State resources

Maine Resources for Dads

Programs we've checked for Maine, plus nationwide programs that also apply.

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Resources on this page were last checked against their official sources on October 26, 2026. Each card shows its own date and source. Programs change, so check the official site before you go.

Divorce

Statewide

More about Divorce

Custody & Parenting Time

Statewide

More about Custody & Parenting Time

Child Support

Statewide

More about Child Support

Financial Aid

Statewide

  • Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP) help paying for child care (Maine)

    Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS)

    The Child Care Affordability Program helps eligible Maine families pay for child care while parents work, go to school or job training, and helps some retired legal guardians. Care can be with a licensed child care program or an approved adult or relative. There is no fee to enroll; families pay a weekly copay on a sliding fee scale based on income, and the copay is waived for the lowest-income families. Apply online through the Baxter family portal. The program is available statewide.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Sliding scale
    Who it's for

    The parent must live in Maine and the child must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien. Income limits apply. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: ChildcareFinancial Aid

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP) help paying for child care (Maine))

  • General Assistance: emergency help from your town or city (Maine)

    Maine municipalities, with oversight by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office for Family Independence

    General Assistance helps people meet basic needs when they do not have the income or resources to do so. It can help pay for housing (rent, mortgage, room rent or temporary housing), household and personal supplies, and medical, dental and prescription costs. Apply in person at your local municipal (town or city) office. If you qualify, help is paid as a voucher to the vendor, and the town must give you a written decision. If you cannot reach your local GA office, call the DHHS toll-free hotline.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    People who do not have the income or resources to meet their own basic needs. Apply in the municipality where you live. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Financial AidEmergency AssistanceHousing

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for General Assistance: emergency help from your town or city (Maine))

  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) heating help (MaineHousing and Community Action Agencies)

    MaineHousing

    HEAP helps eligible Maine households pay home heating costs. Help can include fuel assistance, emergency fuel delivery, energy-related repairs and utility payments, and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) helps in a heating emergency. Applications go through your local Community Action Agency (or ProsperityME for Portland residents): apply online, or by phone or in person with the agency that serves your ZIP code. The season runs from August into the spring or until funds run out. MaineHousing lists the agency for each area and the documents to bring.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Maine households that meet income and household-size limits. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Financial AidEmergency Assistance

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) heating help (MaineHousing and Community Action Agencies))

  • MaineCare for children and young adults under 21, including Katie Beckett

    Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of MaineCare Services

    MaineCare provides free health insurance and other health benefits to children and young adults under 21 who meet income guidelines or disability criteria. Children under 19 with serious health conditions whose family income is too high for free MaineCare may get coverage through the Katie Beckett program for a low-cost premium. If a child under 19 loses MaineCare because family income goes up, the family can buy MaineCare coverage for up to 18 months. After your baby is born, call the Office for Family Independence as soon as possible to add your baby to MaineCare. Children on MaineCare are part of VitalCare for Kids, Maine's EPSDT screening and treatment program.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Children and young adults under 21 who meet income guidelines or disability criteria; Katie Beckett and the full-cost purchase option are for children under 19. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Financial AidInfant CareSpecial-Needs Parenting

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for MaineCare for children and young adults under 21, including Katie Beckett)

  • MaineCare health coverage (Maine Medicaid)

    Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office for Family Independence (OFI)

    MaineCare is Maine's free and low-cost health insurance program. It covers doctor visits, emergency care, substance use treatment and prescriptions, and has options for people with disabilities, former foster youth and people needing long-term care. Apply through My Maine Connection, by email or fax, or at a DHHS district office. OFI decides eligibility, usually within 45 days, and the Office of MaineCare Services runs the program. Members who owe a premium can pay it online.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Maine residents who meet income or disability rules; limits differ for children, adults and pregnant people. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Financial AidInfant Care

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for MaineCare health coverage (Maine Medicaid))

  • MaineHousing rental assistance: Housing Choice Vouchers, subsidized apartments and eviction prevention

    MaineHousing

    MaineHousing offers rental help for lower-income Maine households. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers pay part of the rent directly to the landlord for an apartment you choose, and subsidized apartments across the state have below-market rents. Waiting lists can be long, so MaineHousing suggests applying for both. Other programs include ReStart for voucher families working toward career and education goals, the STEP short-term rental assistance program for people leaving homelessness, and an Eviction Prevention Program run under contract by Project Home of Portland.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Income-eligible tenants; each program has its own rules. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: HousingFinancial Aid

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for MaineHousing rental assistance: Housing Choice Vouchers, subsidized apartments and eviction prevention)

  • TANF cash assistance and ASPIRE work supports (Maine)

    Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office for Family Independence (OFI)

    Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) gives cash help to Maine families with children while they work toward self-sufficiency. You can use the prescreening tool in My Maine Connection, then apply online, by mail, email or fax, or at a district office. TANF participants take part in ASPIRE, which offers job training, education, work supports, job search help and a career plan, with support services such as child care, gas and car repairs. The HOPE program helps with post-secondary training, and Transitional Child Care and Transitional Transportation help families leaving TANF for work.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Families with dependent children living in the home, and pregnant individuals, who meet income and other rules. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Financial Aid

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for TANF cash assistance and ASPIRE work supports (Maine))

More about Financial Aid

WIC

Statewide

  • Maine WIC (Women, Infants and Children)

    Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), Maine WIC Nutrition Program

    WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding and lactation support, and referrals to pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum people, infants, and children up to age 5. Fathers, guardians and foster parents can apply for children in their care. People getting MaineCare, SNAP or TANF may qualify automatically on income.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    People living in Maine, including migrant workers, who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum (baby born in the last six months), and infants and children under 5, within income guidelines. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: WICInfant Care

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Maine WIC (Women, Infants and Children))

More about WIC

SNAP (Food Assistance)

Statewide

  • Maine SNAP food assistance (Food Supplement Program)

    Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office for Family Independence (OFI)

    SNAP gives eligible low-income Maine households a monthly benefit to buy food. Apply online through My Maine Connection, by downloading an application and mailing or emailing it to OFI, by phone, or in person at a regional DHHS office. OFI decides on most applications within 30 days, and households recertify every 12 months. Maine also offers SNAP Employment and Training at no cost, and Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards to stretch benefits at farmers markets and stores. Maine extends food benefits to some non-citizens who do not qualify under federal rules, and DHHS states that it does not report applicants to immigration authorities.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Any Maine resident whose household meets the program's income and other rules. Some adults without dependents must meet work requirements. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: SNAP (Food Assistance)

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Maine SNAP food assistance (Food Supplement Program))

More about SNAP (Food Assistance)

Housing

Statewide

County programs

More about Housing

Childcare

Statewide

  • Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP) help paying for child care (Maine)

    Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS)

    The Child Care Affordability Program helps eligible Maine families pay for child care while parents work, go to school or job training, and helps some retired legal guardians. Care can be with a licensed child care program or an approved adult or relative. There is no fee to enroll; families pay a weekly copay on a sliding fee scale based on income, and the copay is waived for the lowest-income families. Apply online through the Baxter family portal. The program is available statewide.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Sliding scale
    Who it's for

    The parent must live in Maine and the child must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien. Income limits apply. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: ChildcareFinancial Aid

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP) help paying for child care (Maine))

  • Child Care Choices: finding child care in Maine

    Child Care Choices (Maine)

    Child Care Choices helps Maine families make decisions about child care. It explains the types of care in Maine, including licensed centers, family child care homes, nursery schools, family, friend and neighbor care, Head Start, and school-age programs, and has a statewide search for child care providers. Contact the program by email with questions.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Any family looking for child care in Maine. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Childcare

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Child Care Choices: finding child care in Maine)

  • Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Maine

    Maine Department of Education (DOE), Head Start State Collaboration Office

    Head Start is a federally funded program that gives young children, especially from low-income families, a strong start. Programs offer play-based early learning, health screenings, meals and connections to medical, dental and mental health care, plus family support. The Maine DOE Head Start State Collaboration Office keeps a list of Maine's local Head Start grantees by region, including tribal Head Start programs, with links to each program's enrollment information.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Young children, especially from low-income families; contact the local program for enrollment rules. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: ChildcareInfant Care

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Maine)

  • Public pre-K for 4-year-olds (Maine school districts)

    Maine Department of Education (DOE), Early Learning Team

    Maine school districts (school administrative units) decide locally whether to offer public pre-K for 4-year-olds, and most now do. The Maine DOE publishes a map of the towns with a public pre-K program, which you can search by town, county or school district to find a contact number. Ask your local school district about enrollment.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    4-year-olds in school districts that offer public pre-K; availability and hours vary by district. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Childcare

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Public pre-K for 4-year-olds (Maine school districts))

More about Childcare

Family Counseling

Statewide

County programs

More about Family Counseling

Mental Health

Statewide

More about Mental Health

Infant Care

Statewide

  • Child Development Services (CDS): early intervention and preschool special education (Maine)

    Maine Department of Education (DOE), Child Development Services (CDS)

    Child Development Services is a state agency under the Maine Department of Education. It provides Early Intervention for children from birth through age two (IDEA Part C) and a Free Appropriate Public Education for children ages three to five with disabilities. CDS runs Child Find, screenings and evaluations through regional sites; families can find the site serving their town from the CDS families page. Maine school districts are taking on preschool special education, with all districts expected to offer it by July 1, 2028.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Children from birth to age 5 with, or suspected of having, a developmental delay or disability. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Special-Needs ParentingInfant Care

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Child Development Services (CDS): early intervention and preschool special education (Maine))

  • Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Maine

    Maine Department of Education (DOE), Head Start State Collaboration Office

    Head Start is a federally funded program that gives young children, especially from low-income families, a strong start. Programs offer play-based early learning, health screenings, meals and connections to medical, dental and mental health care, plus family support. The Maine DOE Head Start State Collaboration Office keeps a list of Maine's local Head Start grantees by region, including tribal Head Start programs, with links to each program's enrollment information.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Young children, especially from low-income families; contact the local program for enrollment rules. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: ChildcareInfant Care

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Maine)

  • Maine WIC (Women, Infants and Children)

    Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), Maine WIC Nutrition Program

    WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding and lactation support, and referrals to pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum people, infants, and children up to age 5. Fathers, guardians and foster parents can apply for children in their care. People getting MaineCare, SNAP or TANF may qualify automatically on income.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    People living in Maine, including migrant workers, who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum (baby born in the last six months), and infants and children under 5, within income guidelines. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: WICInfant Care

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Maine WIC (Women, Infants and Children))

  • MaineCare for children and young adults under 21, including Katie Beckett

    Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of MaineCare Services

    MaineCare provides free health insurance and other health benefits to children and young adults under 21 who meet income guidelines or disability criteria. Children under 19 with serious health conditions whose family income is too high for free MaineCare may get coverage through the Katie Beckett program for a low-cost premium. If a child under 19 loses MaineCare because family income goes up, the family can buy MaineCare coverage for up to 18 months. After your baby is born, call the Office for Family Independence as soon as possible to add your baby to MaineCare. Children on MaineCare are part of VitalCare for Kids, Maine's EPSDT screening and treatment program.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Children and young adults under 21 who meet income guidelines or disability criteria; Katie Beckett and the full-cost purchase option are for children under 19. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Financial AidInfant CareSpecial-Needs Parenting

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for MaineCare for children and young adults under 21, including Katie Beckett)

  • MaineCare health coverage (Maine Medicaid)

    Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office for Family Independence (OFI)

    MaineCare is Maine's free and low-cost health insurance program. It covers doctor visits, emergency care, substance use treatment and prescriptions, and has options for people with disabilities, former foster youth and people needing long-term care. Apply through My Maine Connection, by email or fax, or at a DHHS district office. OFI decides eligibility, usually within 45 days, and the Office of MaineCare Services runs the program. Members who owe a premium can pay it online.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Maine residents who meet income or disability rules; limits differ for children, adults and pregnant people. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Financial AidInfant Care

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for MaineCare health coverage (Maine Medicaid))

More about Infant Care

Special-Needs Parenting

Statewide

  • Child Development Services (CDS): early intervention and preschool special education (Maine)

    Maine Department of Education (DOE), Child Development Services (CDS)

    Child Development Services is a state agency under the Maine Department of Education. It provides Early Intervention for children from birth through age two (IDEA Part C) and a Free Appropriate Public Education for children ages three to five with disabilities. CDS runs Child Find, screenings and evaluations through regional sites; families can find the site serving their town from the CDS families page. Maine school districts are taking on preschool special education, with all districts expected to offer it by July 1, 2028.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Children from birth to age 5 with, or suspected of having, a developmental delay or disability. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Special-Needs ParentingInfant Care

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Child Development Services (CDS): early intervention and preschool special education (Maine))

  • Maine Parent Federation: Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)

    Maine Parent Federation (MPF)

    Maine Parent Federation is Maine's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. Staff, many of them parents of children with disabilities, answer questions about services, educational rights and specific disabilities through a toll-free statewide line, and help with more complex problems. MPF offers workshops and trainings on special education law, a lending library, a resource map and a quarterly newsletter.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    All Maine families of children and youth with disabilities from birth through age 26, with special emphasis on underserved and isolated families. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Special-Needs Parenting

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Maine Parent Federation: Parent Training and Information Center (PTI))

  • MaineCare for children and young adults under 21, including Katie Beckett

    Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of MaineCare Services

    MaineCare provides free health insurance and other health benefits to children and young adults under 21 who meet income guidelines or disability criteria. Children under 19 with serious health conditions whose family income is too high for free MaineCare may get coverage through the Katie Beckett program for a low-cost premium. If a child under 19 loses MaineCare because family income goes up, the family can buy MaineCare coverage for up to 18 months. After your baby is born, call the Office for Family Independence as soon as possible to add your baby to MaineCare. Children on MaineCare are part of VitalCare for Kids, Maine's EPSDT screening and treatment program.

    Where
    Maine
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Children and young adults under 21 who meet income guidelines or disability criteria; Katie Beckett and the full-cost purchase option are for children under 19. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Financial AidInfant CareSpecial-Needs Parenting

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for MaineCare for children and young adults under 21, including Katie Beckett)

More about Special-Needs Parenting

Emergency Assistance

Statewide

County programs

More about Emergency Assistance

Nationwide programs that also apply

These programs serve families anywhere in the U.S., including Maine.

  • 211 (United Way 211)

    United Way 211

    Call 211 for confidential help connecting to local community services, such as housing, homelessness, and utility bill assistance. 211.org can also help you find your local 211.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Phone
    211
    Who it's for

    Free and confidential to call. Programs you're referred to set their own rules. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Emergency AssistanceHousing

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for 211 (United Way 211))

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    Free, confidential support 24/7 by call, text, or chat. You don't have to be suicidal to reach out; reasons include relationships, economic worries, substance use, depression, and loneliness. Spanish: press 2 or text AYUDA to 988. Veterans: press 1.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Phone
    988
    Who it's for

    Available to anyone in the United States and its territories. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Mental HealthEmergency Assistance

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

  • ChildCare.gov

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care

    Helps parents find safe, quality child care in their community that fits their family's needs. It links to each state's or territory's child care websites, where parents can search for child care and consumer education information.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Information site open to everyone. The state programs it links to set their own rules. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Childcare

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for ChildCare.gov)

  • Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

    Childhelp

    A safe, nonjudgmental space by call, text, or chat for anyone concerned about or affected by child abuse. It is not a reporting line and is not connected to 911; the site lists each state's child abuse reporting contacts.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Open to anyone. The hotline may have to share information with authorities if a child is being harmed or someone intends to act on suicidal thoughts. In California, child abuse reports go to your county's CPS line. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Emergency AssistanceFamily Counseling

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline)

  • Crisis Text Line

    Crisis Text Line

    Free, confidential, 24/7 support by text message. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to reach a trained volunteer crisis counselor for stress, anxiety, loneliness, substance use, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Available to anyone in the United States. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Mental HealthEmergency Assistance

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Crisis Text Line)

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

    Internal Revenue Service

    A federal tax credit that helps low- to moderate-income workers and families reduce taxes owed and possibly increase their refund. The IRS site has a qualification checker and links to free tax preparation help.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    For workers with low to moderate income; the amount can depend on children or dependents and other factors. The IRS notes refunds for EITC claims are held until mid-February. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Financial Aid

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC))

  • Find Shelter

    U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

    HUD's tool for finding housing, shelter, health care, and clothing resources by location. It also links to help paying rent, applying for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), talking to a housing counselor, and reporting housing discrimination.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Open to anyone searching. Each local program found through the tool has its own eligibility rules. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: HousingEmergency Assistance

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Find Shelter)

  • Find Your Parent Center (Parent Training and Information Centers)

    Center for Parent Information and Resources

    A finder for the nearly 100 Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) in the US and territories. These centers work with families of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, birth to 26, and help parents take part in their children's education and development.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    For families of children and youth with disabilities, birth to 26. Each Parent Center sets its own services. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Special-Needs Parenting

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Find Your Parent Center (Parent Training and Information Centers))

  • FindTreatment.gov

    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

    A confidential, anonymous search tool for finding mental health and substance use treatment facilities in the United States, with guides on treatment options and paying for treatment.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Free to search. Each facility sets its own intake rules and costs. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Mental Health

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for FindTreatment.gov)

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline

    National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Free, confidential, 24/7 support from advocates by call, chat, or text (START to 88788), including crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local resources. Help is available for anyone affected by relationship abuse.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Open to anyone. The Hotline does not give direct financial help (like cash or hotel vouchers) but can connect you with local resources. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Emergency AssistanceFamily Counseling

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for National Domestic Violence Hotline)

  • National Parent & Youth Helpline

    Parents Anonymous

    Free, confidential support for parents, children, and youth from trained Helpline Specialists by call, text, or live chat, available 24/7. Run by Parents Anonymous, which also offers Parents Anonymous support groups.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    For parents, children, and youth. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Family CounselingMental Health

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for National Parent & Youth Helpline)

  • National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (Fatherhood.gov)

    U.S. Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance

    A federally funded national resource for fathers. Offers a library of fatherhood resources, activities for dads and kids, topics like co-parenting, blended families, and economic stability, a Program Map to find local fatherhood programs, and a National Call Center for dads.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Open to all fathers and the public. Local programs found through the Program Map set their own eligibility. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Family Counseling

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (Fatherhood.gov))

  • Postpartum Support International: Help for Dads

    Postpartum Support International (PSI)

    Support for fathers dealing with depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after a baby arrives. Includes a call/text HelpLine, free peer support such as support groups (including a group for dads) and a peer mentor program, a weekly Chat with an Expert call, and a directory of perinatal mental health providers.

    Not for emergencies. The PSI HelpLine is not a crisis hotline and does not handle emergencies. In a crisis, call 988 or your local emergency number, or call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-852-6262 (24/7).

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    For dads facing perinatal mental health challenges. The PSI HelpLine is not a crisis hotline and does not handle emergencies. You leave a confidential message any time and a trained volunteer returns your call or text; messages are returned every day, within 8am-11pm EST. In a crisis, call 988 or your local emergency number, or call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-852-6262 (24/7).

    Topics: Mental HealthInfant Care

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Postpartum Support International: Help for Dads)

  • Safe to Sleep

    National Institutes of Health (NICHD)

    A national campaign with evidence-based guidance to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths, plus tummy time tips and free printable materials for parents and grandparents.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Free information for anyone caring for a baby. Talk with your child's doctor about your baby's specific needs. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Infant Care

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Safe to Sleep)

  • SAMHSA's National Helpline

    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

    Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish for people and families facing mental health or substance use disorders. Connects callers with local treatment, support groups, and community organizations. It does not provide counseling.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Open to anyone. No insurance needed; people without insurance may be referred to state-funded or sliding-fee programs. TTY: 1-800-487-4889. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: Mental Health

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for SAMHSA's National Helpline)

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Administration

    The federal SNAP program provides food benefits to low-income families to help with their grocery budget. In California, SNAP is called CalFresh and you apply through the state.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    For low-income households. In California, apply for CalFresh; the county decides eligibility. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: SNAP (Food Assistance)

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP))

  • WIC: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

    U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Administration

    The federal WIC program provides healthy foods, personalized nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals from pregnancy until a child turns 5. Includes an eligibility checker and a tool to find WIC near you.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    WIC serves women who are pregnant, recently pregnant, or breastfeeding, and babies and kids under 5. USDA says moms, dads, foster parents, and anyone raising kids under 5 can apply for the children in their care. See the official site for current rules.

    Topics: WICInfant Care

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source for WIC: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)