Programs of government

States Speaker of the House U. Treasury U. Treasury Federalism. Sign in. Log into your account. Eastern Time. SNAP no longer officially called food stamps helps needy families supplement their food budget in order to move toward self-sufficiency. Eligibility is determined by individual states that administer the program. You apply in the state where you live by contacting your state agency. Some states allow online applications, while others require your physical presence. WIC provides low-income women and their young children with healthy food, nutrition counseling, and referral to health, welfare, and social services agencies.

To be eligible, the mother must be pregnant, nursing, or postpartum up to six months after birth with infants up to a year old or children under the age of five. Eligibility requirements for all three programs are the same. The federal government sponsors two programs designed to get food to low-income seniors. You must be 60 years of age or older and live in an area that offers either program in order to apply. Both programs have income limits.

For more information, use the USDA's state contacts list. The table below lists eligibility requirements for federal food programs. The USDA has granted states flexibility with the administration of several food programs during the coronavirus emergency. This flexibility includes:. Additional coronavirus-related steps taken by the USDA include:. Six major government health care programs provide medical coverage for low-income and older Americans, children, veterans, and those who have recently lost their jobs.

Medicare is the main health insurance plan for those 65 and older. If you are still working and covered by employer health insurance when you are three months away from your 65th birthday, discuss your Medicare options and requirements with your human resources office.

Most people usually don't pay a monthly premium for Part A, and there are no coinsurance costs for hospital stays of 60 days or less. Medicare Part B covers doctor's visits, tests, flu shots, physical therapy, and chemotherapy. Medicare Part D is Medicare's prescription drug benefit program, which is an optional benefit administered by private insurance companies. Those who fall below certain income limits can receive subsidies that lower the cost of coverage.

The Marketplace normally has an annual enrollment period to obtain or change coverage. However, as part of President Biden's response to the coronavirus pandemic, there was a special enrollment period from Feb. Furthermore, they may be able to receive a special tax credit, which would lower the plan's premium. Medicaid is for low-income families and individuals. CHIP is for dependents under age 19 whose parents earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to pay for private health insurance coverage.

Both programs are federally funded in part and run at the state level. Each state has its own rules but must follow federal guidelines. The primary criteria to receive VA health care benefits require that you be a military veteran or former member of the National Guard or Reserve who served on active duty and was not dishonorably discharged.

Specific eligibility depends on when you served and for how long. The rules are complicated but well explained on the VA's eligibility webpage. Coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act COBRA is mandated by federal law for employees and their dependents when they lose their job or experience a reduction in work hours.

When you lose your job, whatever your employer paid for your health insurance goes away, and you have to pay the entire amount. However, thanks to the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act, if you lost your coverage during the coronavirus pandemic, you can qualify for up to six months of free COBRA coverage. After Sept. State health departments offer programs in addition to those available at the federal level. Use the USA. The primary government retirement programs are Social Security for most citizens 65 and over who qualify through their work history and the Federal Employee Retirement System FERS for certain government employees who are not covered by Social Security.

Most people are familiar with Social Security and the fact that you apply for benefits at a certain age depending on when you were born and whether you want to receive partial or full benefits. You can apply for benefits for yourself or as a spouse if you meet the following four requirements:. You can also apply for Medicare when you apply for Social Security if you are within three months of age Eligibility for FERS benefits is determined by your age and number of years of service.

The Internal Revenue Service IRS sponsors several tax-assistance programs to make federal and—in some cases—state tax filing easier and free. The process and what you need to have in order to file are all explained in this Free File infographic.

The fillable forms tool lets you file electronically but does not include state forms. Both offer free tax-preparation assistance to qualified individuals. TCE is for citizens aged 60 or older. Use the VITA locator tool to find out if a site near you is open.

Small businesses are the beneficiaries of several long-standing government assistance loan programs, most of them originating from the Small Business Administration SBA. In addition to the historical help these programs have provided, many also now offer special coronavirus-related assistance. The SBA, in consultation with the U. Treasury Department, announced on Jan. The PPP was created to provide funds to companies with the financial hardship that resulted from the coronavirus pandemic.

Typically, the loans must be paid back within two to five years. PPP loans can be forgiven if employee retention criteria have been met.

The deadline to apply for a PPP loan was extended to May 31, , and financial institutions had an additional month, until June 30, , to finish processing, with the passage and signing of the PPP Extension Act on March 30, , extending the covered period for PPP loans until June 30, EIDL loans are designed to meet the financial obligations and operating expenses of small businesses with a payment schedule that can last as long as 30 years.

The program's ability to offer loans is also subject to the availability of funds. In other words, when the money that was allocated to the program runs out, there will be no more loans.

However, the SBA has much more to offer than coronavirus relief. Full details, including eligibility, can be found on the SBA website. The USDA offers a number of programs aimed at all sectors of the agricultural community.

Programs include farm loans, housing assistance, loans and grants for rural economic development, loans for beginning farmers and ranchers, livestock insurance, and more.

Information about this fund, including the location of lending institutions near you, can be found on the U. Treasury Small Business Lending Fund website. People looking for government assistance sometimes come across ads for free government grants. However, the government does not award grants to individuals, only to states, universities, and other organizations. Anyone who suggests otherwise is probably running a scam.

New York State Department of Labor. Administration for Children and Families. Social Security Administration. Internal Revenue Service. Health Insurance Marketplace. Federal Student Aid. The White House. Department of Education. Federal Communications Commission.

Department of Housing and Urban Development. If you're looking for immediate or emergency help, your state's human service or social service agency might be able to help.

They can either provide financial assistance or refer you to local community organizations. You can also find out how and where to apply. Using the Benefit Finder , answer questions about yourself and your needs. Check back with Benefits. You can report major life events or see if new benefit programs have become available.

Find government and local disability programs including housing, jobs, education, and health care. If you need help with your benefits, you can review these top questions about Social Security. Learn about veterans benefits such as burial, education, health, and housing. There are a variety of benefit and aid programs to help you if you lose your job. It can help with unemployment insurance benefits, job training, and finding a job.

Unemployment insurance programs pay you money if you lose your job through no fault of your own. You must meet your state's eligibility requirements. Each state runs its own program. Select your state from this map to find out how to apply. You may be able to file online, by phone, or in person. Some states provide extended benefits when there's high unemployment. Extended unemployment insurance benefits last for 13 weeks.

You can apply for extended benefits only once you've run out of regular benefits. Check with your state; not everyone qualifies. You must report unemployment benefits as income on your tax return. Federal agencies offer many unemployment education and training programs.