Government assistance programs — housing, food, healthcare, and more. 87 programs available.
Showing 24 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.
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.
U.S. Department of Education
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.
U.S. Department of Education
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.
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
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.
U.S. Department of Education
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.
Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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.
Social Security Administration
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.
U.S. Department of Education
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.
Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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.
Social Security Administration
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.
Social Security Administration
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.