Related Assistance Programs

If you qualify for food assistance, you likely qualify for other programs too. Utility help, cash assistance, health insurance, childcare, and housing programs share similar eligibility requirements.

Tip: Call 211 for a free, confidential screening across all programs. One call can identify everything you're eligible for.

LIHEAP (Utility Assistance)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps families pay heating and cooling bills. If you qualify for food assistance, you likely qualify for LIHEAP too.

Who Qualifies

Low-income households, typically at or below 150% of the federal poverty level or 60% of state median income

What You Get

Direct payments to your utility company, weatherization assistance, and emergency heating/cooling help

How to Apply

Contact your state or local LIHEAP office, or call 211 for help finding your local program

Learn more at www.acf.hhs.gov

TANF (Cash Assistance)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provides cash assistance and support services to low-income families with children. Benefits help cover food, housing, and other basic needs.

Who Qualifies

Low-income families with children under 18 (or under 19 if in school). Must be a US citizen or qualified immigrant.

What You Get

Monthly cash benefits, job training, childcare assistance, and other support services. Amounts vary significantly by state.

How to Apply

Apply through your state human services agency — usually the same office that handles SNAP applications

Learn more at www.acf.hhs.gov

Medicaid & CHIP (Health Insurance)

Medicaid provides free or low-cost health insurance to low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. CHIP covers children in families with slightly higher incomes.

Who Qualifies

Income limits vary by state. Many states cover adults up to 138% FPL through Medicaid expansion. CHIP covers children in families earning up to 200-300% FPL.

What You Get

Comprehensive health insurance including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, and preventive care

How to Apply

Apply at Healthcare.gov, your state Medicaid office, or call 1-800-318-2596

Learn more at www.medicaid.gov

Childcare Subsidies

The Child Care and Development Fund helps low-income families pay for childcare so parents can work or attend school. Available through your state's childcare subsidy program.

Who Qualifies

Low-income families with children under 13 where parents are working, in school, or in job training. Income limits vary by state.

What You Get

Payments to your childcare provider — you may pay a small copay based on income. Covers daycare centers, family childcare homes, and after-school programs.

How to Apply

Contact your state childcare subsidy agency or call 211 for local assistance

Learn more at www.acf.hhs.gov

Housing Assistance (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford safe housing in the private market.

Who Qualifies

Very low-income households (generally below 50% of area median income). Preference often given to extremely low-income, homeless, and veteran families.

What You Get

A voucher that covers a portion of your rent. You pay about 30% of your adjusted income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest.

How to Apply

Apply through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). Waitlists are common — apply as early as possible.

Learn more at www.hud.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

If I qualify for food assistance, do I qualify for these programs too?

Often yes. Many assistance programs use similar income guidelines. If you qualify for SNAP, you may also qualify for LIHEAP, Medicaid, childcare subsidies, and other programs. Call 211 for a full benefits screening.

Can I receive multiple types of assistance at the same time?

Yes. These programs are designed to work together. You can receive SNAP, LIHEAP, Medicaid, childcare subsidies, and housing assistance simultaneously. Receiving one program does not disqualify you from others.

Where do I apply for all these programs?

Many states have a single application portal for multiple programs (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and sometimes LIHEAP). Call 211 or visit Benefits.gov for guidance on where to apply in your state.

Will these programs count against me for immigration purposes?

TANF and Medicaid (for non-emergency, non-pregnant adults) may be considered in public charge evaluations. LIHEAP, CHIP, emergency Medicaid, and childcare subsidies are NOT considered. Always consult an immigration attorney for your specific situation.

Find a Food Pantry Near You

While you explore other programs, food pantries can help with immediate food needs.