Government assistance programs — housing, food, healthcare, and more. 87 programs available.
Showing 55 programs
U.S. Department of the Treasury / State ABLE Programs
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.
Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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.
Bureau of Indian Education, U.S. Department of the Interior
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.
U.S. Department of Education
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.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides federal reimbursements to licensed child care centers, family day care homes, after-school programs, and adult day care centers for serving nutritious meals and snacks to eligible participants. Children up to age 12 in day care and adults 60 and older in adult day programs benefit, with income-based eligibility determining reimbursement rates for participating facilities. The program helps over 4 million children and nearly 130,000 adults receive better nutrition each day.
Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury
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.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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.
U.S. Department of Defense
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.
U.S. Department of Energy
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.
Fair Food Network (USDA-supported)
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.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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.
U.S. Department of Energy / State Energy Offices
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.
U.S. Department of Education
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.
Department of Education
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.