A Practical Guide to Common Types of Government Assistance Programs

Government assistance programs can feel confusing, especially if you are in a crisis and need help quickly. This guide explains the main types of government assistance programs, what they usually cover, and how people typically move forward through official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency and not an application site. The information below is meant to help you understand your options so you can contact the correct official office, website, or hotline for your situation.

Major Categories of Government Assistance

Most government aid programs fall into a few big categories:

• Food assistance
• Cash and income support
• Housing and utilities help
• Health coverage and medical help
• Unemployment and job support
• Education and student aid
• Support for specific groups (seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, families with children, etc.)
• Emergency and disaster assistance

Each category has different rules, agencies, and ways to apply. Many programs are run by states or counties using federal funds, so exact details vary by location.

1. Food Assistance Programs

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

What it is (plain English):
SNAP (sometimes called “food stamps”) provides monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card that can be used to buy groceries at approved stores and some farmers markets.

Who typically qualifies:

• Households with low income and limited savings
• U.S. citizens and certain eligible non-citizens
• People who meet work requirements (varies by age and situation)
• Income limits and rules differ by state and family size

Documents to gather:

• Proof of identity (ID, driver’s license)
• Social Security numbers (or proof of application, where applicable)
• Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, child support statements)
• Rent or mortgage information
• Utility bills
• Immigration status documents, if applicable

Where/how to apply:

• Through your state’s official benefits portal
• By calling your local SNAP office or county social services department
• In person at a county or state human services office

What happens after applying:

• You may have a phone or in-person interview with a caseworker.
• The agency reviews your income, household size, and expenses.
• If approved, you receive an EBT card and a monthly benefit amount.
• You must recertify after a set period (for example, every 6–12 months).

Common delays or denials:

• Missing documents or incomplete application
• Income above the program’s limit
• Not completing the required interview or recertification on time

If you don’t qualify:

• Ask your local office about food pantries, community meal programs, or church-based food assistance.
• You can also call 211 (in many areas) to ask about local food resources.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

What it is:
WIC provides specific healthy foods, nutrition education, and referrals for:

• Pregnant people
• New parents
• Infants and children up to age 5

Who typically qualifies:

• Low to moderate income households
• Residents of the state where applying
• Individuals who are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have young children
• Must meet certain nutritional risk criteria determined by WIC staff

Documents to gather:

• Identity and proof of residence
• Proof of income
• Medical or clinic records if requested (for nutritional assessment)

Where/how to apply:

• Contact your local WIC clinic (often through the health department or community health centers).
• Some states allow starting the process online or by phone, but a clinic visit is usually required.

2. Cash and Income Support

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

What it is:
TANF offers monthly cash assistance to very low-income families with children, plus help with things like job training, childcare, and work search. It’s often called “welfare.”

Who typically qualifies:

• Households with very low income
• At least one minor child (or a pregnant family member)
• U.S. citizens or certain qualified non-citizens
• Must follow work participation or job search rules, unless exempt

Documents to gather:

• IDs for adults and birth certificates for children
• Proof of family relationship or custody
• Income and asset information
• Housing and utility bills
• Social Security numbers, if available

Where/how to apply:

• Through your state or county human services department
• Online via your state’s official benefits website
• In person at a local assistance office

Common reasons for denial:

• Income or assets above the limit
• Not meeting work requirements (where applicable)
• Not providing required documents

Appeals:
If you think a decision is wrong, you can usually request a fair hearing or appeal by following instructions on the denial notice or contacting your local agency.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

What it is:
SSI provides monthly cash benefits to:

• Adults and children with severe disabilities and limited income/resources
• Older adults (65+) with very low income/assets

SSI is managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Who typically qualifies:

• Very limited income and assets
• Meets SSA’s disability definition or is 65 or older
• U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen

Documents to gather:

• Identification and Social Security number
• Medical records, contact information for doctors
• Proof of income and assets
• Living arrangement details (rent, who you live with, etc.)

Where/how to apply:

• Through the Social Security Administration by phone, online (in some cases), or at a local Social Security office.

What happens after applying:

• The SSA reviews your medical and financial information.
• Disability cases can take several months or longer.
• You may be asked to attend a medical exam set up by SSA.

Appeals:
If denied, there is a multi-step appeal process through SSA, with deadlines listed on your decision letter.

3. Housing and Utilities Assistance

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) & Public Housing

What they are:

• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): Help pay part of your monthly rent to a private landlord.
• Public Housing: Government-owned apartments or homes rented at reduced cost.

Both are usually managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).

Who typically qualifies:

• Low-income individuals and families
• U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens
• Some programs prioritize seniors, people with disabilities, or families with children

Documents to gather:

• IDs and Social Security numbers
• Income and asset documents
• Family composition information (who lives with you)
• Current housing situation and rental history, if requested

Where/how to apply:

• Contact your local Public Housing Authority.
• Some PHAs have online application portals.
• Many PHAs have waitlists, which may open and close.

Common challenges:

• Long waitlists; some areas are closed to new applicants.
• Incomplete or outdated contact information can cause missed notices.
• You may need to update your address and phone anytime they change.

Emergency Rental Assistance & Homelessness Prevention

What it is:
Short-term help with overdue rent, utilities, or move-in costs. Often run by:

• City or county housing departments
• Community action agencies
• Nonprofit organizations using government funds

Who typically qualifies:

• Facing eviction, homelessness, or unsafe housing
• Limited income and no other resources to catch up

Where/how to apply:

• Contact your local housing department, county human services, or call 211.
• Some areas have online intake forms, others use walk-in appointments.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

What it is:
LIHEAP helps pay heating and cooling bills, and sometimes emergency utility shut-off prevention or basic weatherization.

Who typically qualifies:

• Households with low income
• Priority often given to seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children

Documents to gather:

• IDs and Social Security numbers, if available
• Utility bills
• Proof of income
• Proof of residence

Where/how to apply:

• Through your state’s LIHEAP or energy assistance office
• Often via local community action agencies

4. Health Coverage and Medical Assistance

Medicaid

What it is:
Medicaid is health insurance for low-income individuals and families. It can cover:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital care
• Prescriptions
• Some long-term care and home health services (varies by state)

Who typically qualifies:

• Low-income children, parents, pregnant people
• Many low-income adults in states that expanded Medicaid
• Some seniors and people with disabilities

Each state sets its own income limits and rules under federal guidelines.

Documents to gather:

• IDs, Social Security numbers
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status, where required
• Income proof (pay stubs, benefit letters)
• Pregnancy verification, if applicable

Where/how to apply:

• Your state Medicaid agency or health coverage portal
• By phone through the state Medicaid customer service line
• In person at a county or state human services office

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

What it is:
CHIP provides low-cost or free health coverage for children (and sometimes pregnant people) whose families make too much for Medicaid but still have trouble affording private insurance.

Who typically qualifies:

• Children under 19
• Income above Medicaid but below CHIP limits
• Residents of the state

Where/how to apply:

• Often through the same portal as Medicaid.
• You can ask your state Medicaid/CHIP office which program your child may qualify for.

Medicare

What it is:
Medicare is a federal health insurance program mainly for:

• People 65 and older
• Some younger people with certain disabilities or medical conditions

Medicare has different parts (hospital, medical, prescription coverage). People with limited income may also qualify for Medicare Savings Programs through their state.

Where/how to apply:

• Through the Social Security Administration (for initial enrollment)
• Questions about coverage can also go to Medicare’s official phone line.

5. Unemployment & Job-Related Assistance

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

What it is:
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary weekly payments to workers who lost their job through no fault of their own, such as layoffs.

Who typically qualifies:

• Worked a certain amount of time and earned a minimum amount of wages in the past year (varies by state)
• Lost your job not due to misconduct (rules vary)
• Able and available to work and actively seeking work

Documents to gather:

• Your work history (employers, dates, wages)
• Reason for separation from your last job
• Social Security number and ID
• Direct deposit info (optional but common)

Where/how to apply:

• Online at your state’s unemployment insurance website
• By phone using the state unemployment call center
• Some states have in-person workforce offices that can assist

What happens after applying:

• Your last employer may be contacted to confirm details.
• You must file weekly or bi-weekly claims and report work search, as required.
• Decisions, delays, and appeals are handled by your state unemployment agency.

Workforce and Job Training Programs

What they are:
Programs that help with:

• Job search and resume help
• Training or certifications
• Sometimes subsidized employment or on-the-job training

These services are often offered by:

• State labor departments
• Workforce boards
• One-stop career centers

You can contact your local workforce center or state labor department to ask what is available in your area.

6. Education and Student Financial Aid

Federal Student Aid (Grants, Loans, Work-Study)

What it is:

• Grants (like Pell Grants): Money for school that usually does not need to be repaid.
• Loans: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
• Work-study: Part-time jobs for students with financial need.

Who typically qualifies:

• U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens attending eligible colleges or career schools
• Must complete the official federal student aid application (FAFSA or its current version) and meet academic and other criteria

Documents to gather:

• Social Security number (if applicable)
• Tax returns and income information for you and possibly your parents or spouse
• List of schools you’re interested in

Where/how to apply:

• Through the official federal student aid application website or process
• Schools generally have financial aid offices that can guide you.

State and Local Education Grants

Many states offer:

• State grants and scholarships
• Tuition assistance for specific fields (like teaching or nursing)
• Programs for residents attending in-state schools

Contact your state higher education agency or your school’s financial aid office to ask about state-specific programs.

7. Programs for Specific Groups

Assistance for Seniors

Common programs for older adults include:

• Social Security retirement benefits
• Medicare
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for low-income seniors
• Senior housing assistance, property tax relief, or utility discounts (varies by area)
• Meals on Wheels and senior center meal programs (often supported by government funding but run by local agencies)

Contact:

• Social Security Administration for retirement and SSI questions.
• Your local Area Agency on Aging for community-based services.

Assistance for People with Disabilities

In addition to SSI and Medicaid, people with disabilities may be able to access:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Vocational rehabilitation services (job support)
• Accessible housing programs and home modification help (locally based)
• Transportation assistance in some areas

Contact:

• Social Security Administration for SSI/SSDI.
• Your state’s vocational rehabilitation agency or disability services office.

Veterans and Military-Related Programs

Veterans and some family members may qualify for:

• VA health care
• VA disability compensation
• Education benefits (GI Bill)
• Housing assistance or VA-backed home loans
• Employment and training services for veterans

Contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or a local VA office or veterans service organization for guidance.

Families with Children

In addition to SNAP, Medicaid/CHIP, and TANF, families may have access to:

• Child care assistance or subsidies through state or county agencies
• Child support enforcement services
• School meal programs (free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches)
• Early childhood programs like Head Start and Early Head Start

Check with:

• Your state or county human services department
• Your local school district
• Local Head Start agency

Quick Comparison of Common Program Types

How to Tell If You’re on an Official Channel

Because assistance programs are highly targeted and valuable, scams are common. Before you share personal information or pay any fee, it can help to double-check:

1. Website and email clues

• Official federal websites usually end in “.gov”.
• Many state agencies use “.gov” or clearly state they are state government sites.
• Be cautious of sites that promise “guaranteed approval” or demand upfront payment for benefits applications.

2. Phone and office verification

• Call the phone number listed on a known agency letter, government directory, or information line like 211.
• You can also ask, “Are you a government agency? Which department?” and then verify independently.

3. Fees and payments

• It is generally free to apply for government assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, SSI, and unemployment insurance.
• Some private organizations may charge for application assistance, but that is separate from the official program. You can usually get free help by contacting your local agency or community organizations.

Common Application Steps Across Many Programs

While each program is different, many follow a similar pattern:

1. Identify the correct program and agency.
   Decide what kind of help you need (food, housing, cash, medical, etc.) and look up the official state or county office that handles it.

2. Gather documents.
   Frequently requested items include:

   • Photo ID
   • Social Security numbers or documentation
   • Proof of income
   • Rent/lease and utility bills
   • Bank statements (for some programs)
   • Birth certificates or proof of relationship for children

3. Submit an application.
   This may be:

   • Online through the official benefits portal
   • By mail, fax, or drop-off
   • In person at a local office

4. Complete interviews or follow-up.
   Many programs require a phone or in-person interview. Respond promptly to any letters, calls, or requests for more information.

5. Watch deadlines and recertification.
   Benefits usually last for a set period. You may need to:

   • Report changes in income or household size
   • Renew your case through recertification paperwork or interviews

6. Ask about appeals.
   If you are denied or your benefits are reduced and you disagree, you usually have the right to:

   • Request a hearing or appeal
   • Submit additional documents
   • Get help from legal aid or advocacy groups

If You Don’t Qualify or Need More Help

If you are denied for a government program or your benefits are not enough, you may still find help through:

• Local nonprofits and charities
• Faith-based organizations
• Community action agencies
• Food banks and pantries
• Legal aid organizations for help with appeals or problems accessing benefits

Calling 211 (where available) or contacting your city or county human services department can help you find local options.

Understanding the types of government assistance programs is the first step. From there, your next move is to contact the appropriate official agency or benefits office for your area, confirm the current rules, and follow their instructions for application, documentation, and follow-up.