Common questions

No. FamilyHelper is a private educational resource operated by REGIONAL CONSULTANT ALLIANCE LLC. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government program. We do not take applications, decide eligibility, or hand out benefits.

Because that is how families arrive. Nobody searches for the name of a funding stream — they search because they cannot cover groceries this week, or because a shutoff notice came. Each topic starts from the situation and works back to the programs that apply.

No. Every guide, tool, and checklist is free, with no account and no premium tier. Be cautious of any site that charges a fee to submit an application that is free to file.

No, and we are careful never to imply otherwise. Eligibility is decided by the agency running each program, using rules that vary by state and change often. We explain how a program works and what it looks at. Applying it to your family is their job.

No. We have no access to any agency system. For case-specific questions, contact the office handling your application. For hands-on help, look for a legal aid organization, community action agency, or certified navigator — those services are usually free.

Often not. Children are evaluated against considerably higher income thresholds than adults for health coverage, and CHIP exists specifically for families above the Medicaid line. If you received a denial, it is worth asking whether a determination was made for each of your children specifically.

Generally no. SNAP and WIC run alongside each other. School meals follow district rules regardless of either. Families commonly receive several at once, and they are largely designed to work together.

Having no income is not a barrier. Applications ask for proof of income, and agencies handle a zero-income situation with a self-declaration form. Ask for it by name — a zero-income statement. Intake workers deal with this routinely.

It depends on the program, which is why we built a tool for it. SNAP counts people who buy and prepare food together. Medicaid generally uses your tax household. Housing programs count everyone in the unit. The same people can be counted three different ways, and all three can be correct.

Usually not. A meaningful share of denials are procedural — a missing pay stub, a misread figure, a missed interview call. Every denial notice states appeal rights and a deadline, and the deadline is short. Read it the day it arrives.

No. Text updates are entirely optional and unlock nothing. Every guide, tool, and checklist works identically whether you sign up or not. Consent is never required to access anything here.

Two independent categories, and you choose either, both, or neither. Service updates cover application windows opening and deadlines approaching. Marketing messages cover new guides and tools. Message frequency varies, and message and data rates may apply.

Reply STOP to any message and it takes effect immediately. Reply HELP for assistance. You can also email us at any time to be removed.

No. We do not sell, rent, or share phone numbers or email addresses with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing. Full detail is in our Privacy Policy.

Never. Nothing on this site requires one — not the tools, not the forms, not the signup. Please also do not send Social Security numbers, bank details, or medical records through our contact form, which is not a secure channel.