Emergency financial assistance in the United States

In the United States, emergency help for people on low incomes does not come from one place. It is a patchwork of federal programs run by states, county offices, nonprofits, churches and utility companies, and the rules change from one state or even one county to the next. That can feel overwhelming when the rent is due or the fridge is empty, but it also means there are usually several doors to knock on before you consider a payday loan.

This page covers free and emergency help. If you have already explored it and still need to borrow, our guide to low-cost loans in the US compares credit union loans, CDFIs and other safer options.

Call 211 first

Dialing 211 (or texting, or using the online search in many areas) connects you to a local information and referral service. Specialists can tell you which agencies near you currently have funds for rent, utilities, food, shelter, transportation or medical needs. Because local funds open and close quickly, 211 is often the fastest way to find out what is actually available this week.

Food help: SNAP, WIC and food pantries

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy groceries. If your household has very little income or cash, ask your state agency about expedited SNAP, which can be processed within days rather than weeks. Pregnant people, new mothers and young children may qualify for WIC, which covers specific healthy foods and nutrition support.

For food today, local food banks and pantries, often run by churches and community groups, give groceries with few questions asked. School districts provide free or reduced-price meals for eligible children; ask your child's school.

Cash assistance and county help

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federally funded, state-run program that provides cash help to low-income families with children. Many states also offer one-time "diversion" or emergency payments to deal with a specific crisis, such as a car repair needed to keep a job, instead of ongoing monthly support.

Older adults and people with disabilities on very low incomes should also check Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration. It is not fast emergency money, since applications take time, but it can provide a steady monthly floor once approved and often makes you eligible for other help.

Some counties and cities have general assistance for adults without children. Your county social services or human services department is the place to apply. Bring ID, proof of income (or lack of it), proof of address and any notices about rent or utilities.

Keeping the lights, heat and water on

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills, and in many states it includes crisis help when you face a shutoff. Applications usually go through a local community action agency.

Call your utility company before the disconnection date. Ask about:

• payment arrangements that spread arrears over several months;
• low-income discount rates;
• medical certificates that delay shutoff when someone in the home is seriously ill;
• seasonal protections against winter disconnection, which exist in many states.

Our page on energy bill support has more general tips.

Rent, eviction and housing emergencies

If you are behind on rent, contact your local housing authority, 211 or a community action agency about emergency rental help. Some programs pay the landlord directly. If you have received an eviction notice, do not ignore court papers: legal aid organizations offer free help to tenants who qualify, and attending your hearing can make a real difference. Our guide to eviction prevention explains the steps.

Health costs and lost income

If you have lost your income, check whether you qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program; eligibility depends on your state. Nonprofit hospitals are required to have financial assistance policies, so ask for a charity care application before paying a large medical bill. Community health centers charge on a sliding scale based on income.

If you lost your job through no fault of your own, apply for unemployment insurance with your state as soon as possible. Benefit amounts and duration differ by state.

Free help with debt and money

If debts are part of the emergency, you can get free or low-cost help from nonprofit credit counseling agencies, which can review your budget and may offer a debt management plan. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) publishes guides on dealing with debt collectors and lets you file complaints about lenders, collectors and credit reporting companies. Under federal law, debt collectors may not harass you, threaten you or lie about what you owe.

Legal aid offices can help with wage garnishment, benefit protections and abusive collection.

Your emergency checklist

• Call or text 211 and ask what help is open in your area now.
• Apply for SNAP and ask whether you qualify for expedited processing.
• Visit your county social services office about TANF or emergency payments.
• Contact your utility before shutoff and apply for LIHEAP.
• Ask legal aid for help if you have an eviction or garnishment notice.
• Talk to a nonprofit credit counselor before taking any new loan.

Scams that target people in crisis

Government grants are not offered by phone calls, texts or social media messages, and real programs never require you to pay a fee or buy gift cards to receive help. Be cautious of anyone promising "free government money", fake utility agents threatening immediate shutoff unless you pay by app, and "debt relief" companies that charge before doing any work. Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission or your state attorney general. Creditpauvre.com does not provide aid or loans and does not act as an intermediary. For broader ideas, see our general page on emergency financial assistance.