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Learn about government programs to help pay for phone bills, medical bills, and other expenses. You can also learn how to apply for temporary assistance.
Participate in Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (food stamps or SNAP), Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) or Head Start (if you meet income eligibility criteria)
Ask the company for a Lifeline application. They will need the following information from you:
First and last name
Address
Date of birth
Last 4 digits of your Social Security number (or tribal identification number)
You will also need to show at least one of these items:
Unexpired ID such as a driver's license
Prior year's tax return
Social Security card
You may be asked for other documents to prove your identity.
You will need to prove your eligibility by:
Showing a pay stub or tax return to prove that your income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines
Showing a card or award letter to prove that you or your family participate in Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (food stamps or SNAP), Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) or other qualifying programs
How do I complain or who do I contact for extra help?
Your local company is responsible for helping you apply for Lifeline and resolving any issues with your Lifeline service. To call them, look up your company's contact information.
If you need more help or your company isn’t responding, contact USAC.
USAC can
Find companies that offer Lifeline-supported service
Look up which company you are using
Help if your company refuses to help you or is unresponsive
Answer questions about how the program works
USAC cannot help you apply for Lifeline, buy more minutes, sort out your bill, replace lost or broken handsets, or get specific information about your service plan.
If you can't afford a telephone, contact your state social service agency for help finding an emergency cell phone donation program near you.
Other Phone Help for Vision and Hearing Loss
If you have a low income and have combined vision and hearing loss, the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program might be able to help. The program known as iCanConnect provides equipment to make telecommunications, advanced communications, and the internet accessible to you. Learn more about iCanConnect through a helpful video and transcript or call 1-800-825-4595.
A person or family participating in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF or welfare), or certain needs-tested veterans benefits may be automatically eligible.
Being qualified for LIHEAP does not guarantee that you will receive help. Whether or not you receive help depends on how much LIHEAP funding is available for the year.
On average, about 20% of households that are qualified for LIHEAP receive benefits. When LIHEAP funds run out for the year, no more benefits can be given until Congress makes more funds available.
How do I apply?
Each state has different rules about when you can apply, how you apply, and the criteria you have to meet to get help.
Your state’s application may be online. Check the LIHEAP Clearinghouse for a list of state applications available to print out, read, or submit online.
How do I complain or who do I contact for extra help?
If your income is too high to qualify for LIHEAP but you need help paying for your energy bills, your local social services agency or a nonprofit organization may have funds to help. You can also contact your gas, oil, or electric company about budget billing programs or new payment options especially for customers with disabilities who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Help with Medical Bills
Medicaid and CHIP (Health Care for Children)
What help is available?
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides help with paying medical costs for children of families who cannot afford health insurance or don't get it through their work. Learn more about eligibility and how to sign up for Medicaid and CHIP.
Each state has different application requirements for Medicaid for adults. Call your state Medicaid program to see if you qualify and to learn how to apply.
Health Insurance Through the Health Insurance Marketplace
What help is available?
HealthCare.gov helps you find insurance options, compare care, learn about preventive services, and more. If your employer does not offer insurance, you are self-employed, or you prefer to purchase your own insurance, you and your family can get health, dental, and vision insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Am I eligible?
Everyone is eligible for health insurance through the Marketplace. You may also qualify for subsidies to help pay your premiums. 2019 Open Enrollment runs from November 1, 2018, to December 15, 2018. If you’ve experienced certain life changes, like loss of a job or childbirth, you may be eligible to make changes to your health insurance in a Special Enrollment Period.
How do I apply?
How you apply for a plan in the Health Insurance Marketplace depends on what plan you choose. Learn more about applying.
How do I complain or where do I call for extra help?
Visit the Health Insurance Marketplace's top questions section for additional help with finding or applying for health care. To file a complaint, call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).
Is there anything else I need to know?
If you need more help getting or paying for medical care, try these resources:
Charity care programs help uninsured patients who can't afford to pay their medical bills and don't qualify for government aid. The patient services department of your local hospital can help you find out if you're eligible. Reach out to the hospital before your medical service and explain your situation. If you don't qualify, the hospital may offer you a payment plan.
Learn about your dental coverage options from local and state health programs, government insurance plans, dental schools, and dental clinical trials for people with limited incomes.
If you are uninsured or underinsured and must seek emergency medical treatment:
Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), you're guaranteed access to an emergency medical evaluation, even if you can't pay. The act requires hospitals that receive Medicare funding and that provide emergency services to evaluate anyone who comes to their emergency room and requests treatment. If the evaluation confirms that you have an emergency medical condition, including active labor, they are then required to provide stabilizing treatment for you regardless of your ability to pay.
Help with Prescription Drug Costs
What help is available?
State human service agencies and local health centers provide direct assistance to people in distress or with limited access to health care with assistance and referrals to other local organizations that may be able to help.
Each state or tribal territory decides the specific eligibility criteria for financial assistance or other benefits and services.
You must be a resident of the state where you are applying.
How do I apply?
To sign-up for temporary benefits, you can apply at your local or county social services agency. Call your state TANF office for your local contact information.
How do I report TANF benefit fraud?
If you suspect possible welfare fraud, contact your local TANF office or contact the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General’s Fraud Hotline.