Independent guides to U.S. benefits & programs
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Food, rent, health care, or a change at work. Understand the support available, what to prepare, and where to apply.
Browse 184 guidesWhat do you need help with?
- Food & groceriesFood benefits, school meals, and help when groceries cannot wait.
- Housing & rentRental assistance, housing applications, and help keeping a home.
- Utilities & household billsEnergy bills, home weatherization, and phone service.
- Health coverage & care costsCoverage changes, medical bills, and prescription costs.
- Disability & agingIncome support, applications, and help with daily needs.
- Job loss & trainingUnemployment, job-search support, and training routes.
- Education & student aidCollege costs, grants, and changes to your financial aid.
- Children & family supportChild care, cash assistance, and support for caregivers.
- Tax credits & savingsCredits, deductions, and free tax-filing help.
- Disaster recoveryWhich assistance to apply for after a declared disaster.
- Veterans & military familiesVA benefits, education, health care, and housing.
- Small businessLoans, contracting programs, and business support.
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Unemployment Benefits: Which State Should You Apply In?
Latest guides
RSS feed ↗First-Time Home Buyer Programs: Grants vs. Loans You Repay
Most first-time home buyer help is a loan. See which programs are true grants, which second mortgages are forgiven or due at sale, and what you repay.
VeteransHow Long Does a VA DIC Claim Take? Status and Next Steps
VA finished DIC claims in 73 days on average (April 2026). Check status online, answer evidence requests within 30 days, and ask for priority if you qualify.
Tax & savingsIRS Denied Your EITC or Child Tax Credit? How to Answer the Notice
CP11 or CP12: 60 days to get the credit back just by asking. CP2000 or CP75: 30 days to answer with proof. Notice of deficiency: 90 days for Tax Court.
EducationSummer Pell Grant: How Year-Round Pell Pays and What to Ask Your School
Pell pays for summer classes, up to 150% of your award in a year at any credit load. Which FAFSA covers summer 2027 and what to ask your aid office.
FoodSNAP Recertification: What to Send and What If You Miss the Interview
File your SNAP recertification by the 15th of your last month, then do the interview. Missed it? Ask for another and finish within 30 days of your end date.