This page lists the U.S. welfare programs of the federal government and how to apply for benefits. The programs themselves are summarized on the Welfare Programs Page. To apply for welfare, follow the links below. You can apply online for some programs, and for others, you will need to place a phone call to start the application process.
The federal government sponsors a website for all government benefits entitled Benefits.gov. It includes welfare programs as well as other entitlement programs and loans. It describes itself as “your path to government benefits.”
Refundable Tax Credits
In order to collect a benefit check from either the EITC or Child Tax Credit, you must file a federal income tax return. The return should be filed prior to April 15 for the prior calendar year. To receive benefits, you must file a return even if you don’t owe any tax and even if you are not required to file a return based on your income level. General information on EITC is included here and information about the Child Tax Credit is included here.
An EITC qualification and estimation tool to investigate your potential benefit is included here.
SNAP
Application for Snap is done directly at various state and territorial SNAP offices. A listing of the offices, as presented by the USDA, is included here. Click on the state or territory where you live and then apply online or contact them by phone to start the application process.
General information on SNAP is included here.
A snap estimation tool to investigate your potential benefit is included here. Note – this is a private website and not affiliated with the federal government.
Housing Assistance – Rental Assistance
Rental assistance is administered through various state and territory local Public Housing Agencies (PHA). A listing of PHA’s, as presented by HUD, is included here. Click on the state or territory and then find the PHA that covers the location whereby you want to receive a rental voucher. Then Contact the PSA by phone or email to start the application process.
General information on rental assistance is included here.
SSI
The Social Security Administration administers SSI. Here is the webpage to start the application process.
Pell Grants
The Department of Education administers Pell Grants. To apply for a Pell Grant, you must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. The webpage to start the application process is included here.
General information on all student aid offered by the Department of Education is included here. An estimation tool to see how much a student might receive is included here.
TANF
Various state welfare offices administer the TANF program. These are listed by state here. Click on the state. Some will have a website you can use; otherwise, you can call the phone number of the state office to begin the application process.
Child Nutrition
The school lunch and breakfast programs are administered directly by schools or school districts. Inquire at your local school. General information about the programs and application process is included here.
Applications to have your child enrolled in a Head Start program are made directly with a local Head Start School. A directory of Head Start schools, as presented by HHS, is included here – it also included is a summary of the Head Start Program.
Job Corps
Enrollment in the Job Corps Program is done at local Job Corps offices. A directory of the offices, as presented by the Department of Labor, is presented here.
Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) –
Enrollment in the SCSEP Program is done at local training offices. A directory of the offices, as presented by the Department of Labor, is presented here. Some will have a website you can use otherwise, you can call the phone number to begin the application process.
General information on SCSEP and the application process is included here.
WIC
Applications for the WIC program are made directly to state health departments or Indian Tribal Organizations. A directory of these facilities, as presented by the USDA, is included here.
General information about WIC and the application process is included here.
Child Care
Applications for childcare support are made directly to state and territorial agencies. A directory of these agencies is included here.
LIHEAP
Applications for LIHEAP are made directly with state and territorial agencies. A directory of these agencies, as presented by HHS, is included here.
Lifeline Program
Application for Lifeline benefits needs to be made with a phone carrier that services your area. If you are currently using a mobile phone carrier or internet provider, you should start by calling them and seeing if they support the Lifeline program. A listing of Companies that distribute Lifeline benefits by area provided by the FCC is included here.
General information on the program and the application process is included here.