Use the benefit finder tool or search by category to learn which benefits you and your family may be eligible for and how to apply.
Benefit finder tool
Answer some basic questions to get a customized list of potential government benefits you may be eligible for during life events.
Find benefits across benefit finder’s three life events: disability, death of a loved one, and retirement. Start here if two or more of these life events are relevant to you.
Find government survivor benefits including COVID-19 funeral benefits, housing, and education help.
Whether you are newly disabled or have a lifelong challenge, assistance may be available, including financial help.
Find out what financial, health care, and other benefits may be available as you enter this next phase of your life.
FAQs
Use these free, official government resources to search for programs you might be eligible for: USAGov's benefit finder – Answer a few questions and get a personalized list of benefits you may qualify for. Learn about benefit programs and how to apply.
What are some government services that you personally benefit from? ›
- Find government benefits and financial help.
- Food assistance.
- Housing help.
- Help with utility bills.
- Welfare (TANF)
- Health insurance.
- Social Security.
- State social service agencies.
Most benefits are spent on the elderly, through Social Security and Medicare, and nearly every household with an adult over 65 receives federal benefits of some kind.
What is one reason why the government would provide financial assistance? ›
One of the main reason why the government would provide financial assistance to the entrepreneurs is because they have the desire to stimulate the growth of the economy and job percentage in the country and through encouraging entrepreneurs by supporting them financially, it would make it easier for them to innovate ...
How can I get money if I'm struggling? ›
Facing financial hardship
- Food assistance. ...
- Unemployment benefits. ...
- Welfare benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ...
- Emergency housing assistance. ...
- Rental assistance. ...
- Help with utility bills. ...
- Government home repair assistance programs.
The government does not offer "free money" for individuals. Federal grants are typically only for states and organizations. But you may be able to get a federal loan for education, a small business, and more. If you need help with food, health care, or utilities, visit USA.gov's benefits page.
What are the three biggest programs that assist low-income people? ›
Some of the major federal, state, and local social welfare programs are: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
What is it called when the government gives you money every month? ›
Universal basic income (UBI) is a social welfare proposal in which all citizens of a given population regularly receive a minimum income in the form of an unconditional transfer payment, i.e., without a means test or need to work.
What is an example of a benefit you receive from the government? ›
Even if you are asking just about the things that are colloquially referred to as “benefits,” such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Welfare, SNAP (food stamps), military benefits such as housing (VA) loans, federal pensions for federal workers (that includes the old CSRS retirement system and the newer FERS ...
Who gets the most government assistance? ›
Which states use the most federal aid?
- Alaska received the most per person, about $8,628, which was 26.5% more than the second-highest state, Rhode Island (receiving $6,821 per person). ...
- Proportionally, however, Montana relied on federal funding the most, with 31.8% of the state's budget coming from federal funds.
Spending Categories
- 21 % Social Security.
- 14 % Medicare.
- 13 % Net Interest.
- 13 % Health.
- 13 % National Defense.
- 10 % Income Security.
- 5 % Veterans Benefits and Services.
- 5 % Education, Training, Employment, and Social Services.
In 2021, Delaware spent the most of any state per low-income resident ($19,926), followed by Massachusetts ($18,990), Alaska ($15,816), Minnesota ($15,523), and New York ($15,485). The District of Columbia is again an outlier, spending $19,175.
How do you write why you need financial assistance? ›
Body: Your financial situation and hardships
Make sure you describe your parents' occupation, any savings (like a 529 College Savings Account), and any student jobs. You might also discuss any sudden changes in fortune (e.g. parent fell ill or lost their job) that have ruined your original financial plans.
What is financial support from the government? ›
Financial Support services provide older adults with information with the goal of reaching financial stability. These programs may qualify older adults and dependent adults to receive financial assistance, access trainings and information sessions, and receive supportive counseling and guidance.
What is the purpose of government assistance? ›
Financial Assistance for Individuals and Families. These programs provide benefits through payments, goods, or services to help with basic living expenses if you qualify due to low wages.
Is benefit finding good for your health? ›
Bower, Kemeny, Taylor, and Fahey (1998) showed benefit finding to be linked to less rapid decline in health and even reduced mortality in a sample of AIDS sufferers. Similar physiological benefits were shown in cancer patients (McGregor & Antoni, 2009; Stanton et al., 2002).
How do I know if a grant is legitimate? ›
The FTC says following a few basic rules can keep you from losing money to these "government grant" scams:
- Don't give out your bank account information to anyone you don't know. ...
- Don't pay any money for a "free" government grant. ...
- Check the USA.gov Index of Government Agencies—Look-alikes aren't the real thing.
While you cannot apply for benefits or check your application status directly on the Benefits.gov website, we can help guide you to the next steps in the application process. Benefits.gov is designed to help you easily locate program information. Each benefit program has a 'Quick Info' box.
