Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, enables families to purchase healthy foods. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides families with monthly benefits that are electronically transferred to a card that can be used at supermarkets or grocery stores. The card can be used to purchase any unprepared food that is good for human consumption. The card can also be used to purchase prepared foods at certain restaurants or meal preparation centers.
  
  

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, provides cash assistance to needy families. The cash assistance is either direct deposited in a bank account or transferred to a state-issued Electronic Benefits Transfer card. The benefits can be used to cover expenses such as rent, clothing or transportation. Participants must participate in a job training program or enroll in school while receiving benefits. The program is also open to those who are currently working.
  
  

Medicaid

• Pregnant women and children in low-income families can receive health coverage through Medicaid. Other groups that may be eligible for assistance through the program include elderly and disabled persons. The program helps to cover medical expenses such as dental visits, immunizations and mental health care. Medical services such as health check-ups and hospital stays are also covered by Medicaid. Payments for services are paid directly to health care providers. Participants may be required to make a small co-payment for some services.
  
  

Housing Choice Vouchers

• Low-income and extremely low-income families may qualify for housing choice vouchers. The vouchers can be used to cover up to 70 percent of the monthly rent of a qualified house or apartment. Families must meet certain income and citizenship requirements to receive a voucher. The national welfare program is administered at the state level by local public housing authorities. Some areas only accept applications during certain periods of time.