Cash Assistance & Tax Credits

Direct cash programs and the refundable tax credits that put money back in working families' pockets.

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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.

The Earned Income Tax Credit: The Refund Working Families Most Often Miss

The EITC can be worth up to $8,046 on 2025 tax returns. The IRS says 1 in 4 workers who could get it never claim it. See the limits and how to apply.

Unclaimed Money: How to Find and Claim Yours, for Free

Every state holds unclaimed money — old accounts, refunds, deposits. Here's how to search and claim yours for free, with no fees, ever.

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

Real programs never charge to apply, guarantee approval, or message you first. Use this checklist and a 2-minute .gov check before you trust any offer.

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

There are only two real federal grants for individuals: Pell and USDA Section 504. Here's what's real, what's not, and where actual help is.

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.