Benefits for Children: Unlocking Support for Families

Raising kids is no small task, and let’s face it — things can get expensive fast. The good news? There are plenty of benefits for children out there to help families with everything from food and healthcare to education and everyday expenses. These programs are designed to give kids the support they need to grow, learn, and thrive, while taking a bit of the financial stress off your plate. 

Whether you’re looking for help with child care, school meals, or medical coverage, there’s likely a benefit that can make life a little easier. (And beyond that, we've got gobs of family & education benefits that'll keep you supported at every stage of life.)

Figuring out how to access children’s benefits doesn’t have to be complicated. We’re here to break it all down, so you know exactly what’s available and how to get started. With the right benefits in place, you’ll have more time and energy to focus on what really matters: watching your kids grow and thrive.

To learn more about all the benefits available to you and your family, sign up now for BenefitKarma!

Are there programs that’ll feed my child?

Feeding your kids doesn’t have to be a source of stress, even when money is tight. There are several programs designed to make sure children have access to nutritious meals at school, during the summer, and even at home.

School-Based Food Programs

The National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and the permanent SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program ensure kids get healthy meals all year round, regardless of family income. The Lunch Program offers free or low-cost lunches, usually around $0.40, while the Breakfast Program provides free or cheap breakfasts, typically costing about $0.30.

Parents can sign up for school meals by filling out a form at their child’s school and sharing income info to see if they qualify. When school is out for the summer, the permanent federal SUN Bucks program provides eligible families with a one-time $120 grocery benefit per child to buy food anywhere SNAP cards are accepted.

Most children who receive free/reduced school lunch or participate in SNAP/TANF are enrolled automatically.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

If you’re pregnant or have little ones under five, the Women, Infants, and Children | New Window (WIC) program is here to help. It provides nutritious food, health screenings, and education for new mothers and young children. Monthly benefits range from $30 to $100 and cover essentials like baby formula, fruits, and vegetables.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

For families needing extra help with groceries, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program | New Window (SNAP) offers monthly benefits based on income and household size. It ensures kids have access to healthy meals at home, giving parents peace of mind.

What benefits provide healthcare for my child?

Making sure your child has access to healthcare is vital. Programs like CHIP | New Window and Medicaid ensure kids can get the care they need without breaking the bank.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

CHIP is designed for families who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but still need affordable health insurance. It covers doctor visits, dental care, vaccinations, and more at little to no cost.

Medicaid for Children

For families with lower incomes, Medicaid offers comprehensive healthcare coverage, including regular check-ups, prescriptions, and hospital stays.

What benefits are there that help preschool-age children specifically?

Young children need strong foundations to thrive, and these programs are here to give them a great start.

Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide free early education, health, and nutrition services to children from low-income families. They focus on preparing kids for school by nurturing cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

Child Care Subsidies

For parents balancing work or school, childcare costs can add up fast. Child care subsidies help cover the cost of daycare services, sometimes paying up to 90% of the expense.

What financial support is available to families?

Raising kids comes with added financial pressure, but these programs can lighten the load.

Child Tax Credit

The federal Child Tax Credit provides a substantial boost, allowing you to claim up to $2,200 per qualifying child under the age of 17. If you don't owe enough federal income tax to use the full credit, you may still be eligible to receive up to $1,700 per child as a cash refund through the Additional Child Tax Credit.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Designed for low- to moderate-income families, the EITC can provide extra cash — anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars annually—depending on your income and family size.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

For families in need, TANF offers monthly cash assistance to help with essentials like food, housing, and clothing. Benefits vary but can range from $200 to $1,000 per month.

Child Support

Child support is money paid by a non-custodial parent to help cover the costs of raising a child. The amount varies based on income and state guidelines but can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month.

Also: Preparing for College

And once your children grow up, you’ll want to make sure you’re familiar with all of the educational benefits we’ve assembled. These are programs that help pay for college and give your child a head start for their training and career track.