Welcome to FoodStampHub.com’s guide to free and discounted resources available to individuals and families receiving public assistance, such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps), Medicaid, TANF, SSI, or other low-income support programs. These benefits can help stretch your budget further by providing access to essential services, entertainment, education, and more—at no or low cost. Eligibility often depends on your participation in public assistance programs, household income, and location, so always check with the providers for the latest details and to confirm qualification.

This page highlights key programs as of August 2025. We’ve included direct links to official sources and reputable organizations. Remember, benefits can vary by state, and some programs require proof like an EBT card or assistance verification.

1. Free or Discounted Communication Services (Phones and Internet)

Staying connected is crucial for job searches, education, and emergencies. Programs like Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offer free cell phones, service plans, and internet discounts for qualifying low-income households.

• Free Cell Phones and Service Plans: If you’re on SNAP or other assistance, you may qualify for a free smartphone with monthly data, minutes, and texts through the federal Lifeline program. Providers include:
• Assurance Wireless: Offers up to 4.5GB data, 3,000 minutes, and unlimited texts in states like North Carolina. Apply at Assurance Wireless.
• Life Wireless: Provides free government phones and service nationwide. Visit Life Wireless.
• TruConnect: Free service for SNAP participants, including data and unlimited texts. Check eligibility at TruConnect SNAP Page.
• Other options: AirTalk Wireless (AirTalk Wireless), SafeLink Wireless (SafeLink), and StandUp Wireless (StandUp Wireless). For general Lifeline info, see the FCC’s page. Apply through FCC Lifeline.
• Discounted or Free Internet: Low-income families can get up to $30/month off internet bills (or $75 on tribal lands) via ACP or similar programs. Some providers offer plans as low as $10/month.
• AT&T Access: Affordable plans with free installation for qualifying households. Learn more at AT&T Access.
• Spectrum Internet Assist: High-speed internet for low-income families. Apply at Spectrum.
• Xfinity Internet Essentials: $14.95/month for 75 Mbps, free for some SNAP users. Visit Xfinity.
• FCC ACP: Up to $30 discount on internet. Details at FCC ACP.
• Additional help: Check USAGov for phone/internet bill assistance. (USAGov).

2. Free or Discounted Access to Museums, Zoos, and Parks

Many cultural institutions offer free or reduced admission (often $3 or less per person) to SNAP/EBT cardholders through the Museums for All program, covering over 1,500 locations nationwide.

• Museums for All: Present your EBT card for admission for up to four people. Participating spots include science centers, aquariums, and children’s museums. Find locations at Museums for All.
• Specific Examples:
• Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Free admission for SNAP recipients. Details at Brookfield Zoo.
• Shedd Aquarium (Chicago): Discounted entry with EBT. Visit Shedd Aquarium.
• Chicago Children’s Museum: Reduced rates for EBT holders. Info at Chicago Children’s Museum.
• John Ball Zoo (Michigan): Lowest-priced admission with EBT. See John Ball Zoo.

3. Free Tax Preparation Assistance

Low-income families (typically earning $67,000 or less) can get free help filing taxes through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and other programs.

• VITA Program: IRS-certified volunteers prepare returns for free. Find sites at IRS VITA.
• MyFreeTaxes by United Way: Free online filing for incomes under $84,000. Access at MyFreeTaxes.
• State-Specific Help: In California, free help via FTB if income is $67,000 or less. (FTB). In Los Angeles, Free Tax Prep LA. (LA City).
• General: USAGov guide to free tax help. (USAGov).

4. Free Legal Aid

Public assistance recipients can access free civil legal help for issues like benefits disputes, housing, and family matters through non-profits and government-funded services.

• Legal Services Corporation (LSC): Funds free legal aid for low-income Americans. Find help at LSC.
• LawHelp.org: Directory of free legal aid by state and issue. Search at LawHelp.
• Specific Organizations:
• Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York: Free advice for civil matters. (LASMNY).
• New York Legal Assistance Group: Help with benefits like SNAP and Medicaid. (NYLAG).
• American Bar Association: Online pro bono for low-income clients. (ABA).
• USAGov: Find affordable lawyers. (USAGov).

5. Energy Assistance (Heating and Cooling Bills)

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay utility bills and prevent shutoffs for low-income households.

• LIHEAP Overview: Federal grants for energy costs, weatherization, and crises. Apply via ACF LIHEAP.
• State Examples:
• Florida: Assistance for heating/cooling bills. (FloridaJobs).
• Broward County (FL): LIHEAP for electric bills. (Broward).
• Eligibility Tool: Check if you qualify. (LIHEAP Tool).
• General Help: USAGov energy bill assistance. (USAGov).

6. Free Educational Resources and Job Training

SNAP recipients can access free job training, nutrition education, and skill-building programs to improve employment prospects.

• SNAP Employment & Training (E&T): Free skills training and job placement. Details at USDA SNAP E&T.
• State Programs:
• Michigan: FAE&T for individualized job services. (Michigan).
• Connecticut: Scholarships for career training. (CT State).
• Pennsylvania: SNAP JETS for hands-on training. (PA DHS).
• Nutrition Education (SNAP-Ed): Free classes on healthy eating. (Michigan SNAP-Ed).
• General: Free job training via USAGov. (USAGov). State-by-state classes for SNAP users. (Climb Hire).

7. Additional Free Benefits

• Summer EBT (SUN Bucks): $120 per child for summer groceries in participating states. Check state sites like Virginia SUN Bucks.
• More Perks: Discounted gym memberships, public transit, and utilities via EBT.

For SNAP eligibility and updates, visit our Guides to SNAP EBT in my state page.. If you have questions, contact your local assistance office. This information is for educational purposes; consult official sources for personalized advice.