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Helping Hands Alliance

Verified hotlines

Real numbers. Real help.

These are verified federal and 501(c)(3) hotlines — free, confidential, and answered by real humans. You can call them directly, no application needed.

In immediate danger? Call 911. For emotional crisis support any time, call or text 988.

Crisis

Free & Confidential

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free & Confidential
988

Free, confidential support for anyone in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis. Call or text 988, or chat online.

24/7Federal — SAMHSA

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Free & Confidential
1-800-799-7233

Confidential support, safety planning, and local referrals for anyone affected by domestic violence. TTY: 1-800-787-3224.

24/7501(c)(3) — The Hotline

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)

Free & Confidential
1-800-656-4673

Confidential support for survivors of sexual assault, connecting you to a trained staff member from a local provider.

24/7501(c)(3) — RAINN

SAMHSA National Helpline

Free & Confidential
1-800-662-4357

Free, confidential treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use, in English and Spanish.

24/7Federal — SAMHSA

Disaster Distress Helpline

Free & Confidential
1-800-985-5990

Crisis counseling for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to a natural or human-caused disaster. Call or text.

24/7Federal — SAMHSA

National Runaway Safeline

Free & Confidential
1-800-786-2929

Confidential crisis support and referrals for youth who have run away, are thinking about it, or are facing a crisis at home.

24/7501(c)(3) — National Runaway Safeline

Veterans Crisis Line

Free & Confidential
988, then press 1

Confidential crisis support for veterans and their families. Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.

24/7Federal — VA

Food

Free & Confidential

USDA National Hunger Hotline

Free & Confidential
1-866-348-6479

Finds food banks, pantries, meal sites, and benefit programs near you. Spanish: 1-877-842-6273.

Mon–Fri, 7 AM–10 PM ETFederal / 501(c)(3) — Hunger Free America

USDA SNAP Information Line

Free & Confidential
1-800-221-5689

General SNAP information and connection to your state SNAP agency for applications and case questions.

Business hoursFederal — USDA FNS

Housing

Free & Confidential

HUD Housing Counseling Referral

Free & Confidential
1-800-569-4287

Connects you to a free HUD-approved housing counselor for help with renting, eviction, and foreclosure.

Business hoursFederal — HUD

FEMA Helpline

Free & Confidential
1-800-621-3362

Disaster assistance information, including help for housing after a federally declared disaster.

Daily, hours varyFederal — FEMA

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

Free & Confidential
1-877-424-3838

Confidential help for veterans who are homeless or at risk, and their families.

24/7Federal — VA

Utility

Free & Confidential

National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR)

Free & Confidential
1-866-674-6327

Tells you how to apply for LIHEAP energy-bill help in your state, county, or tribe. Email: energyassistance@ncat.org.

Mon–Fri, 7 AM–5 PM ETFederal program — operated by NCAT

Lifeline Support Center

Free & Confidential
1-800-234-9473

Help enrolling in the Lifeline phone/internet discount and finding participating providers.

Daily, 9 AM–9 PM ETFederal — USAC

Healthcare

Free & Confidential

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free & Confidential
988

Free, confidential support for anyone in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis. Call or text 988, or chat online.

24/7Federal — SAMHSA

SAMHSA National Helpline

Free & Confidential
1-800-662-4357

Free, confidential treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use, in English and Spanish.

24/7Federal — SAMHSA

1-800-MEDICARE

Free & Confidential
1-800-633-4227

Questions about Medicare enrollment, coverage, claims, and programs that help pay costs.

24/7Federal — CMS

Health Insurance Marketplace

Free & Confidential
1-800-318-2596

Help enrolling in an ACA Marketplace plan and finding income-based subsidies. TTY: 1-855-889-4325.

24/7Federal — CMS

Find a Health Center (HRSA)

Free & Confidential
1-877-464-4772

Locate a community health center offering care on a sliding scale, including for the uninsured.

Business hoursFederal — HRSA

Financial

Free & Confidential

Social Security Administration

Free & Confidential
1-800-772-1213

Questions about SSI, Social Security, and disability benefits. TTY: 1-800-325-0778.

Mon–Fri, 8 AM–7 PM localFederal — SSA

IRS Free Tax Prep (VITA) Locator

Free & Confidential
1-800-906-9887

Find a free, IRS-certified tax preparation site near you and get help claiming the EITC.

Business hours (seasonal)Federal — IRS

National Foundation for Credit Counseling

Free & Confidential
1-800-388-2227

Free or low-cost budgeting and debt counseling from nonprofit, accredited agencies.

Business hours501(c)(3) — NFCC

Education

Free & Confidential

National Runaway Safeline

Free & Confidential
1-800-786-2929

Confidential crisis support and referrals for youth who have run away, are thinking about it, or are facing a crisis at home.

24/7501(c)(3) — National Runaway Safeline

Federal Student Aid Information Center

Free & Confidential
1-800-433-3243

Help with the FAFSA, federal grants and loans, and repayment options. (1-800-4-FED-AID)

Business hoursFederal — Dept. of Education

Child Care Aware of America

Free & Confidential
1-800-424-2246

Find local child care and information on subsidies that help families afford it.

Business hours501(c)(3) — Child Care Aware

Veterans

Free & Confidential

Veterans Crisis Line

Free & Confidential
988, then press 1

Confidential crisis support for veterans and their families. Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.

24/7Federal — VA

VA Benefits Line

Free & Confidential
1-800-827-1000

Questions about VA disability, pension, education, and other benefits.

Mon–Fri, 8 AM–9 PM ETFederal — VA

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

Free & Confidential
1-877-424-3838

Confidential help for veterans who are homeless or at risk, and their families.

24/7Federal — VA