SNAP, LIHEAP, and Income Assistance: What's Available and Who Qualifies
These programs cover the basics — food, heat, income — and together they reach more American households than any other category of federal benefits. If you're uncertain whether you qualify, apply. The income thresholds are higher than most people assume.
SNAP Eligibility
130% FPL
Gross income threshold. $3,483/month for a family of four, Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026.
EITC Average Refund
$2,916
Average Earned Income Tax Credit received, tax year 2024.
Key Programs
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)U.S. Department of Agriculture
What It Is
Monthly electronic benefit (EBT card) for purchasing food at grocery stores and many farmers markets. Formerly called food stamps.
Who Qualifies
Households with gross monthly income at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines — $3,483 for a family of four (Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026). Net income limit is 100% after deductions, $2,680 for a family of four. Alaska and Hawaii are higher.
What You Get
The average benefit was $187.94 per person per month in FY2025. The maximum for a family of four is $994; what you receive depends on income and deductions.
How to Apply
Apply through the SNAP agency in the state where you live — you must apply in your own state. Most states take applications online; find yours at fna.usda.gov/snap/state-directory or search for your state human services department.
WIC (Women, Infants and Children)U.S. Department of Agriculture
What It Is
Nutrition assistance, food vouchers, healthcare referrals, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5.
Who Qualifies
Pregnant women; postpartum up to 6 months after the end of a pregnancy; breastfeeding up to the infant's first birthday; infants; and children up to their fifth birthday. Household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines — or, if you already receive SNAP, TANF or Medicaid, you are income eligible regardless of that limit.
What You Get
Monthly food package of specific nutritious foods plus formula for non-breastfeeding infants. Average value ~$50–$100/month per participant.
How to Apply
Find a WIC clinic near you at fna.usda.gov/wic/locator, or your state agency at fna.usda.gov/wic/program-contacts. WIC is run by state agencies, so there is no national phone line.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What It Is
Helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, avoid utility shutoffs, and in some cases get weatherization assistance.
Who Qualifies
States set their own income limits. Federal law caps those limits at no more than the GREATER of 150% of the federal poverty guidelines or 60% of state median income, and requires them to be no less than 110% of the poverty guidelines. Priority goes to households with elderly or disabled members, or young children.
What You Get
Average $500–$1,000/year nationally. Crisis assistance for shutoffs can be higher. Benefits are paid directly to your utility company.
How to Apply
Apply through your state LIHEAP agency. Apply early — funds are limited and run out annually. Find your state program at acf.gov/ocs/map/liheap-map-state-and-territory-contact-listing.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
What It Is
Monthly cash assistance for families with children, plus employment services, childcare assistance, and other support.
Who Qualifies
Families with children and limited income. Eligibility and benefit amounts vary significantly by state.
What You Get
Average monthly benefit varies widely by state — from under $200 to over $700/month. Most states impose work requirements.
How to Apply
Apply through your state TANF agency or local Department of Social Services.
EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit)Internal Revenue Service
What It Is
Refundable tax credit for working people with low-to-moderate income. Reduces taxes owed and in many cases provides a cash refund.
Who Qualifies
Working individuals and families meeting income limits. For tax year 2025, up to $61,555 filing single with three or more children ($68,675 married filing jointly), or $19,104 with no children ($26,214 joint). You must file a tax return to claim it.
What You Get
The average credit was $2,916 for tax year 2024. The maximum for tax year 2025 is $8,046 with three or more children, or $649 with none.
How to Apply
File your federal tax return and complete Schedule EIC. IRS Free File offers free guided tax software at an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less: irs.gov/e-file-do-your-taxes-for-free
Child Tax Credit (CTC)Internal Revenue Service
What It Is
Tax credit of up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17 at the end of the tax year. Up to $1,700 is refundable (Additional Child Tax Credit) even if you owe no taxes — though the refundable part requires at least $2,500 of earned income.
Who Qualifies
Parents or guardians of children under 17 at the end of the tax year who meet income thresholds. Phases out above $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (married filing jointly). The taxpayer (and spouse, if filing jointly) AND each qualifying child must have a Social Security number valid for employment, issued before the return's due date including extensions. An ITIN filer does not qualify for this credit even for a citizen child.
What You Get
Up to $2,200 per child for tax year 2026. Refundable portion up to $1,700 per child.
How to Apply
Claim on your federal tax return (Form 1040). Use IRS Free File or tax software to ensure you claim all credits you qualify for.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
TurboTax — Claim Your EITC and Child Tax Credit
Guided tax filing that automatically finds every credit you qualify for, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
Start filing with TurboTax →*YNAB (You Need a Budget) — Stretch Your Benefits Further
Budgeting app designed for people living on tight margins. Helps you plan around variable income and benefits timing.
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