State Public Assistance/Welfare Information

By Jade Yeban, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq. | Last reviewed January 30, 2024

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The federal government's primary assistance program is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, while each state has its own individual assistance program.

Caring for a child is expensive. Given today's economic climate and rising childcare costs, many families seek financial help through federal and state public assistance programs. 

Use the list below to find state public assistance and welfare information.

The Child Support Program in America

The child support program helps parents ensure their children get financial support. When one parent doesn't live with the child (noncustodial parent), they may have a child support obligation. This means they must pay money to the other parent to help support and care for the child. A court order will decide the amount of child support.

Sometimes, the noncustodial parent might not pay what they owe. When this happens, the child support agency can step in to help in the child support case. They provide child support services to make sure payments happen. This agency can track down parents, set up child support collection, and even take money directly from their paychecks. This is income withholding.

Medicaid and Healthcare

Healthcare is crucial for kids. Medicaid offers health insurance to those who need it. Along with child support payments, a parent might also need to provide medical support. This can be in the form of health insurance or direct payments for medical needs. The child support program can make sure the noncustodial parent pays this medical support. If the noncustodial parent has health insurance, it may cover the child. If not, the child might get Medicaid or other public benefits. Parents need to know the terms of their child support order, as it might include this medical support.

Child Support Enforcement

The child support agency may step in if a noncustodial parent doesn't pay. They have tools under federal law to collect past-due support. This can include garnishment, where money comes directly from wages or bank accounts. If a parent owes a lot in back payments, this is arrears. The agency can also use the parent's income and assets to decide how much they should pay.

Eligibility and Public Benefits

To get help, families must show they're eligible. This means meeting certain rules. These rules can include showing a birth certificate or proving parentage. Parentage means showing who the child's parents are. Families might also get other help, like food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP helps families buy food. Some families get cash assistance to help with other costs. But, to get this help, they might need to cooperate with the child support agency. There can be exceptions, like in cases of domestic violence. When there's a risk in situations like this, there might be a good cause exception.

State Public Assistance Information

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Need More State Public Assistance Information? An Attorney Can Help

Making ends meet is difficult for single parents, so it's good to know that public services are available for those in need. Depending on your situation, you may need some help navigating the law. Some attorneys and legal clinics operate on a sliding scale or provide pro bono (free) legal services.

Find out more by speaking with a child support attorney near you.

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Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Some states allow you to set up child support with forms and court processes
  • You may need legal help to set up or modify child support arrangements
  • If there is conflict, an attorney can advise if the other parent’s actions are legal 

Get tailored advice about paying or receiving child support. Many attorneys offer free consultations.

Find a local attorney

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Don't Forget About Estate Planning

Once new child support arrangements are in place, it’s an ideal time to create or change your estate planning forms. Take the time to add new beneficiaries to your will and name a guardian for any minor children. Consider creating a financial power of attorney so your agent can pay bills and make sure your children are provided for. A health care directive explains your health care decisions and takes the decision-making burden off your children when they become adults.

Start Planning