7 programs · Updated April 2026
Benefits &
Programs.
Medicaid, SNAP, Medicare, housing assistance, cash assistance, food support. These programs exist because you paid for them through taxes, or because Congress promised them to people who need them. Here is what each one is, who qualifies, what is being cut right now, and how to apply.
Actively Being CutMedicaid, Housing, WIC cuts in active legislation
If you need help right now
Call 211 (or text your zip to 898-211). Local operators can connect you to emergency food, shelter, healthcare, and utility assistance in your area today. If you were denied for any program, the appeal process is your right —
go to the Denial Appeal Kit → Medicaid
Actively Being CutMedicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income and resources. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health care, and more. In states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, adults up to 138% of the federal poverty level qualify. Children, pregnant people, people with disabilities, and seniors in nursing homes have broader eligibility.
Who qualifies
Income varies by state and household size. Generally: up to 138% FPL for adults in expansion states; children and pregnant people often qualify at higher income levels; SSI recipients are automatically eligible in most states.
How to apply
Apply at your state Medicaid agency or through HealthCare.gov. Have ready: proof of income, proof of residency, Social Security numbers, and immigration documents if applicable. Most states allow online, phone, or in-person applications.
What's under threat right now
The 2025 reconciliation package proposes the largest Medicaid cuts in the program's 60-year history — over $800 billion over 10 years. Key changes being debated: mandatory work requirements for adults 19–55, more frequent eligibility re-verification (reducing continuous coverage), and per-capita caps that shift cost risk to states. If enacted, CBO estimates 8–13 million people would lose coverage.
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Under ThreatSNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — provides monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to buy groceries. The average monthly benefit is about $6 per person per day. SNAP is one of the most effective anti-hunger programs in US history: it serves 42 million Americans and lifts millions out of poverty annually.
Who qualifies
Gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (about $1,580/month for a single person in 2026). Net income must be at or below 100% FPL. Resources generally must be under $2,750 ($4,250 if the household has an elderly or disabled member).
How to apply
Apply through your state SNAP office — most have online portals. You will need: proof of income, identity, residency, and Social Security numbers. Interviews are typically required (often by phone). Benefits can start within 7 days for households with very low income.
What's under threat right now
The current reconciliation proposal expands work requirements to adults ages 18–55 (up from 18–49) and increases reporting requirements. Proposed cuts would reduce SNAP by roughly $300 billion over 10 years. A USDA rule change under review would restrict categorical eligibility, removing approximately 3 million people from the rolls.
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and for certain people under 65 with disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease. Part A covers hospital stays (most people pay no premium). Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, and preventive services (premium: ~$185/month in 2026). Part D covers prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a private alternative.
Who qualifies
Age 65+ and a US citizen or qualifying permanent resident who has worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). Under 65 if you've received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, or have ALS or ESRD.
How to apply
Enroll through Social Security — online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local SSA office. Initial enrollment period is the 7 months around your 65th birthday. Missing enrollment windows can result in permanent premium penalties.
What's under threat right now
Proposed cuts include: reductions to home health agencies ($35B), durable medical equipment reimbursement cuts, and site-neutral payment changes that reduce hospital outpatient reimbursements. Drug pricing negotiation provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act are under legal and legislative challenge.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) provides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities AND limited income/resources — regardless of work history. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) pays benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and become disabled. They are separate programs; some people qualify for both.
Who qualifies
SSI: Must be disabled (or 65+), have income below ~$1,971/month (2026), and resources below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). SSDI: Must have a disabling condition expected to last 12+ months or result in death, AND have earned sufficient Social Security work credits.
How to apply
Apply at SSA.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The process typically takes 3–6 months for an initial decision. Most first applications are denied — this is expected. See the appeal guide.
What's under threat right now
DOGE-driven reviews are accelerating Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) — the periodic re-evaluations used to confirm you still qualify. The SSA is also under staffing pressure, causing longer processing times and more automatic denials. Proposals to change the definition of 'disability' are under review.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
Actively Being CutThe Housing Choice Voucher program helps very low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford safe housing in the private market. Voucher holders pay 30% of their income toward rent; the voucher covers the rest up to a local payment standard. Administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).
Who qualifies
Income generally must be at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI) — with 75% of vouchers required to go to households at 30% AMI or below. Priority is given to people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and people with disabilities.
How to apply
Apply through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). Find your PHA at HUD.gov. Most PHAs have closed waitlists — sign up for the waitlist when it opens and check regularly. Keep your contact information updated or you will be removed.
What's under threat right now
HUD's budget has been cut by approximately 15% in the current fiscal year. Wait lists are years long in most cities. Proposed additional cuts of $26 billion would eliminate approximately 800,000 vouchers. New rules requiring more frequent income re-certification create additional administrative burdens and termination risks.
WIC — the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children — provides food benefits, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals for pregnant people, new mothers, infants, and children under 5 who meet income guidelines. About half of all infants born in the US participate in WIC.
Who qualifies
Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding and income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (about $2,248/month for a single person). Infants and children under 5 at the same income threshold. Automatic eligibility if household receives SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF.
How to apply
Apply through your local WIC agency. Find your local agency at WIC.fns.usda.gov. Appointments are typically available within a few weeks.
What's under threat right now
The current budget proposal cuts WIC funding by approximately $1 billion. States may be unable to serve all eligible participants if federal funding is reduced. Some state agencies have warned of waiting lists for the first time since the 1990s.
TANF (Cash Assistance)
StableTANF — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families — provides time-limited cash assistance for low-income families with children. States receive block grants and have broad discretion over program rules, benefit levels, and eligibility. Benefit levels vary dramatically by state — from about $170/month in some states to over $900/month in others.
Who qualifies
Families with children under 18 (or 19 if still in high school). Income and asset limits vary by state. Most states impose time limits of 60 months over a lifetime. Work requirements apply in most states.
How to apply
Apply through your state or county welfare agency. Benefits are almost always very time-limited — understand your state's clock rules before applying.
What's under threat right now
TANF is funded as a block grant and has not been adjusted for inflation since 1997 — meaning the real value of funding has fallen by about 40%. States increasingly divert TANF funds away from cash assistance. No major federal cuts are currently proposed.
Stay informed
Get updates when benefits and programs changes.
We'll alert you when this program is cut, enrollment opens or closes, or new rules take effect in your state.
Not legal advice. Program rules, income limits, and eligibility requirements change frequently — always verify current rules at the official program website or with a licensed attorney or benefits counselor before making decisions. State programs may differ from federal guidelines. Links to external resources are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement.