Free & low-cost help

Help when money is tight

Cost should not keep anyone from care. Below the crisis lines is a map of free and low-cost places near you: clinics, food, housing, legal aid, rides for seniors and more.

Right now, free, any time

If you or someone near you is in danger, call 911. These lines are free and confidential.

  1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Free, any time

    Crisis line · National · Call, text or chat

    Talk or text with a trained counselor about any kind of emotional distress, day or night. Veterans: dial 988, then press 1.

    Call 988 Text 988 Chat

  2. Crisis Text Line Free, any time

    Crisis support by text · National

    Free support by text message from a trained volunteer, any time.

    Text HOME to 741741 Website

  3. SAMHSA National Helpline Free, any time

    Treatment referrals · National · English and Spanish

    Free, confidential referrals for mental health and substance use treatment.

    Call 1-800-662-4357 Website

  4. National Domestic Violence Hotline Free, any time

    Safety and support · National

    Help and safety planning for anyone affected by abuse.

    Call 1-800-799-7233 Text START to 88788 Website

Free and low-cost places near you

Health centers, free clinics, food banks and pantries, shelters, housing help, legal aid, rides and meals for seniors, and other charities, on the map. Choose a kind of help to narrow the list.

Places come from the federal health center list (HRSA), FindTreatment.gov (SAMHSA), IRS charity records and OpenStreetMap. Call ahead: services and hours change.

National programs

Coverage, help paying for care, and national finders. Free to use.

  • Medicaid Health coverage · By state Free or low-cost health coverage for people and families with low income. Rules differ by state.
  • Insure Kids Now (CHIP) Coverage for children Free or low-cost coverage for children and teens, even when parents earn too much for Medicaid.
  • HealthCare.gov Insurance marketplace Many people qualify for savings that lower the monthly cost.
  • NeedyMeds Help paying for medicines A nonprofit that lists programs to help pay for medicines and care.
  • 211 Local help line One number for local help with food, housing, bills and health care, run by United Way and partners. Call 211
  • Open Path Collective Low-cost therapy Therapists who see people at a reduced rate when they qualify by income.
  • FindTreatment.gov Treatment finder The government’s search for mental health and substance use treatment, with a filter for Medicaid and sliding fees.
  • Find a Health Center Health center finder The federal list of community health centers, which charge by what you can pay.
  • Free and charitable clinics Free clinic finder Clinics run by volunteers and donations for people without insurance.
  • NAMI HelpLine Mental health support Free support and information for people living with mental illness and their families. Call 1-800-950-6264
  • Lower-cost dental care Dental guide Dental schools, health centers and public programs that offer dental care for less.
  • Nonprofit directory Socially United Nonprofits and charities across the country, listed by Socially United.

Services, hours and rules can change. Call ahead to check what is offered near you.