by 7 Government Benefits Most People Don’t Know They Qualify For
Every year, the U.S. government has billions of dollars in financial assistance available, but a staggering amount of these government benefits go unclaimed. Why? Many people simply don’t know these programs exist, assume they don’t qualify, or find the application process intimidating. This guide is here to change that.
Whether you’re a senior on a fixed income, a single parent, a gig worker with fluctuating pay, or simply a hardworking American trying to make ends meet, there are powerful federal aid programs designed to help you. We’ve done the research to bring you seven of the most overlooked benefits, complete with up-to-date eligibility requirements and clear, step-by-step instructions on how to apply for assistance. You’ve earned this support; now it’s time to claim it.
Updated: October 2024
1. How Can You Get Help With High Energy Bills? (LIHEAP)
Are soaring utility costs making it hard to keep your home comfortable? The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a critical federal program that helps households manage the costs of staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s not a loan; it’s a grant to help you pay your energy bills, handle energy crises (like a utility shut-off notice), and even make minor energy-related home repairs. While LIHEAP is federally funded, it is run by the states, which set their own specific rules for eligibility and benefit amounts. This means it’s vital to check your local guidelines.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility for LIHEAP is primarily based on your household income and size. Generally, you may qualify if:
Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level or 60% of your state’s median income, whichever is higher.
You are a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien.
You are responsible for paying your home energy bills, either directly or as part of your rent.State-Specific Income Examples (FY 2025):
California: For a household of one, the maximum monthly income is $3,170.00. For a household of four, it’s $6,096.25.
Florida: For a household of one, the maximum monthly income is $2,549.00. For a household of four, it’s $4,901.92.
Texas: The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is Texas’s LIHEAP program, sets the annual income limit for a one-person household at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is $23,475.
How to apply
You must apply for these federal programs through your state or local agency.
Find Your Local Office: Use the national portal at Energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327.
Gather Your Documents: You will likely need proof of income for the last 30 days, recent energy bills, a photo ID, and Social Security numbers for all household members.
Submit Your Application: Many states offer online portals, like California’s Online LIHEAP Application. You can also apply by mail or in person.
Payment amount
The amount you receive depends on your income, household size, and local energy costs. Payments are typically made directly to your utility company. In some parts of California, a one-time payment can be up to $1,000 or even $3,000 per year. In Texas, the maximum crisis assistance benefit is $2,400. In Florida, the benefit can range from $400 to $1,350.
2. How Can You Get Free Home Upgrades to Lower Utility Bills? (WAP)
What if you could lower your energy bills for good without spending a dime? While LIHEAP offers short-term help, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides a long-term solution. This U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program provides free energy efficiency upgrades to your home, lowering your utility bills for years to come and improving your home’s health and safety.
Who qualifies?
WAP is designed for low-income households. You may be eligible if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Like LIHEAP, you may also be automatically eligible if you receive benefits from SSI or TANF.
Priority is often given to households with elderly members, individuals with disabilities, or families with children.
Both homeowners and renters (with landlord permission) can apply for WAP services.
State Example (Texas): For 2025, a one-person household in Texas qualifies for DOE WAP with an annual income at or below $31,300; a four-person household qualifies at or below $64,300.
How to apply
The application process is handled at the state and local level.
Find Your Local Provider: Visit the DOE’s “How to Apply for Weatherization Assistance” page to find the agency serving your county.
Application and Home Audit: After you apply and are approved, a professional energy auditor will conduct a free assessment to identify the most cost-effective improvements for your home.
Payment amount
You receive free services and materials, not a direct payment. On average, households save $372 or more per year on their energy bills after receiving WAP services. Common upgrades include sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and repairing or replacing inefficient heating and cooling systems.
3. How Can You Get a Discount on Phone and Internet Service? (Lifeline)
In today’s digital world, a reliable phone and internet connection is essential for work, school, and healthcare. The FCC’s Lifeline program helps make these communication services more affordable for low-income consumers by providing a monthly discount.
Who qualifies?
You can qualify for Lifeline in two ways:
Based on Your Income: Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Based on Program Participation: You or someone in your household participates in another federal assistance program, such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.Important Rule: Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. You can get the discount on either a landline or a wireless plan, but not both.
How to apply
The federal government uses a centralized system called the National Verifier to check low-income eligibility.
Visit the National Verifier: Go to LifelineSupport.org to start the application process online.
Apply by Mail or with a Provider: You can also print a paper application or apply directly with a participating phone or internet company in your area.Note: California, Oregon, and Texas have their own state-specific application processes you must use.
Payment amount
Lifeline provides a direct monthly discount on your bill:
Up to $9.25 per month off your qualifying broadband or bundled phone/internet service.
Up to $5.25 per month off a qualifying voice-only phone service.
An enhanced benefit of up to $34.25 per month for eligible consumers living on Tribal lands.
4. Are You Claiming This Major Tax Refund for Workers? (EITC)
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the most powerful federal programs for low- to moderate-income working people. It’s a refundable tax credit, meaning you can get money back even if you don’t owe any income tax. Yet, the IRS estimates that about one in five eligible workers fail to claim it, especially those without a qualifying child.
Who qualifies?
You must have earned income from a job or self-employment and meet certain rules. For the 2024 tax year (the return you file in 2025), your investment income must be $11,600 or less. The main eligibility factor is your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Below are the AGI limits for tax year 2024:
Table 1: 2024 EITC Income Limits & Maximum Credits
| Number of Qualifying Children | Max AGI (Single, Head of Household) | Max AGI (Married Filing Jointly) | Maximum Credit |
| 0 | $18,591 | $25,511 | $632 |
| 1 | $49,084 | $56,004 | $4,213 |
| 2 | $55,768 | $62,688 | $6,960 |
| 3 or more | $59,899 | $66,819 | $7,830 |
Rules for workers with no qualifying children: This is the most-missed group. You must be between the ages of 25 and 64 at the end of the tax year.
How to apply
You must file a federal income tax return (Form 1040) to claim the EITC, even if you don’t owe any tax or aren’t otherwise required to file. You can use IRS Free File software if your AGI is $79,000 or less, or get help from a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site.
Payment amount
The amount of your EITC depends on your income, filing status, and number of children. It can range from a few dollars up to $7,830 for the 2024 tax year. This could make a significant difference in your annual budget, especially when dealing with My Refund.
5. Can You Get Paid to Save for Retirement? (Saver’s Credit)
Did you know the government might give you a tax credit just for saving for your own retirement? The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (also known as the Saver’s Credit) is designed to help low- and moderate-income workers. It’s a non-refundable credit that directly reduces your tax bill, rewarding you for putting money into an IRA or workplace retirement plan.
Who qualifies?
To claim the Saver’s Credit for tax year 2024, you must be:
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- Age 18 or older.
- Not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
Not a student enrolled full-time for any part of 5 months of the year.
Your eligibility and credit amount depend on your AGI and filing status.
How to apply
You must file Form 8880, “Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions,” with your Form 1040 tax return. You can contribute to an IRA for the 2024 tax year up until the tax filing deadline in April 2025.
Payment amount
The credit is worth 50%, 20%, or 10% of the first $2,000 you contribute to a retirement account ($4,000 if married filing jointly). This makes the maximum credit $1,000 for individuals or $2,000 for joint filers.
Table 2: 2024 Saver’s Credit Rates by AGI
| Credit Rate | AGI (Married Filing Jointly) | AGI (Head of Household) | AGI (Single, MFS, QW) |
| 50% | up to $46,000 | up to $34,500 | up to $23,000 |
| 20% | $46,001 – $50,000 | $34,501 – $37,500 | $23,001 – $25,000 |
| 10% | $50,001 – $76,500 | $37,501 – $57,375 | $25,001 – $38,250 |
6. How Can You Lower Your Taxes for Childcare Costs?
If you pay for childcare so you can work or look for work, you may be able to claim the valuable Child and Dependent Care Credit. This non-refundable tax credit helps offset the high cost of care for a qualifying child or a dependent or spouse who is incapable of self-care.
Who qualifies?
To claim the credit, you must have paid care expenses for a “qualifying person” so you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) could work or look for work. A qualifying person is:
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- Your dependent child who was under age 13 when the care was provided.
- Your spouse who was physically or mentally unable to care for themselves and lived with you for more than half the year.
- A dependent who was physically or mentally unable to care for themselves and lived with you for more than half the year.
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How to apply
You claim the credit by completing Form 2441, “Child and Dependent Care Expenses,” and attaching it to your Form 1040. You must identify your care provider by name, address, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) on the form.
Payment amount
For tax year 2024, the credit is a percentage of your work-related care expenses. You can use up to $3,000 in expenses for one qualifying person or up to $6,000 for two or more. The percentage you can claim depends on your AGI:
The credit is worth 35% of your expenses if your AGI is $15,000 or less.
The percentage decreases by 1% for every $2,000 of AGI over $15,000.
It bottoms out at 20% for those with an AGI over $43,000.This means the maximum credit is $1,050 (35% of $3,000) for one qualifying person or $2,100 (35% of $6,000) for two or more.
7. Could You Have Lost or Forgotten Pension Money? (PBGC)
This isn’t a typical assistance program—it’s a way to find money you already earned but may have lost track of. If you ever left a job with a traditional pension plan, it’s possible the company lost track of you. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency, safeguards these unclaimed benefits and maintains a searchable database. It only takes a few minutes to check.
Who qualifies?
Anyone who worked for a private-sector company that offered a defined benefit pension plan could have an unclaimed benefit. You should search if:
- You worked for a company that went out of business or merged with another.
- You left a job years ago and never rolled over your pension.
- You are the survivor of a deceased family member who had a pension.
How to apply
The process is surprisingly simple:
Visit the PBGC’s “Find Unclaimed Retirement Benefits” search tool online.
- Enter your last name and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- The system will tell you if there is a potential match and provide instructions on how to claim your benefit.
Payment amount
The payment amount varies dramatically depending on the original pension plan. It could be a small lump sum or a significant monthly annuity for the rest of your life. It is absolutely worth the few minutes it takes to check.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I receive multiple government benefits at the same time, like SNAP and LIHEAP?
https://schema.org/Answer”>Yes, absolutely. In fact, many aid programs are designed to work together. Being enrolled in one program like SNAP or SSI can make you automatically income-eligible for others like LIHEAP or the Lifeline program. This is called “categorical eligibility” and is a key strategy for maximizing your support. Always check the rules for each program, but never assume that receiving one benefit disqualifies you from another.
How is income from the gig economy or self-employment calculated for eligibility?
https://schema.org/Answer”>This is a critical question for gig workers and freelancers. For programs like SNAP and tax credits like the EITC, you generally report your net self-employment income, not your gross earnings. This means you can deduct your business expenses from your total income. For SNAP, you can typically choose to deduct either your actual business costs or a standard 40% of your gross self-employment income. Keeping good records of your income and expenses is essential to accurately determine your low-income eligibility and get the full benefits you deserve.
How often do I need to recertify my eligibility for programs like SNAP or LIHEAP?
https://schema.org/Answer”>Recertification periods vary by program and state. For SNAP, you will typically need to recertify your eligibility every 6 to 12 months, though some households with only elderly or disabled members may have longer certification periods of up to 3 years. For LIHEAP, you generally need to apply for assistance each year, as funding and eligibility are determined annually for the heating/cooling season. It is not an automatic renewal.
What should I do if my income changes after I’ve been approved for benefits?
https://schema.org/Answer”>You must report certain changes to the agency that manages your benefits, usually within 10 days of the change. For SNAP, you are typically required to report if your household’s gross monthly income goes over 130% of the federal poverty limit for your household size. Failing to report changes could result in an overpayment that you have to pay back or even disqualification from the program. It’s always best to contact your local agency to understand the specific reporting requirements for your case.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Finding and applying for assistance can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The key is to start with one application—it might just be the key that unlocks several doors to financial stability. Don’t leave benefits on the table — explore your eligibility today.6. How Can You Lower Your Taxes for Childcare Costs?If you pay for childcare so you can work or look for work, you may be able to claim the valuable Child and Dependent Care Credit. This non-refundable tax credit helps offset the high cost of care for a qualifying child or a dependent or spouse who is incapable of self-care.Who qualifies?To claim the credit, you must have paid care expenses for a “qualifying person” so you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) could work or look for work. A qualifying person is:
