The program guide
Browse common programs, learn what each one does, and use the survey for a more personal shortlist. Rules, funding, and availability vary by location.
Showing 35 of 35 programs
Food & basic necessities
Monthly food benefits loaded onto an EBT card to help households afford nutritious groceries.
Who it may help
People with limited household income, including working families and older adults.
A useful next step
Apply through your state SNAP office.
Food & basic necessities
Food, nutrition support, and referrals for pregnant people, new parents, infants, and young children.
Who it may help
Pregnant or postpartum people and children under age five who meet income guidelines.
A useful next step
Find your state WIC clinic and schedule an appointment.
Food & basic necessities
Free or reduced-price lunches served through participating schools.
Who it may help
School-age children in households that meet income guidelines.
A useful next step
Ask your child’s school or district about meal applications.
Food & basic necessities
Free or reduced-price breakfasts served at participating schools.
Who it may help
School-age children in eligible households.
A useful next step
Contact your child’s school nutrition office.
Food & basic necessities
Free meals and snacks for children when school is not in session.
Who it may help
Children and teens at eligible summer meal sites.
A useful next step
Find a nearby summer meal site through your state or 211.
Food & basic necessities
Food distributed through food banks, pantries, and other community organizations.
Who it may help
People with limited income who need immediate food support.
A useful next step
Contact a local food bank or pantry.
Food & basic necessities
Monthly food packages and nutrition support for qualifying older adults.
Who it may help
Older adults who meet income guidelines.
A useful next step
Ask your state agency or local food bank about enrollment.
Cash & financial assistance
Cash assistance and related employment, childcare, and family support services.
Who it may help
Families with children and limited income, under state rules.
A useful next step
Apply through your state or county human services office.
Cash & financial assistance
Monthly payments for qualifying older adults and people with disabilities or blindness who have limited income and resources.
Who it may help
Adults and children who meet disability, age, and financial rules.
A useful next step
Start an application with Social Security.
Cash & financial assistance
State or local financial assistance for people who do not qualify for other programs.
Who it may help
People with very limited income, depending on local rules.
A useful next step
Contact your county or city human services office.
Cash & financial assistance
A refundable tax credit for qualifying workers with low to moderate income.
Who it may help
Workers who meet income and filing requirements.
A useful next step
Claim it when you file taxes or use a free tax preparation service.
Housing
Rental assistance that helps eligible households pay for a safe home in the private market.
Who it may help
Low-income households, older adults, and people with disabilities. Waitlists are common.
A useful next step
Ask your local public housing agency whether its waitlist is open.
Housing
Subsidized rental homes operated by local housing authorities.
Who it may help
Low-income households, older adults, and people with disabilities.
A useful next step
Contact your local public housing authority.
Housing
Rental subsidies attached to particular housing units or buildings.
Who it may help
Eligible households looking for income-based rent.
A useful next step
Search HUD-assisted properties and contact the property directly.
Housing
Short-term help with rent, arrears, or housing stability when available locally.
Who it may help
Renters facing a housing emergency or risk of eviction.
A useful next step
Call 211 or your local housing assistance office.
Housing
Shelter, rapid rehousing, prevention, and supportive services for people without stable housing.
Who it may help
People experiencing or at immediate risk of homelessness.
A useful next step
Call 211 or a local coordinated entry program.
Housing
Local programs that help keep housing stable by addressing overdue utility costs.
Who it may help
Households at risk of shutoff or housing loss.
A useful next step
Contact 211, your utility, or local housing office.
Healthcare
Free or low-cost health coverage that can include visits, prescriptions, hospital care, and preventive services.
Who it may help
Eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities.
A useful next step
Apply through your state Medicaid agency or marketplace.
Healthcare
Health coverage for children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but may not afford private insurance.
Who it may help
Children and teens in eligible moderate-income families.
A useful next step
Apply through your state health coverage office.
Healthcare
Assistance with Medicare premiums and other out-of-pocket costs.
Who it may help
Qualifying low-income Medicare beneficiaries.
A useful next step
Contact your state Medicaid office.
Healthcare
Assistance with Medicare prescription drug costs.
Who it may help
Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources.
A useful next step
Apply through Social Security or Medicare.
Utilities & transportation
Help with heating, cooling, and energy costs, including crisis assistance in some states.
Who it may help
Households with energy costs and limited income.
A useful next step
Contact your local LIHEAP agency before a shutoff date.
Utilities & transportation
Energy-efficiency improvements that can lower household energy costs.
Who it may help
Eligible low-income homeowners and renters.
A useful next step
Contact your state or local weatherization provider.
Utilities & transportation
A discount on qualifying phone or internet service.
Who it may help
People who qualify through income or another assistance program.
A useful next step
Check eligibility with the Lifeline Support Center.
Utilities & transportation
Reduced-fare transit, gas support, rides, and other transportation programs that vary by location.
Who it may help
Residents who meet local income, age, disability, or work requirements.
A useful next step
Call 211 or your local transit agency.
Children & families
Early education, health, nutrition, and family services for young children.
Who it may help
Children from birth to five and pregnant families who meet program rules.
A useful next step
Find a local Head Start program.
Children & families
Childcare assistance so parents and caregivers can work, attend school, or complete training.
Who it may help
Families with children who meet income and activity requirements.
A useful next step
Contact your state childcare assistance office.
Children & families
A tax credit for qualifying families with children.
Who it may help
Families who meet income, filing, and dependent requirements.
A useful next step
Claim it when filing federal taxes.
Children & families
Services that help establish, collect, and enforce child support orders.
Who it may help
Parents and caregivers who need help receiving or arranging support.
A useful next step
Contact your state child support agency.
Children & families
Support, payments, and services for eligible foster placements and adoptions.
Who it may help
Foster parents, kinship caregivers, and adoptive families.
A useful next step
Contact your state child welfare agency.
Employment & education
Temporary income replacement for eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.
Who it may help
Workers who meet state work and wage requirements.
A useful next step
File a claim with your state unemployment office.
Employment & education
Job search, training, transportation, and work-support services connected to TANF.
Who it may help
TANF participants and eligible families.
A useful next step
Ask your TANF caseworker about employment services.
Employment & education
Employment services, career counseling, and job training through American Job Centers.
Who it may help
Adults, dislocated workers, and eligible young people.
A useful next step
Find your nearest American Job Center.
Employment & education
Need-based college financial aid that usually does not need to be repaid.
Who it may help
Eligible undergraduate students with financial need.
A useful next step
Complete the FAFSA and review your school’s aid offer.
Employment & education
State grants, scholarships, and training funds for education or career transitions.
Who it may help
Residents who meet state education or workforce rules.
A useful next step
Check your state higher-education or workforce agency.
Northstar is not a government agency. Program rules and eligibility can change; always confirm details with the official agency serving your area.