United States — Help & Advice

State benefits after a death (US) — state-by-state

This page explains the benefits that are typically managed by states, counties, and local agencies after a death: emergency cash help, funeral assistance, Medicaid and children’s coverage, food support, housing relief, and free or low-cost grief services.

Emergency cashFuneral helpMedicaid/CHIPSNAPLIHEAP utilitiesHousing supportFamily programs

Federal vs state (clean separation)

Federal agencies (SSA/VA/IRS/USPS) are covered in Government services & benefits (US). This page is the state-and-local layer that most families miss.

How to use this state-by-state guide

This is designed for speed: read once, then expand your state.

Skim the “what states offer” section so you know what exists.
Expand your state below and use the benefits checklist.
Start with the official portals listed for your state, and search the exact phrases provided.
If you need local help quickly (food/housing/grief support), use 211.org.

What states commonly offer after a death

Program names vary — but the support categories are consistent across the US.

1) Emergency financial help

Often short-term, designed for sudden hardship (including bereavement-related instability).

2) Funeral/burial assistance

May be state-run, county-run, or through public assistance pathways. Often not advertised.

3) Healthcare continuity

Medicaid/CHIP eligibility can change immediately when income/household size changes.

4) Food & utilities

SNAP + LIHEAP are the big two that stabilize households fast.

5) Housing relief

Eviction prevention, rehousing programs, and emergency support often flow through local agencies and 211.

6) Child and family supports

Child care subsidies, school supports, and kinship/guardianship support can be life-changing after a death.

Why people miss this

State benefits are often framed as “hardship programs.” After a death, many families become a hardship case overnight — but don’t realize it.

Who should always check state benefits (often qualifies)

If any of these match your situation, open your state section below.

Household income dropped (or one income disappeared)
A surviving parent is suddenly solo-caring for children
Funeral costs are causing debt or hardship
Housing or utility bills became difficult to cover
A child moved to a grandparent/relative (kinship/guardianship)
There are health coverage concerns for survivors or children

The best question to ask any state office

“Can you screen my household for every program we may qualify for after a bereavement — including emergency assistance, burial/funeral help, Medicaid/CHIP, SNAP, LIHEAP, and housing support?”

State-by-state benefits checklist

Expand your state and follow the fast path. Text is cheap; clarity is priceless.

Official starting points (used for every state below)

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

Alabama (AL)

What to check in Alabama after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Alabama

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Alabama

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Alabama)

These official directories route you to the correct Alabama pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Alaska (AK)

What to check in Alaska after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Alaska

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Alaska

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Alaska)

These official directories route you to the correct Alaska pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Arizona (AZ)

What to check in Arizona after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Arizona

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Arizona

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Arizona)

These official directories route you to the correct Arizona pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Arkansas (AR)

What to check in Arkansas after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Arkansas

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Arkansas

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Arkansas)

These official directories route you to the correct Arkansas pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

California (CA)

What to check in California after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for California

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for California

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for California)

These official directories route you to the correct California pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Colorado (CO)

What to check in Colorado after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Colorado

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Colorado

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Colorado)

These official directories route you to the correct Colorado pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Connecticut (CT)

What to check in Connecticut after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Connecticut

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Connecticut

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Connecticut)

These official directories route you to the correct Connecticut pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Delaware (DE)

What to check in Delaware after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Delaware

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Delaware

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Delaware)

These official directories route you to the correct Delaware pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Florida (FL)

What to check in Florida after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Florida

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Florida

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Florida)

These official directories route you to the correct Florida pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Georgia (GA)

What to check in Georgia after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Georgia

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Georgia

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Georgia)

These official directories route you to the correct Georgia pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Hawaii (HI)

What to check in Hawaii after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Hawaii

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Hawaii

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Hawaii)

These official directories route you to the correct Hawaii pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Idaho (ID)

What to check in Idaho after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Idaho

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Idaho

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Idaho)

These official directories route you to the correct Idaho pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Illinois (IL)

What to check in Illinois after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Illinois

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Illinois

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Illinois)

These official directories route you to the correct Illinois pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Indiana (IN)

What to check in Indiana after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Indiana

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Indiana

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Indiana)

These official directories route you to the correct Indiana pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Iowa (IA)

What to check in Iowa after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Iowa

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Iowa

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Iowa)

These official directories route you to the correct Iowa pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Kansas (KS)

What to check in Kansas after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Kansas

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Kansas

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Kansas)

These official directories route you to the correct Kansas pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Kentucky (KY)

What to check in Kentucky after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Kentucky

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Kentucky

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Kentucky)

These official directories route you to the correct Kentucky pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Louisiana (LA)

What to check in Louisiana after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Louisiana

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Louisiana

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Louisiana)

These official directories route you to the correct Louisiana pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Maine (ME)

What to check in Maine after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Maine

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Maine

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Maine)

These official directories route you to the correct Maine pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Maryland (MD)

What to check in Maryland after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Maryland

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Maryland

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Maryland)

These official directories route you to the correct Maryland pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Massachusetts (MA)

What to check in Massachusetts after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Massachusetts

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Massachusetts

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Massachusetts)

These official directories route you to the correct Massachusetts pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Michigan (MI)

What to check in Michigan after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Michigan

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Michigan

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Michigan)

These official directories route you to the correct Michigan pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Minnesota (MN)

What to check in Minnesota after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Minnesota

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Minnesota

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Minnesota)

These official directories route you to the correct Minnesota pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Mississippi (MS)

What to check in Mississippi after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Mississippi

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Mississippi

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Mississippi)

These official directories route you to the correct Mississippi pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Missouri (MO)

What to check in Missouri after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Missouri

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Missouri

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Missouri)

These official directories route you to the correct Missouri pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Montana (MT)

What to check in Montana after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Montana

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Montana

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Montana)

These official directories route you to the correct Montana pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Nebraska (NE)

What to check in Nebraska after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Nebraska

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Nebraska

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Nebraska)

These official directories route you to the correct Nebraska pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Nevada (NV)

What to check in Nevada after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Nevada

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Nevada

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Nevada)

These official directories route you to the correct Nevada pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

New Hampshire (NH)

What to check in New Hampshire after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for New Hampshire

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for New Hampshire

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for New Hampshire)

These official directories route you to the correct New Hampshire pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

New Jersey (NJ)

What to check in New Jersey after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for New Jersey

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for New Jersey

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for New Jersey)

These official directories route you to the correct New Jersey pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

New Mexico (NM)

What to check in New Mexico after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for New Mexico

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for New Mexico

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for New Mexico)

These official directories route you to the correct New Mexico pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

New York (NY)

What to check in New York after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for New York

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for New York

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for New York)

These official directories route you to the correct New York pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

North Carolina (NC)

What to check in North Carolina after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for North Carolina

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for North Carolina

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for North Carolina)

These official directories route you to the correct North Carolina pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

North Dakota (ND)

What to check in North Dakota after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for North Dakota

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for North Dakota

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for North Dakota)

These official directories route you to the correct North Dakota pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Ohio (OH)

What to check in Ohio after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Ohio

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Ohio

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Ohio)

These official directories route you to the correct Ohio pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Oklahoma (OK)

What to check in Oklahoma after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Oklahoma

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Oklahoma

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Oklahoma)

These official directories route you to the correct Oklahoma pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Oregon (OR)

What to check in Oregon after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Oregon

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Oregon

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Oregon)

These official directories route you to the correct Oregon pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Pennsylvania (PA)

What to check in Pennsylvania after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Pennsylvania

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Pennsylvania

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Pennsylvania)

These official directories route you to the correct Pennsylvania pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Rhode Island (RI)

What to check in Rhode Island after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Rhode Island

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Rhode Island

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Rhode Island)

These official directories route you to the correct Rhode Island pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

South Carolina (SC)

What to check in South Carolina after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for South Carolina

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for South Carolina

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for South Carolina)

These official directories route you to the correct South Carolina pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

South Dakota (SD)

What to check in South Dakota after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for South Dakota

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for South Dakota

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for South Dakota)

These official directories route you to the correct South Dakota pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Tennessee (TN)

What to check in Tennessee after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Tennessee

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Tennessee

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Tennessee)

These official directories route you to the correct Tennessee pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Texas (TX)

What to check in Texas after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Texas

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Texas

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Texas)

These official directories route you to the correct Texas pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Utah (UT)

What to check in Utah after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Utah

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Utah

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Utah)

These official directories route you to the correct Utah pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Vermont (VT)

What to check in Vermont after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Vermont

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Vermont

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Vermont)

These official directories route you to the correct Vermont pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Virginia (VA)

What to check in Virginia after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Virginia

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Virginia

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Virginia)

These official directories route you to the correct Virginia pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Washington (WA)

What to check in Washington after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Washington

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Washington

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Washington)

These official directories route you to the correct Washington pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

West Virginia (WV)

What to check in West Virginia after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for West Virginia

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for West Virginia

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for West Virginia)

These official directories route you to the correct West Virginia pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Wisconsin (WI)

What to check in Wisconsin after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Wisconsin

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Wisconsin

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Wisconsin)

These official directories route you to the correct Wisconsin pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Wyoming (WY)

What to check in Wyoming after a death (benefits + support)

Expand

Fast path for Wyoming

Start with your state portal (official website) and search these exact terms:

“Emergency assistance” or “cash assistance”
“burial assistance” or “funeral assistance”
“Medicaid” and “CHIP”
“SNAP” (food support)
“housing assistance” or “eviction prevention”
“LIHEAP” (utility bills)
“child care assistance” or “subsidy”

Benefits checklist for Wyoming

These categories exist in many states; names vary, but the support is real.

1) Emergency money & basic needs

One-time crisis grants / emergency assistance
Temporary cash assistance (often TANF-family pathways)
County relief programs (may be separate from state portal)

2) Funeral & burial help

Burial/funeral assistance (often income-tested; sometimes county-run)
Public health / indigent burial programs (when funds are very limited)

3) Healthcare after income changes

Medicaid eligibility changes after a death (income/household size shift)
CHIP for children
Emergency medical assistance (situational)

4) Food & utilities

SNAP (food support)
WIC (if pregnant/postpartum or young children)
LIHEAP (help with heating/cooling bills; seasonal windows vary)

5) Housing support

Eviction prevention / rental assistance
Emergency shelter and rehousing programs (often via county/211)
Utility shutoff protections (rules vary by state/local)

6) Child & family stability

Child care subsidies (helps surviving parents return to work)
School meal programs & education supports
Kinship care / guardianship supports (when children move households)

Official starting points (for Wyoming)

These official directories route you to the correct Wyoming pages:

State government portal: USA.gov state governments

Food support (SNAP): USDA SNAP state directory

Healthcare (Medicaid/CHIP): Medicaid.gov state profiles

Utility bills (LIHEAP): ACF LIHEAP state contacts

Low-cost legal help: Legal Services Corporation (LSC) finder

Local help by ZIP (housing/food/grief): 211.org

The single biggest state-benefits mistake

People assume they “won’t qualify” because they didn’t qualify before. A death can change household income, household size, and caregiving status — which can unlock benefits.

Back to help (United States)

How to use this state-by-state guide

What states commonly offer after a death

Who should always check state benefits (often qualifies)

State-by-state benefits checklist

Benefits checklist for Alabama

Benefits checklist for Alaska

Benefits checklist for Arizona

Benefits checklist for Arkansas

Benefits checklist for California

Benefits checklist for Colorado

Benefits checklist for Connecticut

Benefits checklist for Delaware

Benefits checklist for Florida

Benefits checklist for Georgia

Benefits checklist for Hawaii

Benefits checklist for Idaho

Benefits checklist for Illinois

Benefits checklist for Indiana

Benefits checklist for Iowa

Benefits checklist for Kansas

Benefits checklist for Kentucky

Benefits checklist for Louisiana

Benefits checklist for Maine

Benefits checklist for Maryland

Benefits checklist for Massachusetts

Benefits checklist for Michigan

Benefits checklist for Minnesota

Benefits checklist for Mississippi

Benefits checklist for Missouri

Benefits checklist for Montana

Benefits checklist for Nebraska

Benefits checklist for Nevada

Benefits checklist for New Hampshire

Benefits checklist for New Jersey

Benefits checklist for New Mexico

Benefits checklist for New York

Benefits checklist for North Carolina

Benefits checklist for North Dakota

Benefits checklist for Ohio

Benefits checklist for Oklahoma

Benefits checklist for Oregon

Benefits checklist for Pennsylvania

Benefits checklist for Rhode Island

Benefits checklist for South Carolina

Benefits checklist for South Dakota

Benefits checklist for Tennessee

Benefits checklist for Texas

Benefits checklist for Utah

Benefits checklist for Vermont

Benefits checklist for Virginia

Benefits checklist for Washington

Benefits checklist for West Virginia

Benefits checklist for Wisconsin

Benefits checklist for Wyoming

Related Velanora guides

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