SNAP (Food Assistance)
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is available to low-income households regardless of domestic violence status. However, there are important protections for survivors.
Income limits for SNAP (FY2026, 48 contiguous states):
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% FPL) | Net Monthly Income Limit (100% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,580 | $1,215 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $1,644 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $2,072 |
| 4 | $3,250 | $2,500 |
| 5 | $3,807 | $2,929 |
| Each additional | +$557 | +$429 |
Special rules for survivors:
If you are fleeing an abusive household, you may be able to apply as a separate household even if you still share an address with the abuser. This matters because household size affects both eligibility and benefit amount. You can explain your situation to your caseworker, and they are trained to handle these cases with confidentiality.
Noncitizen survivors who have filed or received approval under VAWA may qualify for SNAP as "qualified battered noncitizens," even if they would not otherwise meet the noncitizen eligibility rules.
Your address and personal information on a SNAP case are not disclosed to the abuser if you request confidentiality.
How to apply: Visit benefits.gov or your state's SNAP office. You can also use the Benefits Navigator screener to check your eligibility before applying.
Medicaid (Health Coverage)
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to low-income individuals and families. Domestic violence survivors often need healthcare, mental health services, and sometimes emergency care, and Medicaid can cover all of it.
Income limits vary by state, but as a general guide for 2025-2026:
| Coverage Group | Income Limit |
|---|
| Children (most states) | Up to 200-300% FPL |
| Pregnant women (most states) | Up to 185-200% FPL |
| Adults in expansion states | Up to 138% FPL |
| Adults in non-expansion states | Varies (often lower) |
At 138% FPL for a single adult in 2026, that is approximately $20,783 per year. In states that have not expanded Medicaid, coverage for non-disabled adults without children may be limited or unavailable.
Medicaid covers:
- Emergency room visits and hospitalization
- Mental health counseling and therapy
- Substance use treatment
- Prescription medications
- Prenatal care and delivery
- Dental and vision in many states
Survivors do not need to disclose their domestic violence status to qualify for Medicaid. However, disclosing it may unlock additional services through your state's Medicaid program, and your information is confidential.
How to apply: Apply through your state's Medicaid office, healthcare.gov, or use the Benefits Navigator screener.
TANF (Temporary Cash Assistance)
TANF provides short-term cash assistance to families with children. For domestic violence survivors, TANF has an important special provision called the Family Violence Option (FVO).
The Family Violence Option allows states to waive or modify certain TANF requirements for survivors, including:
- Work requirements (if working would put you in danger)
- Child support cooperation requirements (if contacting the abuser about support would be unsafe)
- Time limits in some circumstances
- Residency requirements
Most states have adopted the FVO, though not all implement it the same way. When you apply for TANF and disclose domestic violence, a caseworker should conduct a confidential assessment and create a safety plan. You will be referred to support services including counseling, legal help, and housing assistance.
TANF income limits vary significantly by state. Most states set their limits well below the federal poverty level, with many setting the threshold between 20% and 60% of FPL. You can use the Benefits Navigator screener to check your state's current limits.
How to apply: Contact your state's TANF agency (often called the Department of Social Services, Family Services, or Human Services). Ask specifically about the Family Violence Option and request a confidential screening.
WIC (Nutrition for Women and Young Children)
WIC provides nutrition assistance, food vouchers, and health referrals to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under age 5 who meet income requirements.
WIC income limits (2025-2026, 185% FPL):
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $28,953 |
| 2 | $39,129 |
| 3 | $49,305 |
| 4 | $59,481 |
| 5 | $69,657 |
| Each additional | +$10,176 |
WIC is especially important for survivors who are pregnant, recently gave birth, or have young children. Beyond food benefits, WIC clinics provide:
- Breastfeeding support and supplies
- Referrals to domestic violence services
- Health and nutrition education
- Connections to other local resources
You can apply at any WIC clinic, and your personal information is kept confidential. No documentation of domestic violence is required to receive WIC benefits.
How to apply: Find your local WIC office through the USDA's WIC clinic finder or contact your county health department.
Housing Assistance and VAWA Protections
Housing is one of the most urgent needs for survivors leaving an abusive home. Federal law provides significant protections for survivors in federally subsidized housing, and several programs can help with housing costs.
VAWA Housing Protections
Under VAWA, if you live in federally assisted housing, including Section 8 voucher programs, public housing, and many other HUD-assisted programs, you have the right to:
- Not be denied housing because you are a domestic violence survivor
- Not be evicted from your unit because of violence or abuse committed against you
- Request an emergency transfer to another unit for safety reasons
- Bifurcate the lease, meaning the abuser can be removed from the lease and evicted while you remain in your home
- Keep your new address confidential during and after an emergency transfer
When you apply for or live in covered housing, the housing provider must give you HUD Form HUD-5380 (Notice of Occupancy Rights Under VAWA) and Form HUD-5382 (VAWA Certification). You have the right to submit the certification form to document your status, and that information must be kept strictly confidential.
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program helps low-income households pay for private-market rentals. Domestic violence survivors who receive vouchers can use VAWA protections to transfer to a new unit without losing their voucher.
Priority placement on waiting lists is available for survivors in some local housing authorities.
Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing
The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) funds a national network of domestic violence shelters. These shelters are typically free and provide:
- Safe, confidential emergency housing
- Case management and counseling
- Help applying for benefits programs
- Safety planning and legal advocacy
To find a local shelter, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text "START" to 88788.
LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)
LIHEAP helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills and emergency energy costs. This can be critical for survivors who have just moved into a new home and are establishing independent utilities.
LIHEAP is administered at the state level, so income limits vary. Generally, programs target households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, though many states set their threshold at 60% of state median income.
Benefits can include:
- Help paying overdue utility bills
- Assistance with deposits for new utility accounts
- Weatherization services to lower ongoing costs
- Emergency assistance for disconnection or unsafe conditions
Survivors setting up a new household can apply for LIHEAP at the same time as other benefits, and state agencies generally keep your contact information confidential upon request.
Lifeline (Phone and Internet)
Staying connected is a safety issue for domestic violence survivors. The Lifeline program provides discounted phone and internet service to low-income households, and the Safe Connections Act of 2022 added specific protections for survivors.
Standard Lifeline eligibility: Households at or below 135% of the federal poverty level, or participation in qualifying programs like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or FPHA.
Survivor benefit under the Safe Connections Act:
Survivors of domestic violence can receive a separate Lifeline benefit for up to six months. This is especially helpful when you need to separate your phone line from a shared family plan. The law requires mobile carriers to separate your line from a shared account at your request.
The survivor benefit is available if you:
- Provide proof of attempting to separate from a shared plan, and
- Are experiencing financial hardship
The discount is up to $9.25 per month on phone or internet service.
SSI and SSDI (Disability Benefits)
Survivors who have a disability, or who developed one as a result of abuse, may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
SSI provides up to approximately $967 per month (2025 federal benefit rate) to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. The income limit is roughly 100% of the federal poverty level before deductions.
SSDI is based on work history and is available to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, then become disabled.
Applications for SSI and SSDI can take time. Domestic violence organizations and legal aid groups can help you apply and, if needed, appeal a denial.
Tax Credits
Two major tax credits can provide significant financial support:
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): For workers with low to moderate income, the EITC can be worth up to $7,830 (2025, with three or more children). You can claim this credit even if you did not live with your children for the entire year due to safety concerns, as long as they are your qualifying children.
Child Tax Credit (CTC): For parents with qualifying children under 17. The credit is up to $2,000 per child (2025), with a refundable portion of up to $1,700.
Free tax preparation is available through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which can also connect survivors to additional resources.
How to Apply Safely
When applying for benefits while in a dangerous situation, safety comes first. Here are steps to protect yourself during the application process:
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Use a safe address. Many states have Address Confidentiality Programs (ACP) that provide a substitute P.O. box you can use on applications. Contact your state's Secretary of State office or domestic violence coalition to enroll before applying.
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Apply without your abuser present. Many agencies allow online and phone applications. If you must apply in person, ask to speak with a worker privately.
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Request confidentiality. When you apply for any program, you can ask that your information not be disclosed to anyone outside the agency. Put this request in writing if possible.
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Ask about waivers. If you are applying for TANF, SNAP, or another program with work or cooperation requirements, ask specifically whether the agency has domestic violence waivers and request an assessment.
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Contact a domestic violence advocate. Local advocates know the benefit system in your area and can accompany you to appointments, help with paperwork, and ensure your rights are protected. Call 1-800-799-7233 to connect with an advocate near you.
Checking Your Full Eligibility
Most domestic violence survivors qualify for several programs at the same time. The fastest way to see what you may qualify for is to use the Benefits Navigator screener. It checks your eligibility across more than 11 programs based on your household size, income, and situation, and shows you how to apply for each one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get SNAP benefits if I just left my abuser?
Yes. If you have recently left an abusive household, you can apply for SNAP as a separate household immediately. You do not need to wait for a formal separation or divorce. Explain your situation to the caseworker and ask about applying as a separate household unit.
Will applying for benefits alert my abuser?
In most cases, no. Federal and state agencies are generally required to keep your benefit information confidential. You should explicitly request confidentiality when you apply. For additional protection, enroll in your state's Address Confidentiality Program before applying so your physical address is never on file with public agencies.
Do I need a police report to qualify for VAWA housing protections?
No. You can self-certify your status as a domestic violence survivor using HUD Form HUD-5382. You are not required to have a police report, protective order, or any other official documentation, though you can provide those if you have them.
Can noncitizens receive these benefits?
Some benefits are available to noncitizen survivors. Battered noncitizens who have filed or received approval under a VAWA self-petition may qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and SSI, even if they would not otherwise meet the noncitizen eligibility rules. Immigration status affects different programs differently, and a local domestic violence legal advocate can help you understand your specific options.
What if I am not ready to leave but still need help?
You can apply for benefits while still in the relationship. Most agencies do not require you to have left or have a safety plan in place. If you are concerned about your abuser finding out you applied, use a separate email address, apply from a public library or advocate's office, and request confidentiality when submitting your application.
Can I keep my Section 8 voucher if I have to move?
Yes. Under VAWA, domestic violence survivors can request an emergency transfer to a new unit without losing their housing assistance. Contact your local housing authority and request the VAWA emergency transfer process. The transfer can be internal (within the same property) or external (to a new location), depending on what is available and what is safest for you.
Where do I start if I need help right now?
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can help you access emergency shelter, benefits, legal resources, and safety planning. You can also use the Benefits Navigator screener to check your eligibility for programs across all 50 states.
