general24/7 in most areas
211 — Local Help, Any Need
United Way nationwide help line. Connects you with local food, housing, utility, healthcare, employment, and crisis services in your community.
2-1-1Official siteLong-term
Financial Help
Whether it’s mounting debt, unemployment, a tax problem, or a civil legal matter, the right help is usually a nonprofit counselor, a state agency, or a free legal aid lawyer — not a payday loan. We point you to accredited credit counselors, state unemployment offices, IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service, and the Legal Services Corporation network. None of these charge you to talk; we just help you find the right one.
Programs we refer to
A team members know which of these apply to your situation. We tell you which one fits, who runs it, and what to ask when you call them.
Nonprofit Credit Counseling
Free or low-cost help from NFCC-accredited counselors. We refer to one near you.
Unemployment Benefits
State unemployment insurance application and appeals. We tell you which agency in your state handles claims.
IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service
Free help with tough IRS situations. We refer you to your state’s advocate office.
Legal Services Corporation Network
Free legal aid for civil matters: family, housing, consumer, immigration. We tell you the closest provider.
Real Phone Numbers, Real Help
Need help tonight?
These free, verified hotlines can connect you to assistance immediately — no application needed. We list them here as a public service.
educationMon–Fri business hours
American Job Center / CareerOneStop
Free help finding jobs, training programs, career resources, and unemployment benefits info from the U.S. Department of Labor. Call 1-877-US2-JOBS.
1-877-872-5627Official siteeducationMon–Fri, 8am–11pm ET
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Help completing the FAFSA, finding Pell Grants, FSEOG awards, federal loans, and work-study programs.
1-800-433-3243Official sitefinancialMon–Fri, 7am–7pm local time
IRS Individual Help Line
Tax filing help, refund status, payment plans, hardship installment agreements, offers in compromise.
1-800-829-1040Official sitefinancialMon–Fri, 8am–7pm local time
Social Security Administration
Apply for Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Replace cards, check status.
1-800-772-1213Official siteveteransMon–Fri, 8am–9pm ET
VA Benefits Hotline
Veteran benefits — health care enrollment, disability compensation, pensions, education (GI Bill), home loans, burial.
1-800-827-1000Official siteNote: These are official government and 501(c)(3) hotlines we share as a public service. Ask Helping Hand is not affiliated with these organizations.
Ready to find out?
Call a team members. We'll listen, open a ticket, and tell you exactly which programs to call — and what to ask when you do.
Call free(844) 572-3682