Government Resources
Official government-backed aid and assistance programs to help you access education, housing, healthcare, and other essential services.
- • All programs listed are official federal government programs
- • Eligibility requirements vary by program and may change
- • Application deadlines and processing times vary significantly
- • Some programs have limited funding and may have waiting lists
- • Always verify information directly with the official program website
- • Be cautious of scams - official government programs are free to apply for
- • Keep copies of all applications and correspondence
Essential Government Websites
Quick access to the most important government resources and services.
Available Programs & Services
Explore official federal government programs and assistance available to you.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Federal ProgramApply for federal grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school. Over $150 billion in aid available annually.
U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens
Opens October 1st for next academic year
Federal Pell Grant
Federal ProgramNeed-based grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need
Undergraduate students with financial need
Same as FAFSA
Federal Work-Study Program
Federal ProgramPart-time employment for students with financial need
Students with financial need
Same as FAFSA
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Federal ProgramForgiveness of remaining federal student loan debt after 120 qualifying payments
Public service employees
Ongoing
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Federal ProgramRental assistance for low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals
Low-income families and individuals
Varies by location
Public Housing Program
Federal ProgramAffordable rental housing for low-income families, elderly, and disabled
Low-income families and individuals
Varies by location
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
Federal ProgramGrants to state and local governments for affordable housing
State and local governments
Varies by program
Rural Housing Service
Federal ProgramHousing assistance for rural communities
Rural residents
Ongoing
Medicaid
Federal ProgramFree or low-cost health coverage for low-income individuals and families. Coverage varies by state.
Low-income individuals and families (income limits vary by state)
Year-round enrollment
Medicare
Federal ProgramFederal health insurance for people 65+ and certain people with disabilities under 65
Age 65+ or under 65 with certain disabilities
7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Federal ProgramLow-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much for Medicaid
Children in qualifying families
Year-round enrollment
Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov)
Federal ProgramCompare and enroll in affordable health insurance plans with potential subsidies based on income
U.S. citizens and legal residents not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid
Open Enrollment: Nov 1 - Jan 15 annually
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Federal ProgramMonthly benefits to buy food for low-income households. Average benefit: $195 per person per month.
Households with income at or below 130% of poverty line
Apply anytime; benefits typically start within 30 days
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Federal ProgramCash assistance for families with children
Families with children
Varies by state
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal ProgramMonthly cash payments for aged, blind, or disabled people with limited income and resources
Age 65+, blind, or disabled with limited income/resources
Apply immediately when eligible; benefits start month after approval
Unemployment Insurance
Federal ProgramTemporary financial assistance for unemployed workers
Unemployed workers
Apply immediately after job loss
American Job Centers
Federal ProgramCareer services, training, and employment assistance
All job seekers
Ongoing
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Federal ProgramEmployment and training services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth
Adults, dislocated workers, and youth
Ongoing
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
Federal ProgramBenefits and services for workers who lose their jobs due to foreign trade
Workers affected by foreign trade
Apply within 2 years of job loss
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
Federal ProgramPart-time employment and training for low-income seniors
Low-income seniors 55+
Ongoing
Legal Services Corporation
Federal ProgramCivil legal aid for low-income Americans
Low-income individuals
Ongoing
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Federal ProgramProtection and education for consumers in financial matters
All consumers
Ongoing
Federal Trade Commission
Federal ProgramConsumer protection and competition enforcement
All consumers
Ongoing
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Federal ProgramEnforcement of federal laws against workplace discrimination
Workers facing discrimination
File within 180 days