Nevada Assistance Programs and Benefits
Free help finding assistance programs, from Las Vegas to Elko
A slow season on the Strip, a July power bill or an unexpected medical charge can leave a Nevada household short. Helping Hands pinpoints the Nevada assistance programs that fit your situation and explains how to reach them.
Tell us which bill worries you most. We name the programs, walk through the basic rules and point you to the Nevada offices that can help.
We cover all 16 counties in Nevada, plus Carson City. You could live in Las Vegas, Henderson or Reno, in Clark, Washoe or Lyon County, or in a mining town along Highway 50. You won't pay for any of it.
Nevada help comes from Division of Social Services programs, federal benefits, Tribal programs, local charities, food banks and community agencies. We help you sort out where to turn.
Check Your Eligibility for Free
Every program has its own rules. Your paycheck, the number of people in your home, age, disability, housing and work history can all shift what you qualify for.
Helping Hands helps you see which programs may fit and how to begin.
Nevada Financial Assistance Programs
Casino layoffs, fewer tourist shifts or an injury can drain savings fast. Nevada families can look at several kinds of financial help, depending on their situation.
If paying for the basics feels out of reach, we help you find resources that fit and show you where to apply.
Helping Hands can help you locate information about programs and resources involving:
Nevada Food Assistance and SNAP Benefits
Food prices keep going up, and a tight budget feels it every week.
We break down Nevada food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Your benefits land on a Nevada EBT card, which you use like a debit card at approved stores.
Can't stretch groceries to the end of the month? Look at your SNAP eligibility first.
You can apply for SNAP, TANF cash help and Medicaid through the Nevada Division of Social Services (DSS), formerly the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, online at Access Nevada.
We can also help Nevada residents locate:
Nevada Utility Bill Assistance
Southern Nevada summers push air conditioners hard for months, and the northern high desert gets cold winter nights. A missed power bill in August can put your household at risk.
Ask us about power bill help for Nevada households before the summer peak hits.
Resources may include information about:
Nevada Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP Help)
Nevada runs the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), managed by the Nevada Division of Social Services.
You fill out an EAP application and send the documents it asks for. Funding and rules change from year to year, so check the current details before you apply.
We help you find the application and understand the next steps.
Nevada Rental Assistance and Housing Assistance
Rent in Las Vegas and Reno can swallow a paycheck, especially after lost hours or an emergency.
Behind on rent, facing eviction, or searching for an affordable apartment? We track down Nevada programs and organizations that may help with rent or a deposit.
Helping Hands provides information about housing resources that may be available to qualifying Nevada residents, including:
Section 8 and Housing Assistance in Nevada
Nevadans who need lower rent should learn about Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and other subsidized housing.
Local housing authorities run these programs, and rules and wait lists differ between the Las Vegas area, Reno and rural Nevada.
Helping Hands can provide information and resources to help you understand:
Nevada Eviction Assistance
Got an eviction notice? Move right away. Nevada eviction timelines can be short.
Ask about rental assistance, eviction prevention, emergency housing, legal aid and local community resources in Clark, Washoe or your rural county, and we'll help you find them.
Help may come from Nevada Legal Services, local nonprofits, county social services or housing programs.
Foreclosure Prevention Assistance in Nevada
Homeowners going through a hard time should look at their options before missed payments pile up.
Nevada homeowners can ask us for referrals to foreclosure prevention and housing counseling.
If your mortgage is slipping, call a HUD-approved housing counselor and your servicer before the next due date.
Nevada Assistance for Seniors
Older Nevadans, from Las Vegas retirees to ranchers in Elko County, may qualify for help with health care, meals, housing, rides and monthly bills.
For free Medicare counseling, call the Nevada Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) at 1-800-307-4444.
Helping Hands provides information about resources that may be available to older adults, including:
Nevada Medicaid and Medicare Resources
Medical costs pile up fastest for seniors, people with disabilities and families with low incomes.
We can help you find information about Medicare, Nevada Medicaid, Nevada Check Up and other medical resources that fit your situation.
Medicare and Nevada Medicaid use separate rules, so read the current requirements for the one you need.
Disability Assistance in Nevada
Nevadans with a disability may qualify for specialized programs, independent living services and community support.
Each program sets its own qualifications, so look at them one at a time.
Helping Hands can help Nevada residents locate information about resources involving:
Legal Assistance for Nevada Residents
A benefit denial, a lockout or a debt lawsuit can leave you needing a lawyer.
Nevada Legal Services and the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada help people who qualify, and we can connect you with legal aid and free legal resources.
Each group decides who it can take on for free or at low cost.
Legal assistance may be particularly relevant for issues involving:
Education, Employment and Training Assistance
A steadier future often starts with training.
Helping Hands also shares education, job training and workforce resources that can help Nevadans move beyond seasonal and shift work.
Resources may include:
Nevada Food Banks and Emergency Food Resources
Need food today? Nevada food banks and pantries serve Southern Nevada, the Reno area and rural towns across the state.
We can point you to food pantries in Las Vegas and Reno or rural distribution sites, with options for families, seniors, people with disabilities and anyone between paychecks.
Out of food or facing a shutoff? Dial 2-1-1 in Nevada. Nevada 211 connects you with local services day or night.
Assistance Available Throughout All 16 Nevada Counties
Helping Hands shares program information and guidance across all 16 counties in Nevada, plus Carson City.
Our Nevada resources reach cities and desert towns, including:
- Las Vegas
- Henderson
- Reno
- North Las Vegas
- Sparks
- Carson City
- Pahrump
- Elko
- Mesquite
- Boulder City
- Fernley
- Fallon
- Winnemucca
- Ely
- Laughlin
- Clark County
- Washoe County
- Lyon County
- Elko County
- Nye County
- And communities throughout Nevada
From a Henderson apartment to a ranch outside Winnemucca, the help you can get depends on your household and the programs in your area.
How Helping Hands Can Help
Hunting for the right program can mean hours on hold and a stack of forms.
Helping Hands serves as your guide to the options open to Nevadans.
Our goal is to help you:
- Identify programs that may match your situation.
- Understand basic eligibility requirements.
- Find the appropriate agency or organization.
- Learn where and how to apply.
- Locate additional resources if one program does not meet your needs.
Nevadans can use our help and resource information free of charge.
Need Help in Nevada? Start Here.
Rent due, fridge empty, power bill overdue? You don't need to find every program alone.
We sort your options and name the agencies and organizations to contact first.
Common Nevada Assistance Programs
Food & Nutrition
- SNAP / Food Stamps
- EBT information
- Food banks
- Food pantries
- Emergency food assistance
Housing
- Rental assistance
- Section 8
- Low-income housing
- Eviction assistance
- Foreclosure prevention
- Emergency housing
Utilities
- LIHEAP (EAP)
- Electric assistance
- Gas assistance
- Utility bill assistance
Financial Assistance
- Emergency financial assistance
- Cash assistance
- Family assistance
- Single-parent resources
- Community grants and assistance
Health & Senior Services
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Senior assistance
- Disability resources
- Health-care assistance
Other Resources
- Legal assistance
- Education
- Job training
- Workforce resources
- Community services
Immediate Nevada Assistance
In trouble tonight? Dial 2-1-1 for Nevada 211 and get local food, shelter and utility help.
For SNAP, TANF and Medicaid, contact the Nevada Division of Social Services (DSS) or apply through Access Nevada.
For Medicare questions, call the Nevada Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) at 1-800-307-4444.
Helping Hands makes finding help in Nevada simpler.
Check what you may qualify for and look through Nevada assistance programs today.
Helping Hands is a resource and information service. Program eligibility, availability, funding, and application requirements are determined by the applicable government agency, nonprofit organization, housing authority, or other program administrator. Providing information about a program does not guarantee eligibility or approval.
