GovSifter
Benefits.gov shut down in 2024 — GovSifter fills the gap

Find the government benefits you actually qualify for.

Millions of Americans leave federal and state benefits unclaimed every year — not because they don't qualify, but because the system is hard to navigate. GovSifter makes it simple.

$2,000+average annual benefit left unclaimed per eligible household
1,200+federal and state programs available
2024when Benefits.gov shut down — we picked up where it left off

Browse benefits by category

Select a category to see programs, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

Veterans Benefits

VA disability, healthcare, GI Bill, home loans, and survivor benefits.

Benefits Meter60% unclaimed

~60% of eligible veterans never claim full disability benefits

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Disability (SSI / SSDI)

Social Security disability insurance, SSI, and related programs.

Benefits Meter55% unclaimed

~55% of SSDI-eligible adults never file a claim

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Housing Assistance

Section 8, HUD programs, emergency rental assistance, and more.

Benefits Meter75% unclaimed

~75% of eligible renters are not receiving housing assistance

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Food, Utilities & Income

SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP, TANF, and the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Benefits Meter40% unclaimed

~40% of SNAP-eligible households are not enrolled

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Healthcare

Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, ACA Marketplace, and COBRA.

Benefits Meter45% unclaimed

~45% of Medicaid-eligible adults are uninsured

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Education & Small Business

Pell Grants, federal loans, SBA programs, and R&D grants.

Benefits Meter35% unclaimed

~35% of Pell-eligible students do not file for aid

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Unemployment & Job Loss

Unemployment insurance, Extended Benefits, TAA, and dislocated worker programs.

Benefits Meter75% unclaimed

Only about 1 in 4 unemployed workers receive UI benefits

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Family & Child Care

Head Start, CCDF child care, the Child Tax Credit, and family assistance.

Benefits Meter55% unclaimed

Head Start reaches fewer than half of eligible children

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Retirement & Survivors

Social Security retirement, survivor benefits, and pension protections.

Benefits Meter70% unclaimed

Most claim Social Security early, permanently forfeiting benefits they never get back

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Phone, Internet & Utilities

Lifeline discounts, LIHEAP, weatherization, and utility payment plans.

Benefits Meter65% unclaimed

Millions of eligible households aren't enrolled in Lifeline

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Rural & Agriculture

USDA zero-down home loans, repair grants, and farm assistance.

Benefits Meter80% unclaimed

USDA loans are among the most underused homebuying programs

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How it works

1

Answer a few questions

Tell us about your situation — who you are, what you need, and your state. Takes about 2 minutes.

2

See matched programs

We match you to federal and state programs you may qualify for based on your answers.

3

Get guidance to apply

Each program includes eligibility details, where to apply, and trusted resources to help you through the process.

From the blog

General

7 Government Benefits Most Americans Don't Know They Qualify For

From the Earned Income Tax Credit to VA burial benefits to LIHEAP — programs that are widely available but consistently underclaimed.

Read the article →