Low Income Grants

The cost of living continues to rise, while wages have not kept pace for many households. Several federal and state programs provide assistance to low-income individuals and families to help with housing, childcare, and medical costs. Most of these programs are administered by federal agencies and applied for at no charge through official channels.

Low income housing assistance

Rent or mortgage costs are the single largest monthly expense for most households. When housing costs exceed roughly 30% of income, families often struggle to cover other bills and have nothing left to save.

If you are at risk of losing your home, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers several programs that may help. The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), Public Housing, and Emergency Solutions Grants are some of the largest. Programs are run locally through your Public Housing Agency. Find the agency that serves your area at hud.gov/findshelter.

Low income childcare assistance

Federal childcare assistance is administered through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), with day-to-day services run by state and tribal agencies. Eligible families can receive help paying for childcare in a licensed center, in a licensed family child care home, by an approved relative, or by an approved provider in the child's home.

To check what is available in your state, visit childcare.gov and use the financial assistance lookup tool, or contact your state's Child Care Resource and Referral agency.

Low income medical assistance

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide health coverage to people with limited income. Eligibility rules vary by state, and most states cover children, pregnant women, parents and caretakers, seniors, and people with disabilities. Some states also cover other adults with low income.

Coverage typically includes doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and preventive care. The Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov can route you to Medicaid or CHIP if you qualify, or to subsidized private coverage if you do not.

Where to apply

Federal benefits applications are always free.

• Housing: hud.gov and your local Public Housing Agency
• Childcare: childcare.gov
• Medicaid and CHIP: medicaid.gov or healthcare.gov
• General benefits finder: benefits.gov

GovernmentGrants.com is not affiliated with the U.S. government. Anyone who charges a fee to file these applications is not affiliated with the program either.