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The Support System Library

Every guide is organized into one of six plain-English categories. Start anywhere — we explain how each Support System works before we show you how to navigate it.

Support System Fundamentals

How Support Systems work, who runs them, and how to navigate them.

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Household Cost Management

Cost reduction, budgeting strategies, and utility and energy systems.

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Life Stage Support Navigation

Retirement, job loss, a new baby, disability, divorce, aging parents.

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Tax Offset & Credit Education

Credits, refunds, filing strategies, and offset programs.

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Healthcare Support Navigation

ACA Marketplace, Medicaid, prescriptions, clinics, coverage options.

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Housing & Living Cost Systems

Renting, homebuying, property tax offsets, and energy-cost programs.

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Category 01

Support System Fundamentals

Explorer

Fundamentals

How Support Systems Actually Work

A plain-English overview of what a Support System is, who runs them, and how to find the ones built for your household.

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Member

Fundamentals

How Eligibility Is Decided (Income, Household Size & More)

The common factors programs use to decide who qualifies — and how to read the rules without the jargon.

Member guide

Member

Fundamentals

Federal vs. State vs. Local: Who Runs What

Why the same Support System can look different in every state, and where to start looking.

Member guide

Category 02

Household Cost Management

Explorer

Cost Management

Lower Your Utility Costs With Energy Programs

How energy Support Systems like LIHEAP work, who they apply to, and the steps to check your eligibility.

Read free

Member

Cost Management

A Simple Household Cost Plan That Actually Sticks

A beginner-friendly way to map monthly costs and spot where a Support System could close a gap.

Member guide

VIP

Cost Management

State-by-State Energy & Utility Programs

An in-depth, state-specific walkthrough of utility cost programs, refreshed each quarter.

VIP walkthrough

Category 03

Life Stage Support Navigation

Member

Life Stage

Navigating Support Systems After a Job Change

Which programs commonly apply during a work transition, and how to check what you qualify to explore.

Member guide

Member

Life Stage

A New Baby: Support Systems for Growing Households

From healthcare coverage to tax credits, the systems worth understanding when your family grows.

Member guide

VIP

Life Stage

Caring for Aging Parents: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

An in-depth VIP walkthrough covering coverage, household costs, and offsets for caregivers.

VIP walkthrough

Category 04

Tax Offset & Credit Education

Member

Tax Offset

The EITC, Explained Without the Jargon

How the Earned Income Tax Credit works as a Support System, and who it commonly applies to.

Member guide

Member

Tax Offset

Tax Credits Households Miss Every Year

Commonly overlooked credits and offsets, and how to learn whether they apply to you.

Member guide

Explorer

Tool

Try the Tax Offset Estimator

Answer a few questions to see an estimated range of credits and offsets you may be able to explore.

Open tool

Category 05

Healthcare Support Navigation

Member

Healthcare

The ACA Marketplace for Total Beginners

What the Marketplace is, how coverage tiers work, and how to understand your options.

Member guide

Member

Healthcare

Medicaid & FQHCs: Where to Start

How Medicaid and community health centers fit together as a Support System for households.

Member guide

Explorer

Tool

Try the Healthcare Cost Navigator

Compare estimated monthly costs across coverage options and see which Support Systems apply.

Open tool

Category 06

Housing & Living Cost Systems

Member

Housing

Renting: Support Systems Worth Knowing

From rental programs to energy offsets, the systems renters most commonly overlook.

Member guide

Member

Housing

Property Tax Offsets for Homeowners

How property tax offset programs work and the qualification rules to look for.

Member guide

VIP

Housing

First-Time Homebuyer: A State-Specific Walkthrough

An in-depth VIP walkthrough of homebuyer Support Systems, updated quarterly by state.

VIP walkthrough

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