Real help with everyday needs.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) improves the health of low-income seniors aged 60 and older by supplementing their diets with monthly packages of nutritious USDA-purchased foods such as canned fruits and vegetables, cheese, pasta, peanut butter, canned juice, and dry milk or cereal. The program operates through approximately 35 states and several Indian Tribal Organizations, distributing food through local agencies, food banks, and senior centers. Waiting lists exist in many areas due to high demand.

Double Up Food Bucks is a nutrition incentive program that matches SNAP dollars spent on fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and, in some states, grocery stores and co-ops — effectively doubling the purchasing power of SNAP recipients for fresh, locally grown produce. Participants earn matching tokens or digital credits on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with daily or seasonal limits varying by location. The program is funded through USDA Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) grants and operates in over 25 states.

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides monthly packages of USDA-purchased nutritious foods to income-eligible Native American households living on or near federally recognized Indian reservations and in Oklahoma. The program offers an alternative to SNAP and is distributed by Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) or state agencies, with packages tailored to reflect cultural food preferences. FDPIR serves approximately 90,000 people per month at over 100 distribution sites.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides free fresh and dried fruits and vegetables to elementary school students outside of regular school meal service at selected high-poverty schools, helping children build healthier eating habits and expand their knowledge of diverse produce. Schools with the highest percentages of students enrolled in free and reduced-price meal programs are prioritized for selection by state agencies. The program operates in all 50 states and US territories.

Meals on Wheels, funded through the Older Americans Act and delivered by a national network of local programs, provides home-delivered nutritious meals to seniors who are unable to shop or prepare their own food, along with regular wellness checks and social interaction to reduce isolation. Services typically include hot daily meals, frozen weekend meals, and specialized dietary options for medical needs. The program serves adults 60 and older and often provides additional services such as grocery assistance, transportation, and home safety checks.

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides nutritionally balanced, free or reduced-price lunches to children at participating public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions each school day. Children from households at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level receive free meals, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price meals at no more than $0.40. The program served approximately 30 million students daily and is administered by state agencies through participating schools.

The Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP) provides performance-based grants to states, territories, and tribal organizations to purchase food for Older Americans Act nutrition programs, including congregate meal sites at senior centers and home-delivered meals for homebound older adults. Funds are allocated based on the number of meals served, rewarding programs that serve more seniors with more resources. NSIP supports approximately 1 million older Americans annually through a network of nutrition service providers.

The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides federal reimbursements to participating schools and residential child care institutions to offer free or reduced-price nutritious breakfasts to eligible children each school day. Children from low-income households receive free breakfast based on the same income thresholds used by the National School Lunch Program. Research consistently shows that students who eat breakfast perform better academically and have better attendance and health outcomes.

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income seniors with coupons or electronic benefits redeemable for fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at participating farmers markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs. Annual benefits typically range from $20 to $50 per person and support both food access for seniors and revenue for local farmers. The program runs seasonally from roughly May through November in most states.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides monthly electronic benefits to low-income households to purchase food at authorized grocery stores and markets. Benefit amounts are based on household size, net income, and allowable deductions including housing, childcare, and dependent care. Most households must have gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level to qualify.

The Special Milk Program (SMP) provides reimbursements to schools, child care institutions, and eligible summer camps to offer free or reduced-price milk to children who do not have access to other federal school meal programs during their school day. It primarily serves children in half-day kindergarten and pre-K programs and split-session schools where some students miss school lunch. Schools and institutions that participate in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program may use SMP only for students not covered under those programs.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals to children 18 and under at approved community sites during summer months when school is not in session, addressing the nutrition gap low-income children face when school meal programs are unavailable. Any child 18 or younger can eat free at open sites — no income verification or paperwork is required at the point of service. Sites are located at schools, community centers, parks, libraries, and other accessible locations in areas where at least 50% of children qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.

TEFAP makes USDA-purchased commodity foods available at no cost to low-income Americans through a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens. States receive allocations of foods based on their low-income and unemployed populations and distribute them through local food bank networks, where recipients can collect food packages or receive prepared meals. The program distributes billions of pounds of food annually including canned goods, dairy, meat, poultry, and fresh produce.

WIC provides monthly food benefits, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women and children under five at nutritional risk. Participants receive electronic benefits redeemable for specific healthy foods at authorized retailers. Eligibility requires income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

ACA Premium Tax Credits (also called Premium Tax Credits or PTCs) help low- and middle-income individuals and families afford health insurance purchased through the ACA Marketplace by reducing monthly premium costs. The credit amount is based on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level — households earning between 100% and 400% of FPL are eligible, and under enhanced provisions through 2025, higher-income households may also qualify. Credits can be applied in advance to reduce monthly premiums or claimed as a lump sum when filing taxes.

CHIP provides low-cost or free health coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance, with income eligibility typically ranging from 200% to 300% or higher of the Federal Poverty Level depending on the state. Coverage includes routine check-ups, immunizations, doctor and dental visits, hospital care, lab and X-ray services, and prescription drugs. In some states, CHIP also covers pregnant women and parents of eligible children.

Extra Help (also called the Low Income Subsidy or LIS) assists Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources in paying Medicare Part D prescription drug plan premiums, deductibles, and copays, potentially saving over $5,000 per year. Full Extra Help eliminates the Part D premium (up to the benchmark amount), the deductible, and the coverage gap, with copays of $0–$4.70 for generics and $0–$11.80 for brand-name drugs in 2024. Beneficiaries who receive Medicaid, SSI, or Medicare Savings Program benefits are automatically enrolled.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are community-based health care providers that receive federal funding to provide primary care services in underserved areas to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. FQHCs offer comprehensive services including primary care, dental, mental health and substance use disorder services, prenatal care, and pharmacy, on a sliding-fee scale based on income. There are over 1,400 FQHC grantees operating more than 14,000 service delivery sites across the United States, territories, and freely associated states.

Healthy Start provides community-based services to reduce infant mortality, improve birth outcomes, and address health disparities for pregnant women, infants, and families in communities with the highest rates of infant mortality and pregnancy-related deaths. Services include prenatal care coordination, health education, interconception care, home visiting, breastfeeding support, substance use screening, and referrals to mental health, domestic violence, and social services. The program operates in more than 100 communities across the United States, with a focus on African American, Native American, and other underserved populations.

The Hill-Burton Program obligates hospitals and other health facilities that received federal construction grants or loans under the Hill-Burton Act to provide free or reduced-cost care to eligible patients. Obligated facilities must offer a certain amount of uncompensated services each year and cannot refuse care to someone unable to pay. To receive Hill-Burton free care, patients must apply and meet income guidelines — typically at or below the HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines — at a participating facility.

The Indian Health Service (IHS) provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 2.6 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who are members of 574 federally recognized tribes. Services include primary care, dental, behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, pharmacy, and public health nursing, delivered through IHS-operated facilities, tribally operated programs under Self-Determination contracts, and urban Indian health organizations. Health services are provided at no direct cost to eligible patients as a result of treaty obligations and the federal trust responsibility to tribal nations.

The IHS Scholarship Program supports American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing health professions degrees by covering full tuition, required fees, and a monthly living stipend. Recipients commit to serving in IHS facilities, tribal health programs, or urban Indian organizations for one year per year of support received, with a minimum two-year service obligation.

Medicaid is a joint federal-state health insurance program that provides free or low-cost comprehensive health coverage to millions of low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, long-term care, and preventive services, with specific benefits varying by state. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and other factors, and in states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, most adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify.

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health; Part B covers outpatient medical services, preventive care, and medical equipment; Part C (Medicare Advantage) bundles A and B through private plans; and Part D covers prescription drugs. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state Medicaid programs that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. The four MSP levels — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), Qualifying Individual (QI), and Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI) — each cover different Medicare cost-sharing based on income. QMB participants may not be billed by Medicare providers for cost-sharing, even if the provider doesn't accept Medicaid.

The NHSC Scholarship Program pays full tuition, required fees, and a monthly living stipend for health professions students who commit to serving in Health Professional Shortage Areas. Scholars provide one year of full-time clinical service for each year of support received, with a minimum two-year commitment. Eligible disciplines include primary care medicine, dentistry, nursing, and behavioral health.

PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that provides comprehensive medical and social services to frail elderly individuals (55+) who are certified as needing nursing home-level care but prefer to remain living in the community. PACE organizations provide all covered Medicare and Medicaid services — including primary care, hospital, dental, vision, hearing, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and personal care — through an interdisciplinary team at an adult day health center. There are no coverage gaps or deductibles, and most PACE participants have no monthly premium if they qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) are a CMS-designated provider type that receives enhanced Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates to support affordable primary care access in rural shortage areas. RHCs employ teams of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants and are required to be located in a rural area with a shortage of primary care providers. Patients — including Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries — benefit from local access to comprehensive primary care services without traveling long distances to urban health centers.

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program funds a comprehensive system of HIV primary medical care, medications, and essential support services for low-income people living with HIV who are uninsured or underinsured. Services include HIV medical care, antiretroviral drugs through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, case management, and transportation assistance. The program serves over 500,000 people annually through a network of grantees including health departments, community health centers, and AIDS service organizations.

Title X is the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services. Funded clinics offer contraceptive counseling and supplies, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, pregnancy testing, preconception health care, and referrals at no cost or on a sliding-fee scale for people with low incomes. Title X-funded sites serve approximately 2 million patients annually and are required to serve all patients regardless of their ability to pay.

TRICARE is the health care program for active duty and retired uniformed service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families, providing comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage worldwide. TRICARE offers several plan options including TRICARE Prime (HMO-style), TRICARE Select (PPO-style), and TRICARE for Life (Medicare supplement for retirees) with varying costs and network requirements. Most active duty members and their families have low or no cost-sharing for covered services.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, operating over 1,200 facilities nationwide to provide comprehensive medical services to eligible veterans. Care includes primary care, mental health treatment, substance use disorder services, prosthetics, telehealth, dental (for eligible veterans), and long-term care, often at no or reduced cost depending on the veteran's disability rating and income. Veterans are assigned to priority groups (1–8) based on their service-connected disability rating and income, which determines any copays.

ERAP provides financial assistance to low-income renters experiencing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent eviction and housing instability. Funds cover up to 18 months of past-due and prospective rent, utilities, and other qualifying housing costs. Eligible households must earn at or below 80% of area median income and demonstrate COVID-related financial hardship.

HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door program offers law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and pre-K through 12th-grade teachers a 50% discount on the list price of eligible HUD-owned single-family homes located in designated revitalization areas. Buyers must commit to living in the purchased home as their sole residence for at least 36 months. Properties are listed weekly on the HUD Homestore website and must be purchased through a registered HUD-approved real estate agent.

HOPWA provides housing assistance and supportive services for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families who are at risk of homelessness or residing in substandard housing. Funded services include short-term rent and utility assistance, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and case management. Grants are awarded to states, cities, and nonprofit organizations that deliver services directly to clients across the country.

HUD's Housing Counseling Program funds a national network of approved nonprofit agencies to provide free or low-cost counseling on buying a home, renting, avoiding foreclosure, resolving homelessness, and improving financial literacy. Counselors help individuals understand their rights, navigate housing options, and develop sustainable household budgets. Services are available in multiple languages and are open to people of all income levels.

HUD's Public Housing program provides safe, decent, and affordable rental housing for low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities through local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) that manage approximately one million housing units nationwide. Rent is typically capped at 30% of the household's adjusted gross income, making it the most affordable option for very low-income households. Applications are submitted directly to the local PHA, and waiting lists are common due to high demand.

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Participants find their own housing and use the voucher to pay for all or part of the rent. The program is administered by local public housing agencies (PHAs).

HUD-VASH combines HUD Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance with ongoing VA case management and clinical services to help homeless veterans achieve stable, permanent housing. Veterans use the voucher to lease private-market housing while VA social workers provide mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, and employment support. It is the nation's largest permanent supportive housing program for veterans and has helped house over 100,000 veterans since its inception.

NeighborWorks America and its network of nearly 250 local nonprofit organizations provide down payment assistance, closing cost assistance, and homebuyer education for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers. Programs vary by location but typically help buyers purchase homes in targeted neighborhoods and communities across the U.S.

Section 811 funds nonprofit organizations to develop and operate affordable rental housing with supportive services for low-income adults with significant disabilities, enabling them to live independently in the community. The program provides project-based rental assistance and requires coordination with state Medicaid programs to deliver long-term supports and services such as personal care, transportation, and employment assistance. Referrals are typically made through state housing and Medicaid agencies.

The Section 504 Home Repair program provides loans and grants to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes or to remove health and safety hazards. Grants are provided to elderly (age 62+) very-low-income homeowners. The program is available only in eligible rural areas and helps homeowners who cannot afford commercial financing.

USDA's Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program finances the construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing in rural communities for low- and moderate-income families, elderly residents, and persons with disabilities. Loans carry below-market interest rates of as low as 1%, significantly reducing rents for tenants who may also receive Section 8 assistance to lower their out-of-pocket costs further. Housing must be located in a rural area with a population of 35,000 or fewer.

This program assists low- and very-low-income applicants in obtaining decent, safe, and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to reduce the applicant's repayment obligation. Payment assistance is a type of subsidy that reduces the mortgage payment temporarily for a period of time. The amount of assistance is determined by the adjusted family income.

The Section 504 Home Repair Grant helps very low-income rural homeowners aged 62 and older remove health and safety hazards or make accessibility modifications to their homes. Grants up to $10,000 cover repairs such as roof replacement, heating system fixes, plumbing, electrical upgrades, and disability-related modifications. Recipients must own and occupy the property and be unable to afford a repair loan.

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety. Funded through the DOE, WAP provides services to approximately 35,000 homes per year. Services include insulation, air sealing, HVAC system upgrades, and health and safety improvements.

Free or low-cost home energy audits for low-income households are delivered through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), LIHEAP Energy Crisis funding, and state and utility energy efficiency programs. A home energy audit identifies air leaks, insulation deficiencies, inefficient appliances, and heating and cooling problems — providing a prioritized list of improvements that can be addressed through weatherization and retrofit programs. Audit results are used to qualify homes for free energy efficiency upgrades under WAP and other assistance programs.

The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) provides grants and loans to owners of HUD-assisted multifamily housing to make energy efficiency improvements and climate resilience upgrades that benefit residents in affordable apartment communities. Funded improvements may include HVAC upgrades, insulation, roofing, solar installations, and infrastructure hardening against extreme weather events. Low-income residents in participating HUD-assisted buildings benefit directly through reduced utility costs and improved living conditions without bearing the upfront investment cost.

The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) provides point-of-sale rebates for low- and moderate-income households to electrify their homes. Rebates cover heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric stoves, clothes dryers, insulation, weatherization, and electrical panel upgrades. Income-qualified households can receive up to $14,000 in rebates.

The HOMES (Home Owner Managing Energy Savings) Rebate Program provides rebates to homeowners who make whole-home energy efficiency upgrades. The rebate amount is based on modeled or measured energy savings and household income. Low- and moderate-income households can receive higher rebate amounts. Rebates are administered through state energy offices.

Helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling energy costs, energy crises, and weatherization and energy-related home repairs.

The USDA Rural Utilities Service Electric Loan Program provides low-interest loans to rural electric cooperatives, public power districts, and other eligible borrowers to fund the construction, expansion, and improvement of electric distribution, transmission, and generation facilities in rural areas. By financing reliable, affordable electricity infrastructure in rural communities, the program reduces energy costs and improves quality of life for rural residents and businesses who are the end beneficiaries. Loans may also fund smart grid upgrades, distributed energy, and energy storage projects.

ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts that allow individuals with qualifying disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for federal means-tested benefits such as SSI and Medicaid, up to a $100,000 balance. Annual contributions up to the gift tax exclusion ($18,000 in 2024) can come from the account owner, family, and friends; withdrawals for qualified disability expenses (housing, education, transportation, health) are tax-free. Starting January 1, 2026, the age-of-onset limit expands from before age 26 to before age 46.

The Assistive Technology Act funds a program in every state and territory to increase access to assistive technology (AT) devices and services for individuals with disabilities of all ages and disability types. State AT programs offer device demonstration centers, short-term device loan programs, device reutilization programs that redistribute pre-owned equipment at little or no cost, and alternative financing programs with low-interest loans to help people purchase AT. No single application or income threshold applies nationally — services vary by state program.

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are consumer-controlled, community-based nonprofit organizations providing services and advocacy that help people with any type of significant disability live independently. The four core services are information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counseling, and individual and systems advocacy. With over 400 CILs nationwide, additional services often include benefits counseling, transition assistance from institutions or nursing homes, housing support, employment help, and assistive technology guidance.

Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers allow states to provide long-term services and supports to people with disabilities and older adults in their homes and communities as an alternative to institutional care. Covered services vary by state waiver and may include personal care, respite care, adult day services, supported employment, home modifications, specialized therapies, and case management. Because each state designs its own waiver programs, eligibility rules, available services, and enrollment caps differ significantly across states.

PASS allows SSI recipients to set aside income or resources for a defined period to pursue a specific work goal — such as education, vocational training, or starting a business — without those funds reducing SSI benefits or counting toward the resource limit. An approved PASS plan documents the work goal, the steps and timeline to achieve it, and the expenses to be set aside. A free PASS specialist at SSA reviews and approves plans collaboratively with the applicant.

SSDI provides monthly income replacement to workers who become disabled and can no longer engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable impairment. Benefit amounts are based on lifetime earnings and Social Security contributions. Applicants must have sufficient work credits and a qualifying disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

SSI provides monthly cash assistance to elderly, blind, or disabled individuals with very limited income and resources to help cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Benefit amounts are determined by the federal benefit rate minus countable income. Eligibility is based on financial need rather than work history, with strict income and asset limits.

Supported Employment helps individuals with the most significant disabilities — including intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injuries, and severe psychiatric disabilities — obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment through ongoing job coaching, customized job development, and workplace supports. Services follow a "place then train" model, focusing on real jobs at real wages alongside nondisabled coworkers before or instead of pre-employment training in segregated settings. Long-term support services are typically funded through Medicaid waiver programs after the initial VR funding period ends.

The Ticket to Work program helps Social Security disability beneficiaries (SSDI and SSI recipients) explore employment by connecting them with approved Employment Networks and state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies that provide free career counseling, job placement assistance, and ongoing support services. Participation lets beneficiaries test their ability to work while keeping benefits protections in place during an initial trial period. The program is voluntary and open to beneficiaries between ages 18 and 64.

The TBI State Grant Program funds states and territories to develop and improve systems of services and support for individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury and their families. Funded activities include needs assessments, creating or expanding TBI registries, coordinating rehabilitation and long-term community services, and expanding specialized TBI programs. States use funds to fill gaps in existing service systems and improve access to care, rehabilitation, and community support for TBI survivors of all ages.

VA Disability Compensation provides tax-free monthly payments to veterans who have a physical or mental health condition connected to their military service, with payment amounts determined by the combined VA disability rating (10% to 100%). Veterans may claim multiple service-connected conditions, each rated individually and combined into a single overall disability rating using VA's combined ratings formula. Eligible veterans may also receive additional compensation for dependents, special monthly compensation for severe disabilities such as loss of limb or blindness, and priority access to VA health care.

VA Veterans Pension is a needs-based benefit providing monthly payments to wartime veterans with limited income and net worth who are permanently and totally disabled or aged 65 and older. The Aid and Attendance enhanced benefit offers additional monthly payments to pension recipients who need help with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, or eating, or who are in a nursing home or assisted living facility. The Housebound benefit provides a smaller allowance for veterans substantially confined to their home due to a permanent disability.

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program provides individualized services to help people with physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities prepare for, obtain, retain, or advance in competitive integrated employment. Funded through the federal Rehabilitation Act and administered by state VR agencies, services can include career counseling, job training, college tuition assistance, assistive technology, transportation, and job placement support. An Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is developed collaboratively between the counselor and the individual at no cost.

WIPA provides free benefits counseling from certified Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWICs) to Social Security disability beneficiaries who are working or considering work, helping them understand how employment affects their SSDI, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits. CWICs prepare detailed Benefits Summary and Analysis reports so beneficiaries can make informed decisions about returning to work without fear of prematurely losing health coverage or income benefits. Services are delivered through a national network of WIPA projects funded by SSA at no cost to the beneficiary.

CCAMPIS supports low-income student parents in postsecondary education by funding campus-based child care subsidies and services at participating colleges and universities. Institutions use CCAMPIS grants to reduce out-of-pocket child care costs for Pell Grant-eligible students, helping them remain enrolled and complete their degrees. Available services vary by institution and may include subsidized on-campus child care, partnerships with community providers, or child care resource and referral support.

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) is a federal tax credit for working taxpayers who pay for the care of a child under 13 or a disabled dependent so they can work or look for work. The credit equals 20–35% of qualifying care expenses up to $3,000 for one qualifying person or $6,000 for two or more, with the percentage decreasing as adjusted gross income rises. Qualifying expenses include payments to day care centers, after-school programs, babysitters, and summer day camps.

CCDF provides childcare subsidies to low-income working families to help cover the cost of quality care for children up to age 13, or up to age 19 for children with special needs. Families typically pay an income-based copayment while the subsidy covers the balance. Parents must be working, in school, or in job training.

The DoD Child Care Fee Assistance program subsidizes off-installation child care costs for active duty service members when space at on-base child development centers is unavailable. Subsidies reduce the cost of licensed civilian child care for dependent children from birth through age 12, with the level of assistance based on total family income. The program is administered by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) under contract with DoD.

Early Head Start provides comprehensive child development services — including health, nutrition, and social-emotional development — for low-income pregnant women, infants, and toddlers under age 3. Like Head Start, it is delivered by local grantee organizations including community action agencies, nonprofits, and school districts through both center-based and home visiting models. The program serves approximately 150,000 children and families annually and supports continuous care into Head Start at age 3.

Even Start Family Literacy was a federally-funded program that integrated early childhood education, adult literacy, parenting skills, and interactive parent-child learning activities for low-income families with young children. Federal funding ended in 2011, but many states and localities continue similar integrated family literacy programs using state funds, TANF, Title I, and Adult Education dollars. Families seeking these combined services today should contact their local school district, community action agency, or Head Start program for available family literacy support.

Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education, health screening, nutrition, and family engagement services to children from birth to age five from low-income families at no cost. The program builds the social, emotional, and cognitive foundations children need to succeed in school and life. Enrollment prioritizes families with incomes at or below the federal poverty level.

States use a portion of their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant funds to provide child care assistance to current TANF recipients and to low-income families transitioning off TANF, helping parents maintain employment. Unlike the Child Care and Development Fund, TANF child care assistance is not subject to federal child care regulations and eligibility criteria, so benefits, funding levels, and rules vary considerably by state. Some states transfer TANF funds to their CCDF program; others operate separate TANF-funded child care programs.

TANF provides time-limited cash assistance and supportive services to low-income families with children through state-administered programs funded by federal block grants. States have flexibility to design their programs within federal guidelines, creating variation in benefit levels across states. Benefits are limited to a 60-month lifetime maximum and typically require participation in work activities.

The Bureau of Indian Education Higher Education Grant program provides financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native students to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees at accredited colleges and universities. Awards help cover tuition, fees, books, and living expenses, and are distributed through BIE directly or through federally recognized tribes participating in the program. Students must reapply annually and maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain funding.

Need-based federal grant for low and moderate income undergraduate students. Does not need to be repaid. Award amount depends on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.

FSEOG provides supplemental grant funding to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, prioritizing Federal Pell Grant recipients with the lowest Expected Family Contributions. Awards range from $100 to $4,000 per year and do not require repayment. Students must be enrolled at a participating institution and complete the FAFSA.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time employment to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, enabling them to earn money to help pay education expenses while enrolled at least half-time. Jobs are available on-campus and off-campus, with many off-campus positions at nonprofits, public agencies, or employers providing community services related to the student's field of study. Work-Study wages do not count against the following year's financial aid calculation, preserving aid eligibility.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange, providing grants for U.S. students, scholars, professionals, teachers, and artists to study, teach, and conduct research abroad, and for international participants to do the same in the United States. Student grants typically cover international travel, tuition, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance for one academic year. The program operates in more than 160 countries and is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) for student awards.

GAANN fellowships support doctoral students with exceptional financial need in academic areas of national need including biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, and other Secretary-designated fields. Awards are made to graduate programs at eligible institutions, which then select fellows and administer stipends and tuition assistance. Fellows are typically expected to teach or conduct research as part of their academic preparation, and priority is given to students with exceptional academic merit alongside demonstrated need.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) forgives the remaining balance on federal Direct Loans for borrowers who have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer — federal, state, local, or tribal government organizations or eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Borrowers must be enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan and must submit annual Employment Certification Forms to track progress toward the 120-payment threshold. After 120 qualifying payments (10 years of full-time public service), the remaining balance is forgiven tax-free.

The Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) program awards grants to eligible health professions schools, which then provide scholarships to full-time students from disadvantaged backgrounds enrolled in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and other health professions programs. Scholarships cover tuition, reasonable educational expenses, and living costs for the period of health professions training. Recipient institutions select scholarship recipients based on financial need and disadvantaged background criteria.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students preparing to teach in high-need subject areas at low-income elementary or secondary schools. Recipients sign an Agreement to Serve committing to four years of full-time teaching within eight years of program completion. Failure to complete the service obligation converts the grant to an unsubsidized loan.

TRIO is a group of eight federally funded outreach and student services programs designed to help low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities progress from middle school through graduate education. Programs include Talent Search (middle and high school outreach), Upward Bound (college prep for high schoolers), Student Support Services (college retention and graduation support), and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (graduate school preparation). Services are provided by colleges and nonprofits that apply for and receive TRIO grants, so availability depends on which institutions in your area have programs.