Raising children can come with many expenses, including food, childcare, school costs, clothing, healthcare, transportation, and other everyday needs. When money is tight, families may be able to find government benefits, community programs, nonprofit assistance, and other resources that can reduce some of these costs.
There is no single program that pays all children's expenses. Instead, assistance is usually available through separate programs based on the child's age, household income, location, and the type of expense involved. USA.gov's benefit finder includes categories for children and families, food, healthcare, education, housing, utilities, and financial assistance.
What Children's Expenses May Be Covered?
Depending on your situation, assistance may be available for:
- Childcare and daycare
- Food and groceries
- School meals
- Children's healthcare
- Prescription and medical costs
- School supplies and educational expenses
- Early childhood programs
- Housing and utility costs that affect the family
- Clothing and basic necessities
- Transportation and other essential needs
- Emergency expenses
Programs differ considerably by state and eligibility requirements.
Childcare Assistance
Childcare can be one of the largest expenses for working parents. Low-income families may be able to receive help through state or local childcare assistance programs.
Depending on the state, assistance may come through childcare vouchers, subsidies, scholarships, or other forms of financial support. Eligibility requirements vary.
Head Start and Early Head Start can also provide free early learning and development services to eligible children. Early Head Start generally serves children up to age 3, while traditional Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5.
Food Assistance for Children
Food expenses can sometimes be reduced through programs such as SNAP, WIC, school meal programs, and summer food assistance.
WIC can provide food, nutrition assistance, and referrals for eligible pregnant women, infants, and children under age 5.
Children may also qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through programs such as the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Summer food programs can provide meals when school is out.
Check What You May Qualify For
Checking potential eligibility is free. OpenGrants Network can help you explore available assistance based on your household and children's needs.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
- ✓ Free guidance if needed
Programs vary based on household income, location, number and age of children, type of expense, and other circumstances.
Help With Children's Healthcare Costs
Families with limited income may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, which can provide health coverage for eligible children.
Other assistance may be available through community health centers, local programs, hospitals, or nonprofit organizations depending on the child's healthcare needs and location.
Healthcare assistance can sometimes help families avoid having medical expenses become a larger financial burden.
Help With School and Education Expenses
Children may have expenses for school supplies, uniforms, transportation, meals, activities, and other educational needs.
Some schools, school districts, nonprofits, community organizations, and local programs offer assistance with these costs. Families can also ask their child's school about free or reduced-price meal programs and other resources.
For college-age children, additional financial aid may be available through federal, state, school, and private programs.
Financial Assistance for Families With Children
TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, is a federally funded, state-run program that can help qualifying families experiencing financial hardship. Depending on the state, TANF may help with expenses such as food, housing, home energy, and childcare.
Because each state operates its own TANF program, the name, eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and application process can differ.
How Children's Assistance Programs Typically Work
- Identify the expense. Determine whether you need help with childcare, food, healthcare, school costs, or another need.
- Check household eligibility. Many programs consider income, household size, and where you live.
- Look for programs that match the expense.
- Check state and local options. Some assistance is administered locally rather than federally.
- Gather required information. You may need income, household, residency, or child-related documents.
- Apply through the appropriate program or agency.
- Ask about additional assistance. Qualifying for one program may help you identify other programs your family could qualify for.