Cash Assistance & Tax Credits
Direct cash programs and the refundable tax credits that put money back in working families' pockets.
Your next step. The free TANF screening guide helps you find your state's cash-assistance rules and application route without guessing a payment amount. All tools →
Guides
TANF: How State Cash Help Works and How to Apply
Learn how state TANF cash help works, why payments and time limits differ, what papers to gather, and how to apply free through your state.
Child Tax Credit: 2025 Amount, Rules, and How to Claim It
See the 2025 Child Tax Credit amount, child and income rules, refundable limit, filing steps, and where to find free tax help.
Earned Income Tax Credit: 2025 Refund Rules for Working Families
The EITC can be worth up to $8,046 on 2025 tax returns. See income limits, child rules, and free filing help. The limit is not a promise of the full credit.
Unclaimed Money: How to Find and Claim Yours, for Free
Every state holds unclaimed money — old accounts, refunds, deposits. Learn how to search and claim through official state programs for free.
General Assistance: Local Cash Help for Adults
Learn how county and state General Assistance may help adults, how it differs from TANF and SSI, what papers to gather, and where to apply.
How to Tell a Real Government Program From a Scam: A 2-Minute Check
Check a benefit offer through the real agency before you share money or private details. A .com or .org address alone does not make a program a scam.
Government Grant Scams: Red Flags and Safe Checks
Spot fake personal grant calls, texts, and social posts, learn what real federal grants fund, check an offer safely, and report money already lost.
State EITC: How an Extra State Tax Credit Works
Learn how state earned income tax credits work, what refundable means, how to check current state rules, and where to get free filing help.
Hardship Grants for Individuals: What Help Is Actually Real
Learn why there is no broad federal hardship grant and how to find real state cash aid, utility funds, school help, and local charity support.
Government Grants for Individuals: What's Real and What's Not
Real grants can help with school and certain home repairs. See examples, learn how grants differ from tax credits, and find safe places to apply.
Federal Poverty Guidelines: What FPL Means for Benefits
See the 2026 federal poverty guidelines, how household size changes the amount, how programs use FPL percentages, and which income figure to check.
Free Christmas Help for Families: How to Sign Up for Toys and Holiday Meals
Free Christmas toys and holiday meals come mostly from local charities. Some Angel Tree sign-ups close in October or sooner. Here is how to sign up now.
Amazon Prime Refunds: Who Gets FTC Settlement Money, and How to Spot Fakes
Some Prime members may get an automatic Amazon refund of up to $200 total. See who may qualify, when payments go out, and how to spot fake FTC calls.
EBT, Medicaid, and SSI Discounts on Prime, Walmart+, and More
On SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI? Amazon Prime Access is $6.99 a month and Walmart+ Assist is $6.47. See who may qualify, plus EBT delivery and museum deals.
Lost Money the State Search Can Miss: Old Pensions, 401(k)s, a Parent's Life Insurance
Old pensions, 401(k)s, a late parent's life insurance, and FHA refunds may not show up in a state search. See the free PBGC, DOL, NAIC, HUD, and VA lookups.
New Tax Breaks Without Itemizing: $6,000 for Seniors, Tips, Overtime
People 65+ may deduct an extra $6,000. See the tip, overtime, car-loan, and charity tax breaks you can take without itemizing, and where to file free.
Is the $2,000 Tariff Check Real? What We Know About 2026 Payment Rumors
No $2,000 tariff check or $5,000 dividend is law as of Sept. 29, 2026. See which payments are real, which are only proposed, and where to check.
Is the IRS Holding a Tax Refund in Your Name? How to Check, and the Deadline
Skipped a tax return in a past year? The IRS may hold a refund for you. See how to check, the IRS date for tax year 2023, and where to get free help.
Programs
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI pays monthly payments to people who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability and who have limited income and resource…
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Pays part of the rent straight to a private landlord for a household that qualifies. You choose a home that meets the program's rules. Your …
Lifeline Program (Phone and Internet Discount)
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone, internet, or bundled service for eligible subscribers by up to $9.25 pe…