Not sure which assistance programs your household can apply for? The Benefits Finder checks your situation against the federal rules for 12 major programs at once, including SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, WIC, free school meals, Lifeline, LIHEAP and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Answer three short steps and you will get a personalized list with a plain-English explanation and the official link to apply for each program.
Benefits Finder
Answer a few questions to see which assistance programs may fit your household. It takes about two minutes.
Step 1 of 3
Where you live and who lives with you
Check all that apply to your household
Step 2 of 3
Your household income
Does anyone in your household earn money from a job or self-employment?
How do you file (or expect to file) your taxes?
Step 3 of 3
Benefits you already receive
Some programs automatically qualify you for others. Check any your household gets now.
This tool gives an estimate based on federal rules: the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines, USDA SNAP limits for October 2026 to September 2027, IRS Earned Income Tax Credit amounts for tax year 2026, and the list of states that expanded Medicaid. States set many of their own rules, and some programs also look at assets, expenses, age, work hours or immigration status. Only the agency that runs each program can decide if you qualify. Nothing you type here is saved or sent anywhere.
How the Benefits Finder works
The tool compares your yearly household income with the 2026 federal poverty guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, adjusted for your household size and for Alaska and Hawaii. It then applies the main federal limit for each program, plus a few common exceptions, such as automatic eligibility for WIC and school meals when a family already receives SNAP or Medicaid.
| Program | Main income rule used | Who it helps |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP (food assistance) | Gross income at or below 130% of the poverty line (USDA limits for Oct. 2026 to Sept. 2027) | Most low-income households |
| Medicaid for adults | Up to 138% of the poverty line in the 41 states (including D.C.) that expanded Medicaid | Adults under 65 |
| Medicaid for pregnancy | At least 138% of the poverty line in every state, often higher | Pregnant people and new mothers |
| Medicaid and CHIP for children | Up to 200% of the poverty line in nearly every state, higher in many | Children and teens |
| Marketplace premium tax credit | Between 100% and 400% of the poverty line | People without affordable job-based coverage |
| WIC | Up to 185% of the poverty line, or enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid or TANF | Pregnant women, new mothers, infants, children under 5 |
| Free and reduced-price school meals | Free up to 130%, reduced price up to 185% of the poverty line | Students in kindergarten to 12th grade |
| Lifeline | Up to 135% of the poverty line, or enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid or SSI | Phone or internet customers |
| LIHEAP | Up to 150% of the poverty line (some states use 60% of state median income) | Households with heating or cooling bills |
| Earned Income Tax Credit | IRS income limits for tax year 2026 by filing status and number of children | People who work |
| TANF | Set by each state, usually well below the poverty line | Families with children |
| Rental assistance | Local limits based on area median income | Renters with low income |
What your results mean
- Likely eligible: your answers meet the main federal rule for the program. It is a good idea to apply.
- Worth checking: your state may use a different limit or special rules may apply to you. Contact the agency before you decide not to apply.
- Probably not eligible right now: your income is above the usual limit. Rules and income change, so check again if your situation changes.
The Benefits Finder is an estimate, not an official decision. Programs can also look at savings, expenses, age, work hours, student status and immigration status, and states set many of their own rules. Your answers stay in your browser: nothing is saved or sent.
More free tools
- Federal Poverty Level Calculator 2026: see exactly what percentage of the poverty line your income is.
- SNAP Eligibility Pre-Check: check the SNAP gross income limit and get a rough benefit estimate.