Government assistance programs — housing, food, healthcare, and more. 87 programs available.
Showing 34 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.
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 the Treasury
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.
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 Housing and Urban Development
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.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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).
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development / U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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.
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.
U.S. Department of Energy
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.
U.S. Department of Energy
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.