In the United States, there are many financial assistance programs to help the individuals facing financial hardship. These programs are run by the federal government to provide quick help to needy people.
If you are struggling to pay bills for basic needs, these programs may help you to come out of this situation. We have shared about the programs under which one can get emergency cash help in December 2025.
What is the emergency cash help in December 2025?
To get emergency cash help in December 2025, many federally funded programs are available. Here, we have discussed the top five. They are:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
It is a cash assistance program provided by the US federal government for the family with zero or very low income. This benefit is designed to help parents meet the basic need so they can become financially stable.
If you apply for it, you will get the monthly cash payment, which is calculated based on state, income, and family size. This money can be used for rent or housing costs, utilities, groceries and household needs, school or child essentials, and transportation.
| Program | TANF |
| Eligibility | Low-income families with children |
| Benefit | $200–$900 per month |
| Type | Cash assistance |
| Apply | State welfare / social services |
| Time | About 7–30 days |
| Limit | Up to 60 months total |
| Notes | May include work requirement |
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
It is a food assistance program, which is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. Beneficiaries of this program get an EBT card, which is loaded with the money every month. It works like a debit card, using which individuals and families can buy groceries.
This benefit can be used to buy fruits, vegetables, bread, rice, cereal, pasta, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, seeds, and plants to grow food at home. The amount one gets is decided with factors like state, family size, household income, and monthly expenses.
| Program | SNAP |
| Eligibility | Low-income individuals / households |
| Benefit | $200–$300 (1 person) |
| Benefit (Family) | $700–$1,100 (4 people) |
| Type | EBT food benefits |
| Apply | State SNAP website / office |
| Time | 7–30 days |
| Notes | Expedited ~7 days |
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
It is also a program that is run by the federal government; it helps low-income households with home energy costs. It does not provide cash to spend freely; instead, it pays one utility provider directly or gives one-time credits.
To get this benefit, one’s household has low income and is responsible for paying energy bills. Priority is given to seniors, people with disabilities, families with young children, and households facing shutoff or no heat.
| Program | LIHEAP |
| Eligibility | Low-income households |
| Benefit | $200–$1,500 per season |
| Type | Energy / heating / cooling bill help |
| Apply | Local LIHEAP office |
| Time | 10–45 days |
| Crisis | Faster if shut-off / no heat |
| Notes | Usually once per year |
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Emergency Advance
It is a one-time payment for the new applicants who are eligible for the Supplemental Security Income. It is received by those who apply for this benefit at the time when he or she is running out of the money for basic needs.
The amount that is received in advance is deducted later from the SSI payment. This benefit is received by those who have no money for food or shelter, are at risk of eviction or homelessness, or have no basic necessities.
| Program | SSI Advance |
| Eligibility | New SSI applicant in crisis |
| Benefit | Up to 1 month SSI |
| Amount | About $600–$900 typical |
| Type | One-time advance |
| Apply | Social Security office |
| Repay | From future SSI checks |
| Notes | Must show emergency need |
FEMA Individuals & Households Program
It is a financial assistance program from the federal government to individuals and households whose house or essential property is damaged due to a federally declared disaster, including hurricane, tornado, flood, fire, earthquake, and others.
It provides Housing Assistance for temporary housing and home repair, and Other Needs Assistance, which includes clothing, essential household items, disaster-caused medical or dental bills, transportation damage, cleanup and debris removal, and others.
| Program | FEMA IHP |
| Eligibility | Home in declared disaster area |
| Benefit | Housing + essential needs |
| Amount | Often several thousand USD |
| Type | Repair, rental, personal items |
| Apply | disasterassistance.gov |
| Time | About 1–3 weeks |
| Notes | Not a loan |
Disclaimer: Information on fast programs for American families is for general awareness only. Eligibility and benefits are determined by official government agencies.