mammograms and Pap tests, plus treatment coverage if needed.
Uninsured women under income limits.
Free screening
Housing & utilities
35Rent support, energy bills, repairs, and emergency assistance.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
HUD / local PHAs
A voucher that pays part of your rent to a private landlord.
Renters under local income limits; waitlists apply.
Rent capped near 30% of incomePublic housing
HUD / local PHAs
Apartments owned and managed by a housing authority.
Low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Rent near 30% of incomeEnergy bill assistance (LIHEAP)
HHS / state agencies
Help with heating, cooling, and past-due utility balances.
Households facing high energy costs or shutoff notices.
$300–$1,000/yearWater bill assistance (LIHWAP)
HHS / state agencies
Help with overdue water and wastewater bills.
Households at risk of water shutoff.
$200–$1,000Weatherization Assistance Program
DOE / state agencies
Free insulation, sealing, and heating repairs to cut energy bills.
Low-income homeowners and renters.
~$8,000 in upgradesLifeline phone & internet discount
FCC
A monthly discount on phone or broadband service.
Households on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or under income limits.
Up to $9.25/monthSection 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
HUD
Subsidized apartments with services for older adults.
Very low-income adults 62+.
Rent near 30% of incomeSection 811 Housing for Persons with Disabilities
HUD
Accessible, subsidized housing with support services.
Very low-income adults with disabilities.
Rent near 30% of incomeUSDA Single Family Housing Loans & Grants
USDA Rural Development
Home purchase loans and repair grants in rural areas.
Rural households under income limits.
0% loans, up to $10,000 grantsHUD-approved housing counseling
HUD
Free help with rent, mortgages, foreclosure, and homebuying.
Anyone, at no cost.
Free counselingHomeowner Assistance Fund
Treasury / states
Mortgage, tax, and utility help for homeowners after a hardship.
Homeowners behind on payments where funds remain.
Up to $40,000Emergency rental assistance
Treasury / local agencies
Pays overdue rent and utility bills to prevent eviction.
Renters with a hardship where local funds remain.
Back rent + utilitiesHomelessness assistance (Continuum of Care)
HUD
Rapid rehousing, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.
People experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Housing + servicesHUD-VASH
HUD & VA
Housing vouchers paired with VA services for veterans.
Veterans experiencing homelessness.
Voucher + case managementLow-income solar & community solar credits
EPA / states
Discounted community solar subscriptions and rooftop programs.
Income-qualified households in participating states.
10–20% off power billsHome repair & accessibility grants
USDA / local agencies
Grants for roofs, ramps, and safety repairs.
Older or disabled homeowners under income limits.
$5,000–$10,000Project-Based Rental Assistance (Section 8 PBRA)
HUD
Subsidy tied to a specific apartment building instead of a portable voucher.
Low-income renters applying directly to participating properties.
Rent near 30% of incomeLow-Income Housing Tax Credit apartments
IRS / state housing agencies
Privately owned apartments with rents capped for income-qualified tenants.
Households under 50–60% of area median income.
Below-market rentFamily Self-Sufficiency (FSS) escrow
HUD / local PHAs
As your earnings rise, the rent increase is banked into an escrow account you keep.
Voucher and public housing residents who enroll.
$5,000–$10,000 savings payoutHousing Choice Voucher homeownership option
HUD / local PHAs
Use your rental voucher toward monthly mortgage payments instead of rent.
First-time buyers with a voucher in participating PHAs.
Voucher applied to mortgageFHA-insured home loans
HUD / FHA
Government-insured mortgages with lower credit and down-payment requirements.
Buyers who can't qualify for conventional financing.
3.5% down paymentDown payment & closing cost assistance
State & local housing finance agencies
Grants or forgivable second loans that cover down payment and closing costs.
First-time buyers under program income limits.
$5,000–$25,000Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
State housing finance agencies
Converts part of your mortgage interest into a yearly federal tax credit.
First-time buyers who get the certificate at closing.
Up to $2,000/year tax creditUSDA Section 504 repair loans & grants
USDA Rural Development
Repair and modernize a rural home, or remove health and safety hazards.
Very low-income rural homeowners; grants for owners 62+.
1% loans up to $40,000; $10,000 grantsHOME Investment Partnerships
HUD / local governments
Local rehab, rental, and homebuyer programs funded by HUD block grants.
Low-income renters and buyers in participating cities and counties.
Rent or purchase helpCommunity Development Block Grant housing help
HUD / local governments
City and county rehab, accessibility, and emergency housing programs.
Low- and moderate-income residents of the funded area.
Varies by localityEmergency Solutions Grants (shelter & rehousing)
HUD / local agencies
Emergency shelter, street outreach, and short-term rehousing payments.
People who are homeless or facing imminent eviction.
Shelter + short-term rentHousing protections & transfers for survivors (VAWA)
HUD
Protection from eviction and an emergency move to safe assisted housing.
Survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
Emergency transfer + protectionFair housing discrimination complaints
HUD Office of Fair Housing
Free investigation and possible damages when you're denied housing unlawfully.
Anyone discriminated against based on a protected class.
Free investigationIndian Housing Block Grant & Section 184 loans
HUD Office of Native American Programs
Tribal rental assistance, rehab, and low-down-payment home loans.
Members of federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native villages.
Rent help; 2.25% down loansFarm Labor Housing loans & rental help
USDA Rural Development
Affordable housing built and subsidized for farmworker families.
Domestic farm laborers and their households.
Rent near 30% of incomeLead hazard control & healthy homes grants
HUD
Removes lead paint, mold, and other hazards from older homes.
Low-income households with children in pre-1978 housing.
Free remediationHome energy rebates (HEAR & HOMES)
DOE / state energy offices
Rebates for heat pumps, wiring, insulation, and efficient appliances.
Households under 150% of area median income in launched states.
Up to $14,000Utility shutoff protection & arrears forgiveness
State public utility commissions
Seasonal shutoff bans, budget billing, and forgiveness of past-due balances.
Customers on low incomes or with a medical hardship.
Debt forgiveness + fixed billsEviction prevention & tenant legal aid
Local courts & legal aid
Free attorneys, mediation, and rent funds to stop an eviction filing.
Tenants facing eviction in participating cities and states.
Free representation
Child care & family
8Child care vouchers, pre-K, and support for parents.
Child Care & Development Fund (CCDF)
HHS / state agencies
Vouchers that cover child care so you can work or study.
Working or studying parents under state income limits.
Most of your child care billHead Start / Early Head Start
HHS
Free early education, health, and family support from birth to age 5.
Low-income families with young children.
Free programState-funded Pre-K
State education departments
Public pre-kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds.
Families in states and districts that offer it.
Free or low costMaternal & child home visiting (MIECHV)
HRSA
Nurse and parent-coach visits during pregnancy and early childhood.
Pregnant people and families with infants.
FreeDiaper and formula banks
Nonprofits & state pilots
Free diapers, wipes, and formula from local banks.
Families with infants and toddlers.
Free suppliesFoster care & adoption assistance
HHS / state agencies
Monthly support for foster and adoptive parents.
Licensed foster and adoptive families.
Monthly stipendDependent Care FSA
IRS / employers
Set aside pre-tax pay for child or dependent care.
Employees whose job offers the benefit.
Up to $5,000 pre-taxWIC breastfeeding peer support
USDA
Counseling and breast pumps for nursing parents.
WIC participants.
Free support & pumps
Education & training
12Grants, work-study, loan relief, and job training.
Federal Pell Grant
Dept. of Education
A grant for undergraduates with high financial need - no repayment.
Undergraduates who file the FAFSA.
Up to ~$7,395/yearFederal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Dept. of Education
Extra grant aid for the highest-need students.
Pell-eligible students at participating schools.
$100–$4,000/yearFederal Work-Study
Dept. of Education
Part-time campus or community jobs funded by financial aid.
Students with demonstrated need.
Part-time wagesTEACH Grant
Dept. of Education
Grants for future teachers who commit to high-need schools.
Education students meeting the service agreement.
Up to $4,000/yearPublic Service Loan Forgiveness
Dept. of Education
Loan forgiveness after 120 payments in public service work.
Government and nonprofit employees.
Remaining balance erasedIncome-driven repayment & forgiveness
Dept. of Education
Caps student loan payments at a share of your income.
Federal student loan borrowers.
Payments as low as $0WIOA job training grants
DOL / state agencies
Paid-for training, certifications, and job placement help.
Adults, youth, and dislocated workers.
Free trainingJob Corps
DOL
Free career training, housing, and a stipend for young adults.
People 16–24 who meet income rules.
Free training + housingRegistered Apprenticeships
DOL
Earn a wage while learning a trade, with no tuition.
Anyone accepted into a registered program.
Paid trainingState tuition-free college promise programs
State agencies
Community college or university tuition covered by the state.
Residents meeting state program rules.
Tuition coveredAdult education & GED programs
Dept. of Education / states
Free literacy, GED, and English-language classes.
Adults without a high school diploma.
Free classesAmeriCorps education award
AmeriCorps
Service year with a living allowance and a college award.
Adults accepted into a service position.
~$7,395 award + stipend
Veterans & military
9Benefits earned through military service.
VA Disability Compensation
VA
Tax-free monthly pay for service-connected conditions.
Veterans with a rated disability.
$175–$4,000+/monthVA Veterans Pension
VA
Monthly income for low-income wartime veterans 65+ or disabled.
Wartime veterans under income limits.
Up to ~$1,800/monthVA Aid & Attendance
VA
Extra monthly money for veterans who need daily care.
Pension-eligible veterans needing assistance.
Added to pensionVA Health Care
VA
Comprehensive medical care through VA facilities.
Enrolled veterans by priority group.
Free or low copaysPost-9/11 GI Bill
VA
Pays tuition and a monthly housing allowance for school.
Veterans with qualifying service.
Tuition + housing stipendVeteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31)
VA
Retraining and job placement for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Veterans with a qualifying rating.
Training + stipendDependency & Indemnity Compensation
VA
Monthly payment to survivors of service members and veterans.
Surviving spouses, children, and parents.
~$1,600+/monthVA Home Loan Guaranty
VA
No-down-payment mortgages with no private mortgage insurance.
Veterans, service members, and some spouses.
$0 down paymentSpecially Adapted Housing grants
VA
Grants to build or modify an accessible home.
Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities.
Up to ~$117,000
Seniors & disability
9Support for older adults and people with disabilities.
Medicaid Home & Community-Based waivers
CMS / state agencies
Pays for in-home aides and services instead of a nursing home.
People needing a nursing-home level of care.
Care at home coveredPACE (All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
CMS
All-in-one medical and daily care so you can stay at home.
Adults 55+ needing nursing-home level care.
Full care coverageState Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
ACL
Free one-on-one Medicare counseling.
Medicare beneficiaries and families.
Free counselingArea Agency on Aging services
ACL
Transportation, chore help, and caregiver respite for older adults.
Adults 60+ and their caregivers.
Free or donationSenior Community Service Employment Program
DOL
Paid part-time community jobs and training for older workers.
Job seekers 55+ under income limits.
Paid trainingTicket to Work
Social Security Administration
Free career support while keeping disability benefits during the transition.
SSI and SSDI recipients 18–64.
Free servicesABLE savings accounts
Treasury / states
Save without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
People whose disability began before age 26.
Tax-free savingsState assistive technology programs
ACL
Device loans, reuse programs, and financing for assistive tech.
People with disabilities of any age.
Free loans & low-interest financingNational Family Caregiver Support Program
ACL
Respite care, counseling, and training for unpaid caregivers.
Family caregivers of older adults.
Respite & training
Disaster & legal
6Disaster relief, crime victim funds, and free legal help.
SBA Disaster Loans
Small Business Administration
Low-interest loans to repair homes, property, and businesses.
Homeowners, renters, and businesses in disaster areas.
Up to $500,000Crime Victim Compensation
DOJ / state boards
Reimburses medical bills, counseling, and lost wages after a crime.
Victims of violent crime and their families.
Up to $25,000Free civil legal aid
Legal Services Corporation
Free lawyers for eviction, benefits appeals, and family cases.
Households under 125% of the poverty line.
Free representationLow Income Taxpayer Clinics
IRS
Free help disputing IRS bills, audits, and back taxes.
Taxpayers under income limits.
Free representationDisaster SNAP (D-SNAP)
USDA
Emergency food benefits after a declared disaster.
Households affected by a disaster, even if not usually eligible.
One month of benefitsIncreased Cost of Compliance (flood)
FEMA
Helps pay to elevate or floodproof a damaged home.
NFIP policyholders with major flood damage.
Up to $30,000
Unclaimed money
6Money already in your name sitting with an agency.
State unclaimed property
State treasurers
Forgotten deposits, refunds, and paychecks held by your state.
Anyone who has moved or changed banks or jobs.
Average $1,000+Unclaimed pensions
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.
Pension benefits from employers that closed or were taken over.
Former employees of terminated plans.
VariesMatured savings bonds
Treasury
Bonds that stopped earning interest and were never cashed.
Bond holders and their heirs.
Face value + interestFHA mortgage insurance refunds
HUD
Refunds of upfront mortgage insurance after an early payoff.
Former FHA borrowers.
$500–$1,500Class action settlement funds
Courts & administrators
Settlement payouts you may qualify for as a past customer.
Consumers included in a settlement class.
$10–$1,000+Uncashed IRS refund checks
IRS
Refund checks that were returned, lost, or never deposited.
Filers who moved or changed banks.
Varies
Grants for organizations
8Funding for nonprofits, small businesses, and local agencies.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
HUD
Flexible funding for community development and services.
State and local governments, nonprofits.
Varies by awardNIH Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Funding for biomedical and health research.
Universities and research institutions.
Varies by awardUSDA Agricultural Research grants
USDA ARS
Funding for agricultural research and innovation.
Universities and agricultural organizations.
Varies by awardEPA Environmental grants
EPA
Funding for environmental protection and cleanup projects.
Governments, tribes, and nonprofits.
Varies by awardState Homeland Security Grant Program
DHS
Preparedness funding for state and local agencies.
State, local, and tribal governments.
Varies by awardSmall Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
SBA & agencies
R&D funding for small businesses commercializing technology.
Small businesses meeting SBA standards.
$50,000–$1M+Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC)
DOL
Grants for workforce development in rural regions.
Workforce boards and nonprofits.
Varies by awardTEACH Grant program (institutional)
Dept. of Education
Institutional participation in the TEACH grant program.
Eligible educational institutions.
Varies by award