Understand your
emergency help options.
Explore where to turn for urgent bills, eviction risk, shutoffs and disasters. Learn who to call first and what to have ready.
Program directory
Emergency help, at a glance
Most fast help is local: charities, county aid and crisis lines, not federal checks.
- 01
211
Community referral line
- Support
- Free local referrals, day or night
- Start here
- Call or text 211
- 02
TANF
Cash help for families
- Support
- Cash aid and some one-time help
- Start here
- Your state TANF office
- 03
LIHEAP crisis help
Energy emergencies
- Support
- Shutoffs and fuel emergencies
- Start here
- Your state LIHEAP office
- 04
Emergency rental help
Local programs
- Support
- Help to avoid eviction
- Start here
- 211 or your city
- 05
Community Action Agencies
Local help
- Support
- Emergency help and referrals
- Start here
- Your local agency
- 06
The Salvation Army
Local offices
- Support
- Emergency assistance, food and shelter
- Start here
- Your local office
- 07
Holiday help
Toys, gifts and meals
- Support
- Seasonal sign-ups run by local charities
- Start here
- Our holiday assistance guide
- 08
St. Vincent de Paul
Local conferences
- Support
- Neighbor-to-neighbor help
- Start here
- Your local conference
- 09
Disaster assistance
FEMA and partners
- Support
- Help after declared disasters
- Start here
- DisasterAssistance.gov
Emergency funds are local and often limited, so ask each office what is open right now.
Practical next steps
If you need help today
- 1Call or text 211Describe the emergency and ask which local programs are open now.
- 2Contact the company you oweLandlords and utilities may offer more time or a payment plan.
- 3Apply for the matching programUse crisis help for shutoffs and local rental help for eviction risk.
- 4Get legal help for evictionLegal aid can explain your rights and deadlines.
- 5Keep recordsSave notices, receipts and the names of people you spoke with.
Get the facts
What emergency aid can and cannot cover
- AssumptionThere is one national emergency cash program.What to checkEmergency help is mostly local. Start with 211 to find what is open where you live.
- AssumptionAn eviction notice means I must leave right away.What to checkEvictions follow a court process with deadlines. Get legal help quickly.
- AssumptionCharities only help their own members.What to checkMany charities help anyone in need. Call and ask how they work.
Common pitfalls
Before you share personal details with anyone
- Waiting too longAsk for help as soon as you know you cannot pay.
- Ignoring court papersRespond to eviction papers by the deadline.
- Missing documentsKeep ID, the bill or notice, and proof of income ready.
Frequently asked questions
Emergency questions, answered.
Call or text 211. It is a free, confidential referral line that knows which local programs are open for rent, utilities, food and shelter where you live.
In some states, yes. States can use TANF for short-term or one-time help, and the rules differ from state to state. Ask your state TANF office what it offers.
Contact your utility right away and apply for LIHEAP crisis help. Federal law requires crisis assistance within 48 hours of an eligible application, or 18 hours in life-threatening situations.
Read every notice and do not miss court dates. Contact legal aid for free advice, and ask 211 about local rental help that may be available.
When a disaster is federally declared, you can apply for FEMA assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov. Local charities and 211 can help with immediate needs.
Official sources
Official emergency help lines and pages
Independent guide
GrantsHubUSA explains programs and links to official resources. We do not run these programs or process applications.
Read our editorial policyEligibility wizard
Answer a few questions and see which programs are worth a closer look. Only the agency decides eligibility.