Understand your options.
Stretch every paycheck further.
Explore food, health, cash, tax credit and energy programs for families, and find official resources for your next step.
Program directory
Family programs, at a glance.
Food, cash aid, health coverage, child care and tax credits are separate programs with separate rules.
- 01
- Support
- Monthly grocery benefits
- Learn about
- Income rules and applying
- 02
- Support
- Healthy food for moms and young kids
- Learn about
- Who qualifies and where to go
- 03
- Support
- Free or low-cost coverage for kids and parents
- Learn about
- How children qualify
- 04
- Support
- Monthly cash aid and work support
- Learn about
- State rules and time limits
- 05
- Support
- A refundable tax credit for workers
- Learn about
- Who qualifies and how to claim it
- 06
- Support
- Help with heating and cooling bills
- Learn about
- State dates and crisis help
Program eligibility and benefits depend on individual circumstances. Check the official guidance.
Getting started
Building your family's benefits plan.
One application can cover several programs in many states, so ask what else you can apply for.
- 1Start with SNAP and health coverageFood and health programs often open doors to others.
- 2Add WIC for young childrenPregnant women, new mothers and children under 5 can use WIC with SNAP.
- 3File a tax returnYou must file to claim the EITC, even if you owe no tax.
- 4Plan for energy billsApply for LIHEAP when your state's window opens.
- 5Keep a benefits folderSave letters, renewal dates and proof of income in one place.
Common assumptions
Family benefit myths, checked
- AssumptionWe earn too much for any help.What to checkLimits differ by program and household size. Check each one.
- AssumptionGetting one benefit blocks the others.What to checkMany families use several programs at once.
- AssumptionThe EITC is only for parents.What to checkWorkers without children can qualify too, with a smaller credit.
- AssumptionOne application covers every program.What to checkSome states combine applications, but many programs apply separately.
Common pitfalls
Paperwork that slows family benefits
- Missed renewalsPut every renewal date on a calendar.
- Unreported changesTell agencies about income or household changes on time.
- Unclaimed tax creditsFile a return every year to claim the EITC.
Frequently asked questions
Family benefits questions.
Most families start with SNAP and Medicaid or CHIP, because they cover everyday needs. Being in one program can also make it easier to qualify for others, such as free school meals.
Yes. They are separate programs, and a family can take part in both if it meets each program's rules.
Yes. You claim the Earned Income Tax Credit on your federal tax return, even if you do not owe any tax. Free filing help is available through IRS volunteer programs.
Both cover children. CHIP covers children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private coverage. Apply through your state or HealthCare.gov and the agency sorts out which program fits.
Call or text 211 to find local help that is open now. For a utility shutoff, contact the utility and apply for LIHEAP crisis help.
Official sources
Federal family program links
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.