Raising children can be expensive, especially when a family is dealing with reduced income, higher housing costs, childcare expenses, medical bills, or an unexpected financial emergency.
Depending on your household income, number of children, location, and circumstances, you may qualify for different types of financial assistance. Government programs can help with food, childcare, healthcare, housing, utilities, and other basic needs.
There is no single program that provides financial help to every family with children. Eligibility and available benefits can vary by state and by the family's circumstances.
Who May Qualify
Financial assistance may be available to families who:
- Have low or moderate household income
- Are raising young children
- Are single-parent or two-parent households
- Are experiencing unemployment or reduced income
- Need help paying for food
- Need childcare while working or attending school
- Have difficulty paying rent or utility bills
- Have children who need healthcare
- Are facing an unexpected financial emergency
- Have children with disabilities or special needs
Some programs are specifically designed for families with children, while others are available to households based on income or another qualifying circumstance.
Check What You May Qualify For
Finding the right programs can take time, especially when several types of assistance may apply to your household. OpenGrants Network helps you discover legitimate programs that may match your family's situation.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
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Available programs vary based on eligibility, location, family circumstances, and other factors.
Types of Financial Assistance Available
Food Assistance
Families with limited income may qualify for SNAP, which helps eligible households purchase food. Children may also qualify for school meal programs and other food assistance. Families with young children may also qualify for WIC, which provides eligible women, infants, and children with food assistance, nutrition counseling, and referrals to other services. WIC generally covers children under age 5, subject to program requirements.
Cash and Family Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, is a federally funded, state-run program that can help eligible families with expenses such as food, housing, home energy, and childcare. Each state operates its program differently.
Childcare Assistance
Families with low income may be able to receive help paying childcare costs through state or local programs. Assistance can include vouchers, scholarships, or other forms of support, depending on the location.
Healthcare Assistance
Children in eligible low-income families may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. These programs can help families obtain health coverage without having to pay the full cost of private insurance.
Housing and Utility Assistance
Families experiencing financial hardship may find assistance with rent, housing, energy bills, or other essential household costs. Programs and eligibility requirements vary by location.
Education and School Expenses
Children may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Other forms of education assistance may help with school supplies, transportation, technology, childcare, or other education-related expenses depending on the child's age and circumstances.
Head Start and Early Childhood Support
Eligible families may receive free Head Start or Early Head Start services. These programs provide early learning and development services and can connect families with certain health and other community services.
How Financial Assistance Programs Typically Work
- Identify your biggest needs. Start with food, housing, childcare, healthcare, utilities, or another immediate expense.
- Check your household eligibility. Many programs consider income, household size, location, and other factors.
- Look for state and local programs. Some assistance is administered locally rather than through one nationwide application.
- Apply through the appropriate agency. Each program can have its own application process and documentation requirements.
- Check for additional benefits. Qualifying for one program may make your family eligible for other forms of assistance.
USA.gov's benefit finder allows families to search across categories including children and families, food, health, housing and utilities, education, disabilities, and welfare or cash assistance.