Federal

Senior Nutrition Program (Older Americans Act Congregate and Home-Delivered Meals)

Free nutritious meals for adults aged 60 and older, served at community sites (senior centers, faith-based facilities, restaurants) or delivered directly to the homes of those who are homebound. The program also provides nutrition counseling, social connection, and referrals to other aging services.

Type: Benefit Amount: Free meals; typically one meal per day, 5 days per week, valued at $7–$12 per meal Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

Social Services Block Grant (SSBG / Title XX)

Flexible federal funding that supports a broad array of social services in every state, including child care, adult protective services, foster care, home-delivered meals, transportation, substance abuse treatment, and more. States use SSBG to fill gaps not covered by other programs.

Type: Benefit Amount: Free services; value varies by need and locality Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Provides healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals for low-income pregnant and postpartum individuals and young children.

Type: Benefit Amount: Varies by state and participant category Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Free Medicare Counseling

Free, unbiased health insurance counseling for Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers through a nationwide network of trained volunteer counselors. SHIP helps seniors and people with disabilities understand Medicare options, compare plans, enroll in coverage, resolve billing problems, and access cost-saving programs—saving beneficiaries an average of $1,000+ per year in healthcare costs.

Type: Benefit Amount: Free Medicare counseling and plan comparison; typical savings exceed $1,000/year Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services

Free career services for people with physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory disabilities through a nationwide network of state vocational rehabilitation agencies. Services include career counseling, job training, education assistance, assistive technology, job placement, and ongoing support—all at no cost to eligible individuals.

Type: Benefit Amount: Comprehensive employment services at no cost Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

Stop Water Shutoffs and Get $200 to $2,500 in Water Bill Help: A Practical Guide to the LIHWAP Emergency Assistance Program

If you’ve ever opened a water bill and felt your stomach do that little drop—like you just missed a step on the stairs—you’re not alone. Water and wastewater service is one of those modern miracles you only notice when it’s threatened.

Amount: Varies by state; typically $200-$2,500 in arrearage or reconnection assistance Deadline: Ongoing Location: United States

Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG)

Free or low-cost substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery support services funded by SAMHSA and administered through every state and territory. Services include outpatient counseling, residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment, detoxification, recovery housing, and peer support—with priority for pregnant women, IV drug users, and individuals with children.

Type: Benefit Amount: Free or sliding-scale substance abuse treatment services including outpatient therapy, intensive … Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Monthly food benefits that help low-income households buy healthy groceries in authorized retail stores.

Amount: Varies by household size and income Deadline: Rolling Location: United States

TEACH Grant

Up to $4,000 per year for education students who commit to teaching high-need subjects in low-income schools.

Type: Grant Amount: $4,000 per year (prorated after sequestration) Deadline: FAFSA priority deadlines Location: United States

Teacher Loan Forgiveness

Federal program that forgives up to $17,500 in Direct or FFEL loans for qualifying teachers serving in low-income schools.

Amount: Up to $17,500 in loan principal forgiven after five consecutive academic years Deadline: Apply after completing five years; submit before loans are consolidated or paid off Location: National