NAVIGATE

Life Guides

Going through a transition? Here's every tool you need, in order.

🌎 New to the US
💼 Lost a Job
👶 Just Had a Baby
🎓 Turning 18
🏥 Senior Check-In

New to the US

Six steps to navigate the systems that affect you most.

1
Check which benefits are safe
Before using any government program, know which ones affect your immigration case and which don't.
Benefit Safety Check →
2
Screen for benefits you qualify for
Even non-citizens qualify for emergency Medicaid, WIC (for US-born children), and school meals.
Benefit Screener →
3
Know your worker rights
Minimum wage, overtime, and protection from wage theft apply regardless of immigration status. The DOL investigates complaints confidentially.
Worker Rights →
4
Enroll your children in school
Every child can attend public school regardless of immigration status. Schools cannot ask about status. Your children have rights to bilingual services.
School Rights →
5
Find a health center
HRSA-funded community health centers serve everyone regardless of insurance or immigration status. Sliding scale fees.
Find Health Centers →
6
Know your rights if ICE comes
You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to open the door without a judicial warrant (signed by a judge, not just ICE). Call ICIRR at 1-855-435-7693.
Read Immigration Guides →

Just Lost a Job

Five steps to stabilize immediately.

1
Screen for benefits now
Job loss changes your eligibility. You may now qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and housing assistance. Check today.
Benefit Screener →
2
Check your final paycheck
Your employer must pay all wages owed including unused PTO (in some states). If they shorted you, that's wage theft.
Worker Rights →
3
File for the EITC
Even with partial-year income, you may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit — worth up to $7,830. File free at myfreetaxes.com.
File Taxes Free →
4
Get health coverage
Job loss is a qualifying life event — you can enroll in marketplace insurance within 60 days. If income dropped, check Medicaid.
Healthcare.gov →
5
Check your neighborhood resources
Food pantries, community health centers, legal aid, and utility assistance near you.
My Neighborhood →

Just Had a Baby

Five programs most new parents don't know about.

1
Apply for WIC immediately
WIC provides food, formula, and nutrition support for pregnant/postpartum people and children under 5. Fully funded — the only barrier is applying. Income limit: 185% FPL.
Check Eligibility →
2
Enroll baby in Medicaid/CHIP
Newborns get automatic Medicaid coverage if the mother was covered. If not, CHIP covers children at higher income levels than adult Medicaid.
InsureKidsNow →
3
Check childcare subsidies
Only 13% of eligible children receive childcare subsidies. Apply early — waitlists exist but they move. Contact your state childcare assistance office.
Childcare.gov →
4
Check all other benefits
A new baby changes your household size, which changes eligibility for SNAP, EITC (Child Tax Credit!), LIHEAP, and housing.
Full Benefit Screen →
5
Know your maternity/parental leave rights
FMLA provides 12 weeks unpaid leave (employers with 50+ employees). Some states and cities have paid leave. Your job must be held.
Worker Rights →

Turning 18

Five things no one tells you about becoming a legal adult.

1
Register for Selective Service
All males 18-25 must register — including undocumented immigrants. Failing to register blocks financial aid, government jobs, and citizenship. Takes 2 minutes.
Register Now →
2
Register to vote
If you're a US citizen, register to vote. In most states you can register online. Some states have same-day registration.
Vote.gov →
3
Check your credit report
You now have a credit file. Check it for free at annualcreditreport.com. If someone used your SSN as a child, errors may already be there. Dispute them now.
Free Credit Report →
4
Apply for financial aid
FAFSA opens October 1 each year. Even if you think you won't qualify, file — many grants are need-based and go unclaimed.
FAFSA →
5
Know your worker rights
Minimum wage applies to you. Overtime applies to you. Tip theft is illegal. If an employer calls you a "contractor" but controls your schedule, you may be misclassified.
Worker Rights →

Senior Check-In (65+)

Five things to check or revisit.

1
Compare Medicare plans
Plans change every year. During open enrollment (Oct 15 - Dec 7), compare plans by your specific medications and doctors.
Medicare Plan Compare →
2
Check medication prices
The same pill can cost 10x more at one pharmacy than another. Compare prices, and ask about Cost Plus Drugs for generics.
Drug Price Check →
3
Screen for LIHEAP and SSI
Seniors qualify for heating/cooling assistance (LIHEAP) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at different thresholds. Only 17% of eligible households apply for LIHEAP.
Benefit Screener →
4
Check your health risk numbers
Heart disease risk increases with age. Knowing your 10-year ASCVD risk helps you and your doctor make medication decisions.
Health Risk Check →
5
Know your neighborhood resources
Community health centers, legal aid, food assistance, and utility help near you. Many have senior-specific programs.
My Neighborhood →