7 Ways to Get Financial Help From the Government

There are federal and state programs for people who are struggling to make financial ends meet. These taxpayer-funded programs connect individuals and families with resources to help pay for expenses such as utilities, groceries, college tuition and even a down payment on a home.

Each program has its own set of qualifications, many of which are income-based. Having that information ready can make the application process go smoothly.

1. Get help with utility bills and internet

Need help covering the costs of energy, phone service and internet? These programs may be able to help:

• The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households cover heating and cooling costs. Grants are issued by the states, which receive funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. Each state sets its own eligibility requirements, including income levels. 

• The Lifeline program offers a discount of up to $9.25 per month on the cost of a home phone or internet service. You must meet certain eligibility requirements, unless you already participate in a federal assistance program like Medicaid or receive federal public housing assistance, in which case you are automatically eligible.

» Learn how to apply for affordable home internet

2. Cut food costs

Many people are feeling the impact of rising grocery costs in their budgets, but there are programs that can help:

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is for families who meet income requirements in their state. If approved, families receive benefits each month on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card that can be used in authorized stores. Learn ways to stretch your SNAP benefits even more.

• The National School Lunch Program is typically offered for children who attend public or non-profit private schools. Federal funding is given to state agencies who are responsible for administering the funds. Low-income students are eligible, but their parents or caregivers must submit an application with the school or district. 

» Check out ways to maximize your SNAP benefits

3. Offset child care expenses

Child care is one of the biggest budget breakers for many families. Annual costs for infant care range from just shy of $5,000 in Mississippi to more than $22,600 in Washington, D.C., according to the Economic Policy Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on low- and middle-income workers^[0]

The Child Care and Development Fund can help ease the burden for low-income families. Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the fund gives states, territories and tribes money to distribute to families to help pay for child care if the primary caregiver is working, pursuing work-related training or going to school. Grants are income-based and typically cover care for children under 13. Contact the Child Care and Development Fund contact for your state.

3. Recover unclaimed money

Unclaimed money isn’t so much free as it is money owed to you. About 1 in 7 Americans have unclaimed money, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. What exactly counts as unclaimed money? It could be a long-forgotten deposit paid to a utility company, a lost savings bond, unclaimed life insurance benefits or an uncashed paycheck.

These unclaimed funds are turned over to the state when the owner can’t be located, often due to a clerical error or companies having an old address on file. Visit unclaimed.org, a site affiliated with the National Association of State Treasurers, to find out if you have money waiting to be claimed.

4. Get down payment assistance for a home

You want to buy a home but can’t afford a down payment. Enter state-based down payment assistance. These grants and loans help you cover the upfront costs of purchasing a home.

In Nevada, for example, first-time homebuyers who qualify can get up to 4% of the total loan amount to put toward a down payment and closing costs ^[0]

Help isn’t reserved for low-income borrowers, but states do set qualifications related to income, credit scores and more.

» Read our guide to down payment assistance

5. Find affordable health insurance

Health insurance costs can be financially devastating, especially when they are unexpected. Individuals and families who buy medical coverage through the government's health insurance marketplace (HealthCare.gov) may qualify for a credit toward their insurance premiums. The premium tax credit can be paid directly to your insurance provider, lowering your monthly payments.

Eligible children can get health coverage through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Generally, CHIP covers children who live in households with income too high to qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford traditional coverage. While exact CHIP coverage varies by state, it typically always covers benefit covers routine checkups, immunizations, prescriptions, hospital care and emergency visits.

» Read our guide to choosing health insurance

6. Apply for college grants

College grants, like the federal Pell Grant, can make it easier to pay for college. Students who are eligible for the Pell Grant could get up to $7,395 for the 2024-25 award year^[0]

The exact amount awarded is based on factors that include financial need, the cost of attendance and enrollment status. Students can apply for the Pell Grant by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The application is also used to qualify for many state and institutional grants and scholarships.

» Learn more with our FAFSA guide

Other federal grants for college include:

• The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This grant is given to undergraduate students by their college or university, based on data from the FAFSA. Like the Pell Grant, it does not need to be repaid unless certain eligibility requirements are broken (i.e., withdrawal, change in enrollment status from full-time to part-time, etc.). Students can receive between $100 and $4,000 per year, depending on financial needs and other factors.

• The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. Recipients must agree to a teaching service obligation and meet certain academic requirements. 

You can also look for scholarships using the U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search tool.

» Learn more about how to get a scholarship

Watch out for "free money" scams

While there are ways to get financial assistance from the government, there are also grant scams that claim to give you free money from the government in hopes of stealing from you. These scams come in the form of texts, emails, social media and even phony websites. Watch out for domain names that seem strange, suspicious sender addresses or misspellings in the message.

Keep in mind that the government rarely reaches out to people with offers of free money, especially for starting a new business or covering personal expenses. If approached by one of these scammers, don’t pay them or share your personal information.

» Protect yourself: how to stay safe from financial scams

Additional resources if you need money

Finding financial resources when you need them most can be stressful. If you’re looking to keep more money in your wallet, start here: