Frequently asked questions
Is SafetyNet Index a government website?
No. SafetyNet Index is an independent directory. It only links to official federal, state, and District of Columbia government websites and the official application portals those governments operate. It does not accept applications, and it never asks for your personal information.
Is it free to apply for these programs?
Yes. Applying for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, WIC, housing assistance, unemployment insurance, and every other program listed here is free through the official government sites. Any site that charges a fee to submit a government benefits application is not the official site.
How do I know a benefits website is official?
Official federal sites end in .gov or .mil. Most state agencies use a .gov domain (for example hhs.texas.gov or cdss.ca.gov) or a .state.xx.us domain. Some states run their application portal on a separate domain; those portals are listed here only when the state agency itself links to them.
Which program should I apply for first?
If you need food right away, start with SNAP and, if you are pregnant or have a child under five, WIC. For health coverage, start with Medicaid or CHIP. The USAGov Benefit Finder asks a few questions and lists the programs you may qualify for. Dialing 211 connects you with local help in most areas.
Can I apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF at the same time?
In most states, yes. State benefits portals such as Your Texas Benefits, BenefitsCal, or ACCESS Florida let you apply for several programs in one application. Each state page in this directory links to that state's portal.
Why does a state page show 'not verified'?
A link is listed only after it has been opened and confirmed to be on an official domain. When a state's program page could not be confirmed, the directory shows the federal state-locator or the state agency's home page instead of guessing.
How often are links checked?
Links are rechecked on a schedule and whenever a reader reports a problem through the Submit a link page. The date of the last full check appears in the footer of every page.
Can my organization be listed?
The main directory is limited to government sites and official state portals. Nonprofits, legal aid offices, counties, and tribal governments can request a listing in a separate community-resources section through the Submit a link page. There is no paid placement.