1. Social Security Benefits
What It Covers:
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Retirement income for eligible workers
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Disability benefits for those unable to work due to medical conditions
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Survivor benefits for family members of deceased workers
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for low-income seniors and disabled individuals
Who Qualifies:
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Must have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years
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SSI is need-based (low income and limited resources)
2. Medicare
What It Covers:
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Health insurance for seniors and certain disabled individuals
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Includes hospital care (Part A), medical services (Part B), and optional prescription drug coverage (Part D)
Who Qualifies:
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Age 65+
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Under 65 with certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease
3. Medicaid
What It Covers:
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Health coverage for low-income individuals and families
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Includes doctor visits, hospital stays, long-term care, and more
Who Qualifies:
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Based on income level (varies by state)
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Includes children, pregnant women, disabled individuals, and low-income adults
4. Unemployment Insurance
What It Covers:
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Temporary income for workers who lose their job through no fault of their own
Who Qualifies:
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Must have worked a certain amount and lost job involuntarily
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Actively seeking new employment
5. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) / Food Stamps
What It Covers:
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Monthly funds for buying groceries
Who Qualifies:
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Low-income households, based on income and family size
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U.S. citizens and certain legal immigrants
6. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
What It Covers:
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Monthly cash assistance for families with children in financial need
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May include child care, job training, and transportation aid
Who Qualifies:
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Low-income families with children under 18
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Must meet income and work requirements
7. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)
What It Covers:
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Nutritional support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children
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Includes healthy food, nutrition education, and health care referrals
Who Qualifies:
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Low-income women and children up to age 5
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Must meet income and nutritional risk requirements
8. Housing Assistance (Section 8 / HUD Programs)
What It Covers:
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Rental subsidies or vouchers to help families afford housing
Who Qualifies:
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Low-income families, seniors, and disabled individuals
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Must apply through local housing authorities
9. Federal Student Aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants, Loans)
What It Covers:
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Financial help for college or career school
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Includes grants, loans, and work-study programs
Who Qualifies:
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U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens
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Based on income, dependency status, and enrollment
10. Child Tax Credit & Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
What It Covers:
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Tax relief and refundable credits for working individuals and families