Support for individuals and families living with disability, illness, or limited income.
These programs exist to provide stability, dignity, and help when working is difficult or impossible.
Housing and Utilities
Helps pay heating or cooling bills
Often includes shut-off prevention
Run through local agencies (faster than people expect)
Help With Electric, Gas, Water, or Heating Bills
Lets people filter by state
Plain-language summaries
Good for people who don’t know program names
Energy Assistance by State (Quick Finder)
Help with high water/sewer bills
Often overlooked
Many programs pay providers directly
Water & Sewer Bill Help (Local + Federal Programs)
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)
Help with rent, utilities, or back payments
Many funds still exist at local levels
Works even if income recently changed
Mortgage Assistance / Foreclosure Help
Free, HUD-approved housing counselors
Help with payment plans, forbearance, or modification
No cost, no sales pitch
Food and Grocery
The largest national food assistance program. It provides monthly funds on an EBT card to help eligible low-income individuals and families buy groceries. Eligibility is income-based.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
A USDA federal program that supplies free food (commodities) to local food banks and pantries, which then distribute it to people with low income at no cost.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
WIC — Women, Infants, and Children
Provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.
School Meal Programs
Free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch during the school year (plus summer food options), helping families with children stretch grocery budgets.
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)
Education on healthy eating and food budgeting for low-income families.
Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI)
Grants to encourage grocery and healthy food retail development in underserved communities (food deserts).
Disability, Illness, Limited Income
Social Security Disability (SSDI & SSI)
For people unable to work due to a qualifying disability.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
State Disability & Income Assistance (By State)
Some states offer additional cash assistance beyond federal programs.