Government assistance programs — housing, food, healthcare, and more. 87 programs available.
Showing 39 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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.
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.