According to federal estimates, billions of dollars in US federal and state benefits go unclaimed each year across SNAP, Medicaid, EITC and other programs. The most common reason is not fraud — it is that people do not realize they qualify.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The EITC is one of the most underclaimed credits in the US tax system. Workers without children frequently miss it. Millions of eligible Americans leave this money unclaimed each year. Use the IRS EITC Assistant at IRS.gov/eitc to check.
Child Tax Credit
Families with qualifying children may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit, and some lower-income families qualify for a refundable portion even if they owe no tax. The credit amount and income limits are set by Congress and change, so check the current rules at IRS.gov.
Support for family caregivers
There is no single federal payment for family caregivers in the US, but several routes exist. Many state Medicaid programs run self-directed or home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers that can pay a family member for care, and the VA has stipend programs for those caring for eligible veterans. Start with your state Medicaid agency, your Area Agency on Aging, or caregiver.va.gov.
Free and reduced-price school meals
Children from households meeting income thresholds may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Some eligible families do not apply — check eligibility with your child's school district.
WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
If you are pregnant, recently gave birth, or have a child under five, WIC can provide monthly food benefits, infant formula, nutrition counseling and health referrals. Income limits are higher than many people assume, and being enrolled in Medicaid or SNAP usually makes you automatically income-eligible. Check eligibility at fns.usda.gov/wic or with your state WIC agency.
How to find out what you might be eligible for
Visit benefits.gov to search all federal programs by category. Use the BenefitsFinder questionnaire for a personalized list. For free in-person help, call 211 to find local benefit counselors in your area.
Free to join. No payment details required.
Ask Fin provides general information only. It does not confirm eligibility for any US benefit. Always verify through benefits.gov, IRS.gov, healthcare.gov or a qualified benefits counselor.