What is Life Assistance? From housing needs to childcare support, to healthcare information and more, the Life Assistance program connects YOU to critical resources in one spot. Click below to see tools to help take the stress out of your work life.
COVID-19 Resources
State resources
Food Resources
Healthcare Resources
Child and FAMILY Resources
Financial Resources
Mental health and crisis support
Clothing Resources
veteran resources
Utility and housing Resources
General Resources
How do you know if you qualify for Government Benefits? Visit USA.gov/benefits and get information on government programs that may help you pay for food, housing, health care, and other basic living expenses. Find out about eligibility requirements for programs like food stamps, welfare, and Medicaid, and how to apply for them.
DISASTER RELIEF
HOLIDAY RESOURCES
Face Mask Resources
COVID-19 Testing Information
Information on how to select, wear, and clean a mask Information on how to wash a mask
CDC Travel Recommendations for COVID
Considering Travel? View the CDC Recommendation’s here Traveling during the pandemic Daily Activities and Going Out Recommendations
EmployBridge COVID-19 Resources
Are you facing financial hardships? View a helpful infographic here. View this helpful infographic on how to keep your family safe when returning from work. View this helpful infographic for COVID-19 resources all in one place.
Visit the CDC COVID-19 Resource Center
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Self-Check for Symptoms
Testing Overview Find a testing site via state Find a testing site locally What Do your Test Results Mean?
Flu or COVID-19?
Visit the CDC website to learn the similarities and difference between COVID-19 and the Flu.
• CHIP offers free or low-cost medical and dental care to uninsured kids up to age 19 whose family income is above Medicaid’s limit but below their state’s CHIP limit. It covers hospital care, medical supplies, and tests. It also provides preventive care, such as eye exams, dental care, and regular check-ups. • See if your children are eligible for CHIP here. • Apply for Medicaid and CHIP here through your state agency.
GoodRX
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that: • Helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources • Offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, like nursing home care and personal care services • Find out if you’re eligible for Medicaid or CHIP here.
Medicare and Medicaid
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
You can utilize GoodRX to compare pharmacy prices, get free coupons and discounts for prescriptions! Visit their website here to search your prescription for discounts and coupons.
• Visit the website here to apply, or call the number below to get connected to your local Medicaid office. 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
• Through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), millions of people have gained access to health coverage through Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplace. • Find Applications, Forms, and Notices on enrollment for insurance here. • Need Technical Assistance when enrolling? Get help here. • You can read more about Health Insurance Marketplace at Benefits.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for assistance.
Health Insurance Marketplace
"The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States and leads the nation to engage in the fight against hunger."
Visit the USDA website to find out how to get food in case of an emergency, apply for food stamps and see what free or low-cost food programs are available for infants, children and seniors.
USDA National Hunger Hotline
For immediate Food Assistance, you can reach the USDA National Hunger Hotline at the phone numbers below.
The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time.
1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273)
USDA Summer Food Service Program
To learn more about the USDA Summer Food Service Program, visit their website. You can also text “Summer Meals” to 97779 or call 1-866-348-6479 to find a site near you.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. To learn more about the program and who is eligible, visit the SNAP website. Call your state SNAP office, or call 1-800-221-5689
To find your local food pantry, visit the Feeding America website.
Feeding America Website
Feeding America
Need Help Finding Groceries or a Meal? Find your local Feeding America charity today.
Salvation Army Food Pantry
Salvation Army is a national charity that offers food pantry assistance. Find your local Salvation Army here.
Meals on Wheels is in nearly every community in America! Get nutritious meals delivered to you. Find your local Meals on Wheels charity here.
Meals on Wheels America
Free Food Programs for Seniors
There are two federally sponsored programs that aim to get nutritious food for seniors with a low income.
Holiday Resources
Get a FREE Thanksgiving Dinner with Ibotta! Start by downloading their app. Starting now, you can earn 100% cash back on Thanksgiving staples at any participating retailer until Nov. 23 through the Ibotta shopping app. You’ll need to add the eligible offers to your Ibotta account before hitting the aisles, and the maximum cash back value you can earn is $26.99. To unlock the offer, you have to download the Ibotta app and sign up for a free account, then complete the turkey bonus requiring you to redeem 16 offers by Nov. 18 to qualify for cash back on a turkey.
Ibotta Cash Back
Find your local Salvation Army food pantry and other assistance by using your zip code on their website here.
Visit the Meals on Wheels website to see what program is closest to you or your loved one.
Angel Tree Program
Angel Tree Program is offered by The Salvation Army local centers and provides gifts for disadvantaged children and senior citizens who are 60 years and older. To become an angel you must register with the local Angel Tree Program in The Salvation Army Center here.
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a national program that gives free toys for Christmas. First, find the closest Toys for Tots near you. Start by going to their website here and enter your state and local county. Click on “apply for toys”, and you will see a list of organizations with email addresses. After you send an email, you make requests for your children.
USPS Operation Santa
Children can write letters to Santa and mail them through the USPS Operation Santa program. They are opened and read, and gifts are sent back to the children. View how to receive gifts here.
Full Circle Home gives deployed servicemen a chance to send a gift box to their wives back home. Gift boxes contain pampering items, such as lotions, bubble baths and spa socks. They also feature a handwritten note from the serviceman.
Full Circle Home
Operation Christmas Spirit supports local military families in the form of holiday gratitude by “adopting” over 100 families and fulfilling their Christmas wish lists with gifts for all family members and gift cards to do their own shopping; Sponsoring gifts and crafts at unit holiday parties; and “Adopting” single Marines and Sailors, giving them gifts and gifts cards to celebrate whether near or far from their families.
Operation Christmas Spirit
The Adopt-A-Military Family program provides commissary cards, gifts, toys and much more to military families in need. How to help or how to get help.
Spirit of Sharing
Every family needs a Christmas tree and Trees for Troops, sponsored by the Christmas Spirit Foundation, offers free Christmas trees for military families. Trees are available at 62 bases throughout the United States.
Trees for Troops
Find your local food bank on Feeding America.com just by typing in your zip code on their website. Looking to volunteer this Holiday Season? Visit the Feeding America website to find a volunteer opportunity near you!
Visit the Meals on Wheels website to see what program is closest to you or your loved one and how to sign up for a free delivered Thanksgiving meal.
Find your local food bank on Feeding America.com just by typing in your zip code on their website. They offer Thanksgiving food boxes, free turkeys, Thanksgiving meals, and home delivery for those who cannot visit in person. Looking to volunteer this Thanksgiving? Visit the Feeding America website to find a volunteer opportunity near you!
Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America helps individuals and families overcome personal challenges to lead productive, healthy lives. Click here to access their website and search for local assistance programs for basic needs; or give them a call at (703) 341-5000
Salvation Army Emergency Assistance
The Salvation Army helps people secure necessities to get back on their feet. To access the central USA Emergency Assistance and Homelessness Prevention website, click here. You can also call their hotline at (773) 205-3520 To search for Salvation Army resources near you, use this link.
Child and Family Resources
Click here to find resources and articles for the general safety of children, kids health, and bullying. You can also call the Natioanl Children's Advocacy Center at (256) 533-5437
Click here to access free lessons for your teenager on financial literacy from auto insurance to borrowing. Just set up a free account and you’ll gain free access! For more information on the program visit the NEFE High School Financial Planning page.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. Click here to access the WIC website or call the USDA Information Hotline at (202) 720-2791
The Substance Use Resources for Adolescents and Young Adults are online resources aimed specifically at adolescents and young adults. Health care providers and youth serving professionals can offer these additional resources or print the PDF one-page reference sheet to adolescents and young adults looking for additional information, including online resources, support groups, peer networks, helplines, treatment locators, and advocacy opportunities.
National Diaper Bank Network
The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) works across the United States to bring an end to diaper need. To find out if an agency in your area provides diaper assistance to families in need, please call 2-1-1 on your phone or search online at 2-1-1.org.
TANF - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federally funded, state-run benefits program. Also known as welfare, TANF helps families achieve independence after experiencing temporary difficulties. Contact your State TANF office for local TANF information. You can also send an email to info.OFA@acf.hhs.gov
Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM)
National Children’s Advocacy Center
Report Child Abuse: If you suspect child abuse, call the National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4ACHILD (800-422-4453)
High School Financial Planning Program
Head Start
• Head Start is a free or reduced cost program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health nutrition, and parent involvement services. This program is offered to low-income children, from birth to 5 years old, and their families. • For more information on Head Start, Visit the Head Start Early Childhood & Education website here. You can also contact them for assistance at 1-866-763-6481. • Learn more about applying and qualification requirements here.
Housing and Utilities Resources
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. USAC's Lifeline Support Center at lifelinesupport@usac.org or 1-800-234-9473.
U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Click here to learn about HUD government programs that help low-income people find affordable rental housing. To find HUD approved housing call 1(800) 569-4287
If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, the National Consumer Law Center recommends sending a temporary hardship letter to your mortgage company and see what your options are. The NCLC provides a sample hardship letter you can alter.
Mortgage Assistance
Internet
Several companies are offering free internet during the COIVD-19 crisis for those who are working from home, students of all ages, and for those who need to stay in touch with quarantines loved ones. Click on each internet service provider below to learn more about the COVID-19 relief programs they have in place.
AT&T Comcast Spectrum
Lifeline Phone Assistance
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. If you need help to apply or if you want to learn more about LIHEAP, contact the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project: Call 1-866-674-6327 or TTY 1-866-367-6228 Email NEAR at energyassistance@ncat.org.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
General Resources and Forms
W7 Form
Link to the Form W-7 Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
About Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
How to Create a Resume
Customer service resume template
How to Make a Resume (With Examples)
Help Filing Taxes – IRS
Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers
Ayuda gratuita con la preparación de la declaración de impuestos para contribuyentes calificados
How to Write a Check
StateFarm article on how to use a checking account, fill out a check, and more.
Social Security Card Application
Social Security Card Application - English
Social Security Card Application - Espanol
10 Steps to Naturalization website
10 Steps to Naturalization brochure
Find A USCIS Office
How to Apply for United States Citizenship
Renew Your Driver’s License and Other Motor Vehicle Services
Learn how to get or renew your driver's license, register your car, or access other motor vehicle services.
Get payment assistance for auto loans, transportation discounts, and public transportation resources.
General Car Maintenance
How to Change a Tire
Don’t have a flat and be unsure of what to do! Need help changing a tire? Allstate insurance company provides step by step instructions on tire changing.
Transportation Assistance and Discounts
What should you be doing to upkeep your car? AllState insurance company wants to ensure everyone knows these 10 basic car maintenance tips.
Laundry Tips
Visit the Cleaning Institute’s website for information on how to do laundry. They give the basic tips and more in-depth washday tips!
Need help cooking? Kroger gives you 101 Simple Cooking Tips to live by!
Basic Cooking Tips For Every Diet
Learning a New Language
Learning a new language is complex! Use the Learning Center from the University of North Carolina to see their top best practices on Learning New Languages.
Click here for Financial Resources • Looking to create better money habits? Use these 6 simple tips for setting a budget that Bank of America offers up. • Consumer Finance offers tips with downloadable worksheets on how to create a budget for your family and tips to sticking with it. View the tips in English here and Spanish here. • Indeed offers 15 Effective Budgeting Tips Everyone Should Know. Read them here. For information on our free Budgeting and Financial Goal Setting Course with Life Skills Studio, please go to "Free Online Courses" > "Life Skills Studio" at the top of the page.
Budgeting
Job Interview Tips
For information on our High School Diploma program, go to "Free Online Courses > High School Diploma Program"at the top of the page. GED Testing Service • Don’t know where to start? Schedule a Free Informational Call with a GED Advisor to get started. • Sign up for a free account to start learning today! On GED.com • Need information about prices and state resources? Find more information here! • Free GED, SAT, and ACT test prep and practice tests – find them here! • Free GED Prep resources here.
What should you be asking your landlord before you move in or sign a lease? Follow these 12 questions to cover all your rental bases from Allstate Insurance.
Signing a Lease
Buying Your First Home
Buying your first home is a big step! Ensure you’re doing everything correctly by using the Tools and Resources for homebuyers from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Capital Bank makes it easy! View their 21 Tip checklist for buying your first home.
Library of Congress View printable English as a Second Language resource books for free! View the Library of Congress website here. Need help practicing English? Visit the Activities for ESL Students where you can have an extensive list of quizzes, puzzles, and videos to practice learning! The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a list of research guides and interactive websites for learning English as a Second Language. Find the list here. World Food Program Practice English vocabulary while giving rice to those in need, for right answers! View the website here.
English as a Second Language
GED
Job Interviews can be hard! Make a good impression with your interviewer with these 10 successful interview tips from the Career Services sector of the University of North Georgia.
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*We are regularly adding new state resources to this page.
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Disaster Relief
Hurricane Ian Financial Assistance
• Learn how you can qualify for financial assistance after a disaster to get help with food, bills, unemployment, and more. • Find out if you are eligible for an SBA Disaster Loan. These low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration can help homeowners, small businesses, and non-profits recover from a declared disaster. • If you have a flood insurance policy, learn how to file a flood insurance claim. You will also find information on applying for disaster assistance. • Find out if you are eligible for Hurricane Ian-related tax relief from the IRS.
FEMA - Federal Emergency Disaster Assistance
Individuals affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida now can apply for assistance: • Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov • Or by calling 800-621-3362 File a Flood Insurance Claim • If you have a policy with the National Flood Insurance Program, contact your insurance agent or company to file a claim. Get more information about how to navigate the flood recovery process. Protect Yourself Against Fraud or Scams • Visit the FEMA website for a FAQ sheet, where to report suspected fraud, and more information on what to look for after a natural disaster. For information on disability, military & veteran services, and immigration assistance from Hurricane Ian, please visit this website.
Hurricane Ian Housing Assistance
Red Cross Emergency Shelter Assistance • If you need housing assistance or a shelter, a hot meal, phone charger, disaster relief items and more after the hurricane • 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) and selecting the disaster option • Find open shelters on redcross.org Uber • Uber is offering round-trip rides to and from shelter locations in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Pasco counties listed at floridadisaster.org. Riders can enter promotional code IANRELIEF in the app to redeem a free round-trip up to $30 each way. Rides must be requested to or from any state-approved evacuation shelter in Florida. Lyft • Lyft has activated its LyftUp Disaster Response program and providing Florida residents with free and discounted rides to help those affected move to designated shelters and access critical resources. Rides can be accessed using the code IANRELIEF22 valid for 2 rides up to $15 each, until Oct. 7. Florida Disaster.org • Find a list of open shelters and contact information at the website here.
Hurricane Ian Healthcare Assistance
Mental Health Call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. The national hotline provides free 24/7, crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Deaf and hard of hearing ASL callers can use a videophone or ASL Now. Telehealth Free telehealth visits: With many urgent care and doctor’s offices closed, Florida Blue, the state’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, launched free telehealth visits for anyone impacted by the hurricane – even if they’re not a Florida Blue member. Clinicians can help with nonemergency conditions such as allergies, cold, flu and sinus problems. They also can prescribe some medications that are not controlled substances. Call the Teladoc hotline at 855-225-5032. Emotional Health The stress and anxiety of a hurricane can sometimes be overwhelming. Florida Blue teamed with New Directions Behavioral Health to offer a toll-free 24/7 bilingual emotional support helpline at 833-848-1764 for anyone in Florida experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, trauma, or grief and in need of immediate emotional support. Callers may also receive referrals to other sources of mental health support and community resources to help. Crisis Text Line Florida residents, and those with loved ones in Florida, who are experiencing trauma, stress, loss and anxiety caused by Hurricane Ian can get free mental health support that is accessible via a simple text and is available in both Spanish and English. Individuals seeking support through Crisis Text Line can text HELLO to 741741 or HOLA to 741741. Substance Abuse Assistance Disaster Helpline The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 that is available 24 hours a day to provide immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural- or human-caused disasters. Learn more about other behavioral health resources available from DHHS at ncdhhs.gov/behavioral-health-during-and-after-hurricane.
Hurricane Ian Animal/Pet Assistance
Red Cross Our workers will do all they can to welcome service animals and domesticated pets comfortably. If you go to a shelter, please bring your own animal crate, supplies, medications, and food whenever possible. Depending on the situation, pets may need to be housed in a different location with support from animal welfare groups. Please consider visiting redrover.org/hurricaneian for additional pet resources. ow. Veterinary Care RedRover Relief: Financial assistance grants for emergency veterinary care. Applications accepted online. Find Pet Friendly hotels and vet care by state: visit this website For those evacuating pets, large and small, the American Red Cross recommends keeping current photos of you with your pet in the event the animal gets lost, and holding onto information about feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior issues and the name and number of a veterinarian.
Hurricane Ian Clean Up Assistance
U-Haul U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container usage at 43 Florida facilities to residents who stand to be impacted by Hurricane Ian. Contact your nearest participating facility at uhaul.com. Helping Hands Crisis Clean Up Hotline Residents needing assistance with fallen tree removal, drywall, flooring, appliance removal, tarping roofs and debris removal can call 800-451-1954. All services are free and provided by volunteers from around the country. University of Florida – IFAS Extension Fallen trees and branches – visit and ask for information on fallen trees and branches from the University of Florida.
Veteran Resources
Lifeline for Vets
No one left behind! Lifeline for Vets provides Vet to Vet support and access to support from the National Veterans Foundation staff. Visit the Lifeline for Vets website here. Or you can call (888) 777-4443 VA Suicide Hotline – 1-800-273-8255
National Veteran Resources
The National Veterans Resources organization exists to serve the men and women who are and have protected the United States and U.S. communities. Click here to visit their website. Contact the Veteran Crisis Line at 1(800) 273-8255, Press 1 Send a text to 83855
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Click here to go to the VA website. If you are experiencing homelessness, the VA provides access to services for homeless and at-risk Veterans, available 24/7. Visit the website here or dial 1-877-4AID-VET | 1(877) 424-3838
Take Charge America Financial Resources for Veterans
Take Charge America has created a list of resources for programs and organizations that assist veterans experiencing financial difficulties. Click here to view the list and explore other resources available through Take Charge America.