Government assistance programs — housing, food, healthcare, and more. 87 programs available.
Showing 35 programs
Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The 340B Drug Pricing Program requires pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in Medicaid to sell outpatient drugs at significantly reduced prices to eligible health care organizations (covered entities), which in turn use the savings to expand services or reduce costs for low-income and uninsured patients. Covered entities include FQHCs, Ryan White clinics, disproportionate-share hospitals, and other safety-net providers. Patients receiving care at 340B-covered entities — particularly the uninsured — often benefit from deeply discounted prescription drugs.
Internal Revenue Service / HealthCare.gov
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.
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.
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.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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.
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.
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.
Social Security Administration / Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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.
Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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.
Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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.