Low-Income Resources in Alabama

This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.

Food resources
Housing and utilities
Child and family care
Healthcare resources
Crisis care
Debt help

Food resources

If you need help with groceries, start with Alabama SNAP (Food Assistance) through the Alabama Department of Human Resources. For WIC and local food pantry options, the resources below can help you understand what’s available before applying. If you are unsure where to begin, see the Crisis care section for 211 Connects Alabama.

Food Assistance (SNAP) — Alabama Department of Human Resources

Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details, then apply online when ready.

Program overview: Alabama Food Assistance (SNAP)
Apply: MyDHR Alabama (online SNAP application)

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Alabama Department of Public Health

Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Learn about the program and connect with a local WIC clinic.

Program overview: Alabama WIC Program (ADPH)

Find a food bank or pantry — Feeding Alabama

Helps with: Connecting to Alabama’s food bank network and local food distribution options.
How to start: Use the network directory to find your local food bank, then follow their “find food” tools.

Feeding Alabama (statewide food bank network)
Find food tools: Need Help (food finder links)

Housing and utilities

If housing or utility bills are the main concern, Alabama routes many programs through state agencies and local partners. For energy help, start with LIHEAP through ADECA. For renter resources and affordable housing information, AHFA provides statewide guidance and search tools.

Energy assistance (LIHEAP) — Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)

Helps with: Help paying home energy costs for eligible households (delivered through local agencies).
How to start: Review program details, then contact the local agency for your county or region.

Program overview: Alabama LIHEAP (ADECA)
Local agency map / contacts: LIHEAP map and contact list

Renter resources and affordable housing tools — Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA)

Helps with: Rental resources, affordable housing search tools, and guidance for renters.
How to start: Start with renter resources and the apartment finder tools.

AHFA rental resources

Child and family care

Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. In Alabama, child care subsidy is managed through the Alabama Department of Human Resources and delivered through local child care management agencies. Temporary cash assistance is provided through Alabama DHR’s Family Assistance program.

Subsidized child care — Alabama Department of Human Resources

Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible families (through local child care management agencies).
How to start: Review program details and use the statewide map to connect with your local agency.

Program overview: Child care subsidy overview (Alabama DHR)
Child care subsidy line: 1-866-528-1694

Family Assistance (TANF cash assistance) — Alabama Department of Human Resources

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance for basic needs for eligible families with children.
How to start: Review eligibility and application options, then apply when ready.

Program overview: Family Assistance (Alabama DHR)
Eligibility and how to apply: Family Assistance eligibility requirements
Online portal (if applicable): MyAlabama.gov (Family Assistance services)

Healthcare resources

If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, Alabama’s Medicaid program provides coverage for eligible residents. For children and teens, ALL Kids (CHIP) and certain Medicaid programs can be applied for through the state’s online system.

Alabama Medicaid — Information and how to apply

Helps with: Health coverage for eligible Alabama residents, including certain low-income and disability-based categories.
How to start: Review application guidance and submit the correct application for your situation.

Apply instructions: Applying for Medicaid in Alabama
Recipient call center: 800-362-1504

ALL Kids (CHIP) and children’s Medicaid — Insure Alabama (ADPH)

Helps with: Low-cost healthcare coverage options for eligible children and teens in Alabama.
How to start: Review program details, then apply online when ready.

Program overview: ALL Kids (ADPH)
Apply: Insure Alabama (online application)
ALL Kids help line: 1-888-373-KIDS (5437)

Find a community health center — HRSA

Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by location to find a clinic near you.

HRSA Find a Health Center

Crisis care

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.

211 Connects Alabama

Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and community services.
How to start: Call 211, text your ZIP code, or search the online directory.

Dial: 2-1-1
Toll-free: 1-888-421-1266
Text: ZIP code to 898-211
211 Connects Alabama

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Alabama)

Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.

Call or text: 988
988 information (Alabama Department of Mental Health)

Alabama Domestic Violence Hotline — Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Helps with: Confidential support and connection to domestic violence services across Alabama.
How to start: Call the statewide hotline to reach an advocate.

Call: 1-800-650-6522
ACADV (Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
National hotline: National Domestic Violence Hotline

Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)

Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.

Call or text: 800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Helpline details

If debt is part of the picture

Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.

Talk with Money Fit Debt management plan help Payday loan help

Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/alabama/