Money & Jobs Help
Emergency cash assistance, help paying bills, free tax prep, job training, and benefits enrollment. Many programs can help within days, not weeks.
What this covers
Emergency financial assistance, SNAP enrollment, Medicaid enrollment, benefits navigation, free tax preparation, utility assistance applications, and financial counseling.
Does not cover: Loans, credit repair, or investment advice. For employment help, see Employment. For utility-specific help, see Utilities.
Who is this for?
Anyone struggling financially — whether you need emergency cash, help applying for benefits, or free tax filing.
How help usually works
Benefits navigators help you apply for programs you may qualify for (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, SSI). Free tax prep (VITA) is available January through April. Emergency financial assistance is usually one-time and requires an application.
Best first steps
- Call 211 to find out what benefits you may qualify for — they can walk you through options.
- For SNAP (food stamps), apply online through your state's benefits portal or visit a local enrollment center.
- For free tax prep, search for a VITA site near you (January-April).
- If you need emergency cash for rent or utilities, contact your local community action agency.
What to bring
Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters), photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of expenses (rent, utilities). For tax prep: W-2s, 1099s, and last year's return.
Emergency vs. standard help
Emergency: Contact a community action agency for one-time emergency funds. Standard: Apply for ongoing benefits (SNAP, Medicaid) through a navigator.
Example Money Resources
Enter your ZIP code above to see resources near you. Here are some examples: