Beyond Food Stamps: 5 Extra Programs That Help Families Save Money

If you currently receive SNAP benefits (food stamps), you may be eligible for several other programs designed to help you cover the cost of living.

Because many of these programs use similar income rules, being on SNAP often makes it easier to qualify for assistance with healthcare, energy bills, and childcare.

Here are five programs that provide extra support for families in need:
 

1. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

The WIC program is specifically for pregnant women, new mothers, and parents of children under the age of five.
 

• What it provides: Vouchers for nutritious food, breastfeeding support, and nutrition counseling.
• Why it matters: Even if you don’t qualify for SNAP, you might still qualify for WIC because its income limits are often higher. It also helps connect families to local doctors and health services.

 

2. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Often referred to as "cash assistance," TANF helps families pay for basic needs that groceries don’t cover, such as rent and utilities.
 

• What it provides: Monthly cash payments and job training services.
• How it works: Each state runs its own version. For example, it is called "Family Assistance" in Alabama and "Colorado Works" in Colorado. These programs emphasize helping parents find work while providing a financial safety net.

 

3. LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families keep their homes safe and comfortable by lowering energy costs.
 

• What it provides: Financial help to pay heating or cooling bills, emergency assistance if your power is about to be shut off, and "weatherization" (free home improvements like sealing windows to lower future bills).

 

4. Medicaid and CHIP

If you have a limited income, you may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through the government.
 

• Medicaid: Provides comprehensive health coverage for adults and families.
• CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program): Provides coverage specifically for children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but not enough to buy private insurance.
  • What it covers: Doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventative care.

 

5. Head Start

Head Start is a program focused on getting young children ready for school. It is available to families at or below the poverty line, as well as those already receiving SNAP, TANF, or SSI.
 

• What it provides: Early childhood education, health check-ups, and family support services for children up to age five.
• Special eligibility: Children in foster care or those experiencing homelessness are often automatically eligible.

 

How to Apply

To access these benefits, you should contact your local social services office or your state's Department of Health and Human Services.

Because you are already in the SNAP system, the application process for these other programs may be faster.

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