Cash-assistance programs can help eligible individuals and families meet basic needs during periods of low income or financial hardship.
There is no single nationwide cash-assistance application. Programs are administered through states, tribes, counties, or federal agencies, and eligibility varies by program and household circumstances.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families — TANF
TANF is a federally funded, state-run program that can provide temporary cash assistance to qualifying families experiencing financial hardship.
Depending on the state, TANF may also connect families with help for housing, food, child care, employment, or job training. Each state or tribal program has its own name and eligibility rules.
Go to TANF:
Use USAGov to find your state or tribal TANF office.
State and Local Cash Assistance
Some states, counties, and cities offer additional cash or emergency-assistance programs, sometimes called General Assistance, General Relief, Emergency Assistance, or Interim Assistance.
These programs are not available everywhere, and the name, eligibility rules, and benefits differ by location.
Go to State and Local Cash Assistance:
Contact your state social-service agency and ask what cash-assistance programs are available where you live.
SSI and Social Security
People who are older, blind, or living with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other Social Security benefits.
Because these programs have their own detailed eligibility rules, Open Door Peace covers them separately under Disability and Social Security.
Unemployment Benefits
If you recently lost a job, unemployment insurance may be a more appropriate source of temporary income assistance.
See the separate Unemployment Benefits page for information about state unemployment programs.
Assistance for Native American Families and Individuals
Members of federally recognized tribes may have access to additional financial and social-service programs.
For example, the Bureau of Indian Affairs administers Financial Assistance and Social Services (FASS) for certain eligible tribal members who cannot receive TANF. Assistance may include help with basic needs and emergencies.
Emergency Financial Hardship
If you need immediate help with food, housing, utilities, or other basic needs, do not rely only on a cash-benefit application.
You may also qualify for:
- Emergency food assistance
- Rental or housing assistance
- Utility assistance
- Disaster assistance
- Local nonprofit or community help
USAGov maintains a current financial-hardship guide and benefits finder that can help people locate appropriate government programs.
Before You Apply
You may be asked for information about:
- Household members
- Income and employment
- Residency
- Assets or financial resources
- Children or dependents
- Housing expenses
- Other benefits you receive
The administering agency will tell you exactly what documentation is required.
Only provide sensitive information through an official agency or secure application system. Do not send Social Security numbers, bank information, immigration documents, benefit-login credentials, or other private records to Open Door Peace through ordinary website messages or email.
Important
Open Door Peace provides general information and navigation to public-benefit resources.
We do not determine eligibility, approve cash assistance, calculate benefit amounts, or guarantee assistance.
Program availability, benefit amounts, eligibility requirements, and application procedures can change and vary by state, tribe, county, or city. Always confirm current information with the agency administering the program.