Help you may be owed: benefits, credits and money people miss.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

What it is: A tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate pay. If the credit is bigger than the tax you owe, the IRS sends you the difference as a refund.

Who might qualify: You need earned income (pay from a job or self-employment), a Social Security number issued by the due date of the return for you, your spouse if filing jointly, and any child you claim, and investment income under the limit. Without a qualifying child you must be at least 25 and under 65 at the end of the year.

How much: Maximum credit for tax year 2025: $649 (no children), $4,328 (one child), $7,152 (two), $8,046 (three or more).

How to apply: File a federal tax return (Form 1040 or 1040-SR), even if you do not have to file.

Good to know: You have three years from the return due date to claim a refund. The IRS lists April 15, 2027 as the last day for tax year 2023 and April 17, 2028 for tax year 2024.

IRS: Earned income and EITC tables (updated May 8, 2026); Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 amounts); How to claim the EITC (updated Sep 25, 2026); Who qualifies for the EITC (updated Nov 13, 2026); EITC participation rate by state (updated Aug 19, 2026); IRS Free File page (updated Oct 21, 2026); Free tax return preparation (VITA/TCE) (updated Oct 19, 2026); Treasury Report on the Replacement of Direct File (Oct 2, 2025). · irs.gov · irs.gov (2) · irs.gov (3) · irs.gov (4) · irs.gov (5) · irs.gov (6) · irs.gov (7) · home.treasury.gov

Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)

What it is: A tax credit for each child under 17. Part of it can be paid to you as a refund even if you owe no tax (that part is called the Additional Child Tax Credit).

Who might qualify: Your child must be under 17 at the end of the year and have a Social Security number valid for work, issued by the return due date. Starting with tax year 2025, you (and your spouse if filing jointly) also need a work-valid Social Security number issued by the due date.

How much: Up to $2,200 per child for tax years 2025 and 2026.

How to apply: Claim it on your federal tax return (Form 1040 with Schedule 8812). Use the same free filing options as the EITC: IRS Free File (AGI $95,000 or less) or a VITA/TCE volunteer site.

IRS: Child Tax Credit page (2025 rules); Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 amounts). · irs.gov · irs.gov (2)

Unclaimed federal tax refunds

What it is: Money the IRS owes people who had taxes taken out of their pay (or could get refundable credits) but never filed a return.

Who might qualify: Anyone who had federal tax withheld or could claim refundable credits like the EITC or CTC for a past year and did not file.

How to apply: File the past-year tax return. If you lost your W-2s or 1099s, get a free wage and income transcript with Get Transcript Online on IRS.gov, or by mail with Form 4506-T (slower).

Good to know: As of November 2026, tax year 2023 returns are due by April 15, 2027 to get a refund. After that the money goes to the U.S. Treasury for good.

IRS news release IR-2026-37 (Mar 20, 2026); IRS How to claim the EITC (updated Sep 25, 2026). · irs.gov · irs.gov (2)

SNAP (food stamps)

What it is: Monthly money on an EBT card to buy food at stores and farmers markets.

Who might qualify: Based on household size, income and resources. Many states use different, often higher, limits, so apply even if you think you are over.

How much: Maximum monthly benefit Oct 2026 to Sep 2027 (48 states and DC): $306 for 1 person, $562 for 2, $808 for 3, $1,023 for 4. Most households get less than the maximum.

How to apply: Apply through your state SNAP agency (see your state above).

Good to know: No look-back: benefits start from the date you apply, so apply as soon as you can, even with an incomplete application.

USDA FNA SNAP eligibility (FY2027 limits, updated Nov 3, 2026); FNS memo on OBBB implementation (Sep 4, 2025); FNS memo on ABAWD exceptions (Oct 3, 2025); FNA SNAP work requirements page (updated Nov 3, 2026); FNA non-citizen page (updated Nov 4, 2026); Michigan AG press release (Sep 21, 2026). · fna.usda.gov · usda.gov · usda.gov (2) · fna.usda.gov (2) · fna.usda.gov (3) · michigan.gov · fna.usda.gov (4)

WIC

What it is: Food benefits, a free health check, and nutrition help for pregnant women, new mothers, babies and children under 5.

Who might qualify: Pregnant women, women up to 6 months after a pregnancy ends, breastfeeding women up to the baby's first birthday, infants, and children up to their 5th birthday. If you already get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF you may already be income eligible.

How to apply: Apply at a local WIC agency; USDA's WIC Eligibility Tool helps you find one.

Good to know: WIC is separate from SNAP; you can get both.

USDA FNA WIC eligibility page (updated Nov 6, 2026); WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines 2026-2027. · fna.usda.gov · fna.usda.gov (2)

Medicaid and CHIP

What it is: Free or low-cost health coverage. Medicaid covers people with low income; CHIP covers children (and in some states pregnant women) in families that earn too much for Medicaid.

Who might qualify: In states that expanded Medicaid, adults can qualify on income alone with income below 138% of poverty. Each state sets its own CHIP rules.

How to apply: Apply any time of year through your state Medicaid agency (see your state above) or at HealthCare.gov / 1-800-318-2596, which sends your information to the state.

Good to know: If you have recent unpaid medical bills, apply before January 1, 2027.

Got a hospital bill you cannot pay?

HealthCare.gov FPL glossary (2026 amounts); HealthCare.gov CHIP page; InsureKidsNow.gov FAQ; CMS summary of Medicaid provisions of Public Law 119-21; CMS fact sheet on community engagement interim final rule (Jun 1, 2026); Medicaid.gov community engagement page. · healthcare.gov · healthcare.gov (2) · insurekidsnow.gov · medicaid.gov · cms.gov · medicaid.gov (2)

ACA Marketplace premium tax credits

What it is: Help paying monthly premiums for health plans bought on HealthCare.gov or your state's marketplace.

Who might qualify: For 2026 and later, household income must be at least 100% and no more than 400% of the federal poverty line, and you cannot have other qualifying coverage like Medicaid or affordable job-based insurance.

How to apply: HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace. Open enrollment for 2027: enroll by December 15 (HealthCare.gov; your state's marketplace may have its own date) for coverage starting January 1.

Good to know: Starting tax year 2026, if you got too much advance credit you must pay back all of the extra at tax time; the old repayment caps no longer apply.

IRS Eligibility for the Premium Tax Credit (updated Nov 6, 2026); IRS draft 2026 Instructions for Form 8962; HealthCare.gov More savings and Lower costs pages. · irs.gov · irs.gov (2) · healthcare.gov · healthcare.gov (2)

Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy)

What it is: State programs that pay Medicare premiums (and sometimes deductibles and copays), plus Extra Help, a federal program that lowers Part D drug costs.

Who might qualify: People with Medicare and limited income and resources. Many states do not count some income or resources, so apply even if you think you are over the limit. You get Extra Help automatically if you have full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or SSI.

How to apply: Medicare Savings Programs: your state Medicaid office. Extra Help: Social Security online or 1-800-772-1213.

Good to know: You can apply any time.

Medicare.gov Medicare Savings Programs (2026 limits); Medicare.gov drug cost help (Extra Help 2026 limits, 2027 costs); SSA Extra Help page (modified May 29, 2026). · medicare.gov · medicare.gov (2) · ssa.gov

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

What it is: Monthly cash from Social Security for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled (children with disabilities too).

Who might qualify: Age 65+, blind, or disabled, with limited income and resources. Resources generally no more than $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a couple.

How much: Federal maximum $994 a month (individual) and $1,491 (couple) in 2026; $1,029 and $1,544 for 2027 after a 3.6% cost-of-living increase, starting with the payment dated December 31, 2026.

How to apply: ssa.gov/apply/ssi or 1-800-772-1213.

Good to know: Getting SSI usually means you also get Medicaid and Extra Help.

SSA: SSI eligibility (modified Jan 26, 2026); SSI amount page; SSI federal payment amounts for 2027; COLA page. · ssa.gov · ssa.gov (2) · ssa.gov (3) · ssa.gov (4)

Social Security retirement, survivor and disability benefits people miss

What it is: Monthly benefits earned by work, including benefits on a spouse's, ex-spouse's or parent's record.

Who might qualify: Divorced spouse: 62 or older, unmarried, marriage lasted at least 10 years, ex is entitled to benefits (after 2 years of divorce you can apply even if your ex has not). Surviving spouse: 60 or older (50 if disabled), or any age if caring for the deceased's child under 16 or disabled.

How to apply: Retirement and spouse benefits: ssa.gov/apply or 1-800-772-1213. Survivor benefits cannot be applied for online: call 1-800-772-1213 for an appointment.

SSA blog on divorced spouses (Oct 27, 2026); SSA blog on surviving spouses (Oct 29, 2026); SSA survivor eligibility page; SSA disability qualify page (certified Dec 22, 2025); SSA Social Security Fairness Act page (updated Jul 21, 2025); SSA 2027 COLA fact sheet. · ssa.gov · ssa.gov (2) · ssa.gov (3) · ssa.gov (4) · ssa.gov (5) · ssa.gov (6)

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

What it is: Help paying heating or cooling bills, help when your utility is about to be shut off, and in some states weatherization or furnace and air conditioner repair.

Who might qualify: Each state or tribe sets its own income limits. States may automatically qualify households on TANF, SNAP, SSI or certain veterans benefits.

How to apply: Apply through your state or local LIHEAP office, not the federal government. National Energy Assistance Referral hotline: (866) 674-6327.

Good to know: States open and close application windows and funds can run out, so apply early in the season.

ACF LIHEAP consumer FAQ; ACF LIHEAP program page. · acf.gov · acf.hhs.gov

Lifeline phone and internet discount (and the ended Affordable Connectivity Program)

What it is: A monthly discount on phone, internet, or bundled service from a participating company.

Who might qualify: Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or getting SNAP, Medicaid, federal public housing assistance, SSI, the Veterans and Survivors Pension, or certain tribal programs. One Lifeline benefit per household.

How to apply: Apply through the National Verifier (lifelinesupport.org) or a participating company.

Good to know: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP, up to $30 a month) ended June 1, 2024 because its funding ran out. Anyone offering ACP sign-ups now is out of date: the program has ended.

FCC Lifeline consumers page (last reviewed Sep 14, 2020); FCC ACP-has-ended FAQ. · fcc.gov · fcc.gov (2)

Free and reduced-price school meals and Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)

What it is: Free or low-cost school breakfast and lunch, plus SUN Bucks: $120 per child for groceries over the summer in states that take part.

Who might qualify: School year July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027: free meals at or below 130% of the 2026 poverty guideline and reduced-price at or below 185%.

How to apply: Fill out your school's meal application any time of the school year. SUN Bucks: ask your state how to get it.

Good to know: USDA lists these states as not participating in 2026: Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah.

USDA FNA Child Nutrition Income Eligibility Guidelines 2026-2027; WIC IEG 2026-2027 (same 185% figures); Summer EBT 2026 Benefit Levels; Summer EBT Participating Areas (updated Aug 14, 2026). · fna.usda.gov · fna.usda.gov (2) · fna.usda.gov (3) · fna.usda.gov (4)

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and emergency rental help

What it is: A voucher that pays part of your rent to a private landlord. You usually pay about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.

Who might qualify: Generally families with extremely low or very low income for their area.

How to apply: Apply to your local Public Housing Agency (HUD PHA directory). You do not have to live in a PHA's area to apply, and you can get on several waiting lists.

Good to know: Reality check: vouchers are not an entitlement and waits can be years. For short-term rent help, call 211 or your local community action agency.

Know your rights as a renter, in every state

HUD Housing Choice Voucher Tenants page. · hud.gov

Unemployment insurance

What it is: Weekly cash for workers who lose a job through no fault of their own.

Who might qualify: Each state runs its own program and rules. Generally you lost work through no fault of your own and earned enough in roughly the past year.

How to apply: File with the state where you worked, as soon as you lose work.

Good to know: File right away; the first payment usually comes 2 to 3 weeks after filing.

You lost your job: the first 30 days

U.S. Department of Labor unemployment insurance topic page. · dol.gov

Pell Grants and FAFSA

What it is: Federal grants for college or career school that usually do not have to be paid back. The FAFSA is the free form that decides your aid.

Who might qualify: Undergraduates with financial need.

How much: 2026-27 award year (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027): maximum $7,395, minimum $740.

How to apply: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

Good to know: Federal deadline is June 30 at the end of each award year, but states and schools have earlier deadlines; file early.

Federal Student Aid: 2026-27 Pell maximum and minimum award amounts (Jan 30, 2026); 2026-27 FAFSA and Pell eligibility updates (Aug 15, 2025); 2027-28 FAFSA beta testing plan (updated Sep 23, 2026). · fsapartners.ed.gov · fsapartners.ed.gov (2) · fsapartners.ed.gov (3)

VA benefits often left unclaimed

What it is: Disability compensation for service-connected conditions, Veterans Pension (with extra Aid and Attendance or Housebound money) for low-income wartime veterans, and survivor benefits (DIC and Survivors Pension).

Who might qualify: Disability compensation: a current condition linked to your service, and a discharge other than dishonorable (you can ask for a discharge upgrade). The PACT Act made over 20 burn pit and toxic exposure conditions presumptive, meaning you do not have to prove service caused them.

How to apply: File online at VA.gov, by mail, in person, or with free help from an accredited representative.

Good to know: VA says: do not wait; file your claim or submit your intent to file now.

VA disability eligibility (updated Nov 10, 2026); PACT Act page (updated Jun 2, 2026); Veterans Pension eligibility (updated Nov 9, 2026); Veterans Pension rates; DIC page (updated Sep 25, 2026). · va.gov · va.gov (2) · va.gov (3) · va.gov (4) · va.gov (5)

TANF (cash assistance for families)

What it is: Monthly cash help and services for low-income families with children, run by each state under its own name.

Who might qualify: Families with children and very low income; each state sets its own rules and amounts.

How to apply: Apply through your state's TANF agency.

Good to know: States must meet work participation rules, so adults usually must take part in work activities.

ACF TANF program page; ACF OPRE report on welfare time limits. · acf.gov · acf.hhs.gov

State unclaimed property

What it is: Money businesses could not return to you: old bank accounts, final paychecks, utility deposits, refunds, insurance payouts, stocks. They must turn it over to the state, which holds it until you claim it.

Who might qualify: Anyone, including heirs of people who died.

How to apply: Search your state's official unclaimed property site (see your state above).

Good to know: Every state lets you search for free. The government will not call or text asking you to pay to search, and an upfront fee to release your money is a scam. Search every state where you have lived.

FTC consumer alert on unclaimed funds calls (Mar 30, 2026); USA.gov unclaimed money page (updated Sep 24, 2025); Pennsylvania Treasury release (Dec 1, 2022). · consumer.ftc.gov · usa.gov · patreasury.gov

Old pensions and 401(k)s

What it is: Retirement money from past jobs that you may have forgotten or that was moved when a plan ended.

Who might qualify: Anyone who worked for a private employer or union that had a pension or 401(k).

How to apply: 1) Department of Labor Retirement Savings Lost and Found database (lostandfound.dol.gov, live; needs an ID-proofed Login.gov account and searches private-sector plans by your Social Security number; it does not include IRAs, government plans, or a deceased spouse's plans). 2) PBGC's unclaimed benefits search (last name plus last 4 of SSN), for pensions that ended without paying everyone.

Good to know: A match means you were in a plan, not that money is owed; the plan administrator or PBGC confirms. Both searches are government tools; you do not need to pay anyone.

DOL Retirement Savings Lost and Found; PBGC Find unclaimed retirement benefits. · lostandfound.dol.gov · pbgc.gov

U.S. savings bonds (Treasury Hunt)

What it is: Savings bonds that have matured and stopped earning interest, bonds owned by family members who died, and Treasury payments that were returned.

Who might qualify: Bond owners and their heirs.

How to apply: Use Treasury Hunt on TreasuryDirect.gov (USA.gov links it).

TreasuryDirect news release on Treasury Hunt (Dec 30, 2019); USA.gov unclaimed money page. · treasurydirect.gov · usa.gov

FHA mortgage insurance refunds

What it is: If you had an FHA-insured mortgage, HUD may owe you part of the upfront mortgage insurance premium back.

Who might qualify: People who had an FHA-insured mortgage.

How to apply: Search HUD's refund database by last name or FHA case number. If your name shows up, call 1-800-697-6967.

Good to know: HUD says you do not need to pay another person or firm to help you collect.

HUD 'Does HUD owe you a refund?'. · entp.hud.gov

Refunds from government settlements (FTC and CFPB)

What it is: Money returned to people harmed by companies that broke consumer laws.

Who might qualify: People named in each case; each program has its own rules.

How to apply: Check the FTC refund programs list and the CFPB payments-by-case list.

Good to know: The FTC says it will never make you pay or transfer money to get a refund.

FTC refund programs page; CFPB payments to harmed consumers by case (modified Nov 3, 2026). · ftc.gov · consumerfinance.gov

Official federal benefit finder

What it is: A free government tool that shows benefits you may qualify for.

Who might qualify: Anyone.

How to apply: usa.gov/benefit-finder: pick categories like Food, Health, Disabilities or Veterans to see benefits and how to apply.

USAGov 'Find government benefits and financial help'. · usa.gov