Idaho Resources
Finding & Accessing Programs
Idalink is an online screening and application portal for state benefits. It offers a fast and easy way for families and individuals to start an application online for a variety of services such as Food, Cash, Child Care, and Healthcare.
211 is a free confidential community service and your one-stop connection to the local services you need, from utility assistance, food, housing, health, childcare, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention, and much more. Dial 211 from anywhere in Idaho and you will reach an information and referral specialist who will assess your needs and provide a list of referrals to available resources in your community.
Healthcare & Medication
Idaho Medicaid provides free or low-cost health care coverage for individuals who meet the eligibility requirements. Medicaid covers physical and behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment services.
Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) offers free, unbiased, and confidential counseling to help people understand their Medicare coverage and options, including Medicare Savings Programs.
EyeCare America provides eye care through volunteer ophthalmologists. Elderly patients and those at increased risk for glaucoma may be eligible for free eye care exams.
Charity Care provides financial assistance for hospital services. If you cannot afford to pay your hospital bill, you may be eligible to have part or all of the bills forgiven through Charity Care. Contact the billing department of your hospital and ask to apply for financial assistance.
Food & Nutrition
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides monthly benefits to buy food. Your SNAP benefits are based on your family size, allowable deductions, and income.
WIC is a nutrition program for pregnant people, new and breastfeeding moms, and children under five. Parents, grandparents and other caregivers of children under the age of five may also sign kids up for WIC. Eligibility depends on household size and income.
Housing & Utilities
LIHEAP provides energy assistance to households in Idaho through a network of community action agencies and local partners. If you qualify, your local LIHEAP agency will send a payment directly to your energy utility on behalf of your household. LIHEAP may also help repair or replace heating or cooling systems that are unsafe or don’t work. Households eligible for LIHEAP may also qualify to have their homes made more energy efficient through the Weatherization program.
ID Section 8 Housing Program or Housing Choice Voucher program is a federal program that helps low-income families and individuals afford safe and decent housing. Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) administers the program in 34 out of 44 counties in Idaho. IHFA also administers the Veterans Affairs supportive housing voucher (VASH), the mainstream non-elderly with disabilities voucher, and other targeted programs.
Idaho Housing and Finance Association also offers services that support homeownership including down payment assistance, homebuyer education, and low-priced mortgage insurance.
Idaho Telephone Service Assistance Program (ITSAP) helps eligible low-income families pay for basic telephone service installation costs or monthly costs for basic residential phone service.
Lifeline can help you get monthly discounts on your phone and internet services. The discounts can include a lower bill or free wireless minutes. You may get help from Lifeline if you have limited income or are currently enrolled in certain public benefits programs.
Transportation
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is offered by the MTM network in Idaho. MTM rides help Medicaid and Medicare members access healthcare services in their community.
Income
Unemployment Benefits provide you with temporary income when you lose your job through no fault of your own. The money partly replaces your lost earnings and helps you pay expenses while looking for new work. Unemployment benefits are not based on financial need. You can apply online or by phone.
Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) provides temporary cash benefits for eligible low-income families and households to help pay for food, clothing, shelter, and other essentials. A grandparent or relative of a child may be eligible in certain circumstances. Some families are required to participate in the Employment & Training program, which provides employment resources and support.
Disability Services
The Social Security Administration has two cash benefits programs for people with disabilities: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You can check your eligibility for benefits online or over the phone at 1-800-772-1213.
Idaho Developmental Disabilities Services provides in-home, residential, and community supports to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Supports can include personal care, help with daily living activities, employment support, nursing services, and more.
Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) provides cash assistance to individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Eligible individuals may also receive AABD Medicaid.
Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) provides individuals with disabilities the tools, services, and supports required to achieve successful employment. Services include vocational rehabilitation counseling, employment services and supports, and provide technical assistance and training to businesses regarding the recruiting and hiring of people with disabilities.
DisAbility Rights Idaho (DRI) helps people with disabilities with their disability-related legal issues in Idaho. DRI provides tips and tools that individuals with disabilities can use to be their own best advocate and provide needed referrals to organizations that might be able to help.
Veteran's Programs
ID State Department of Veterans Affairs helps connect veterans and their family members to the benefits and services they earned through their military service.
Crisis Assistance
Magellan of Idaho provides statewide crisis services to adults aged 18 or older who are experiencing a crisis. Crisis line is available 24/7 at 1-855-202-0973 (TTY 711).
988 is a national suicide and crisis lifeline. Dial or text 988 for help in any type of behavioral health crisis.
Legal Assistance
Idaho Law Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes access to justice and legal education across Idaho. Idaho Law Foundation provides legal resources and offers public education programs to enhance understanding of the law.
Idaho Legal Aid Services provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals, seniors, and vulnerable populations in Idaho. Idaho Legal Aid Services help with civil legal matters such as housing, domestic violence, family law, public benefits, and consumer protection.
Idaho State Bar is an online resource for people who are in search of a lawyer or self-advocate resources. They also help solve problems if you have a complaint about a lawyer or need help understanding legal issues.
Tax Assistance
The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals from trained volunteers.