Government Schemes and Benefits in the United States
Savings incentives, family payments, pensions and home buying help in the USA, each with a link to the official page.
Savings and Retirement
Social Security Retirement Benefits
A monthly pension once you have about 10 years of work (40 credits). Full retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later; claiming from 62 cuts the payment for life.
Official site401(k), 403(b) and IRAs
Tax advantaged retirement accounts. For 2026 you can defer up to $24,500 into a 401(k) and put up to $7,500 into an IRA, with extra catch up amounts from age 50.
Official siteSaver's Credit and Saver's Match
A tax credit of 10%, 20% or 50% of up to $2,000 you put into a retirement account, for people with low to moderate income. From 2027 contributions it becomes the Saver's Match: up to a 50% government match on the first $2,000, paid into your retirement account from 2028.
Official siteHealth Savings Account
With a qualifying high deductible health plan, contribute up to $4,400 for yourself or $8,750 for a family in 2026, tax free in, while invested and out for medical costs.
Official siteTrump Accounts for Children
A new tax advantaged investment account for children. Children born from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2028 who are US citizens with a Social Security number can receive a one off $1,000 government deposit. Elect with Form 4547; family and employer contributions are accepted from 4 July 2026.
Official siteSeries I Savings Bonds
Inflation protected bonds bought directly from the Treasury, up to $10,000 a year per person electronically.
Official siteFamily and Income Support
Earned Income Tax Credit
A refundable credit for working people with low to moderate income, larger with children. Many eligible people never claim it.
Official siteChild Tax Credit
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, of which up to $1,700 can be refunded if you have at least $2,500 of earned income. You and each child need a Social Security number valid for work.
Official siteChild and Dependent Care Credit
A credit for part of what you pay for childcare or adult care so you can work.
Official siteSNAP Food Benefits
Monthly help to buy groceries for households with low income, run by each state.
Official siteUnemployment Insurance
Weekly payments for a limited time after losing a job through no fault of your own. Apply to your state.
Official siteBuying a Home
FHA Loans
Mortgages insured by the government: 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or more, or 10% down from 500 to 579.
Official siteVA Home Loans
For eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses, often with no down payment and no mortgage insurance.
Official siteUSDA Rural Home Loans
No down payment loans for low and moderate income buyers in eligible rural areas.
Official siteState Housing Finance Agencies
Most states run down payment and closing cost help for first time buyers. Find yours through HUD.
Official siteChecked October 2026. Rules and amounts change, so confirm on the official page before you rely on a figure. Who to check with in the United States.