Worry about money keeps many people in a dangerous home. In the US there are benefits that can help while you get back on your feet; most are run by your state.
This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 7 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.
Who can help
TANF (cash assistance, often called welfare)
Federally funded, state-run cash help for families with low income, to pay for things like food, housing, energy and child care.
Who it is for Families with children and low income. Each state (or tribe) sets its own rules and program name, and you apply in the state where you live.
First step Contact your state's social service agency to apply. USA.gov has a state-by-state list.
Good to know Ask about the Family Violence Option: many states can waive some TANF rules, like work or child support cooperation, for survivors. It depends on the state.
SNAP (food stamps)
Monthly help buying food for people with low income, loaded onto an EBT card.
Who it is for People with low income who meet their state's rules, including income and savings limits. The rules depend on the state.
First step Contact your state or local SNAP office. Depending on the state, you can apply online, in person or by mail.
Good to know Staying in a domestic violence shelter? Federal SNAP rules let shelter residents apply as their own household, even if the abuser's household already gets SNAP. Any gender.
Crime Victim Compensation (by state)
Every state has a program that can repay crime-related costs such as medical care, counseling and lost wages.
Who it is for Victims of violent crime, including domestic violence, and their families. Who qualifies and what is paid depends on the state.
First step Pick the state where the crime happened from the national list and contact that state's program.
Good to know Most states expect a police report and a timely application, but many make exceptions for domestic violence. Check your state's rules early.
USA.gov Benefit Finder
A free federal tool that shows government benefits you and your family may qualify for, and how to apply.
Who it is for Anyone in the U.S. looking for financial help or other benefits. Many programs are run by states, so results depend on where you live.
First step Choose at least one category in the tool to see benefits you may qualify for and how to apply.
Ask Askepott
Not sure what fits you? Ask in your own words, or press an example. Nothing you write is stored.
Other topics
- A safe place to live in the USSomewhere safe to stay in the US when you leave violence: shelters, your housing rights in federally assisted housing, and keeping your address private.
- Free legal help in the USFree legal help in the US when you live with domestic violence: legal aid finders and plain-language legal information by state.
- Protection orders and the police in the USProtection orders in the US, reporting to the police, and support for victims of crime.
- Children and custody in the USHelp for children and parents in the US after domestic violence: custody information and child abuse help.
- Your immigration status if you leave in the USIf your status in the US depends on your partner: the VAWA self-petition, the U visa and the T visa.
- Health care and help after sexual assault in the USHealth care in the US after abuse or sexual assault: sexual assault exams, health centers and support lines.
- Help for particular groups in the USHelp in the US for men, LGBTQ+ people, older people, Native communities, Deaf people and teens, from services that know your situation.