Applying for any of these programs is completely free — and getting help applying is free too. This quick-reference list rounds up the verified free benefit programs available to San Antonio residents in 2026, grouped by category. Each entry shows what free help it offers, the official phone number, and a link to learn more and apply.
Food
San Antonio Food Bank — Benefits Assistance
Free food plus free help applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF; navigators follow up within 24–48 hours.
Phone: 210-431-8326
Learn moreSNAP Food Benefits (Texas HHSC)
Monthly grocery money loaded on a Lone Star Card (up to $298/mo for one person in FY2026).
Phone: 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905
Learn moreWIC — Women, Infants, and Children (San Antonio Metro Health)
Free healthy food, nutrition classes, and breastfeeding support for pregnant and postpartum women and children under 5.
Phone: 800-942-3678
Learn moreFree Food Assistance Programs
Free food, groceries, and meals from local pantries and organizations (Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army, and more).
Phone: 210-431-8326
Learn moreFree Pet Food Assistance Programs
Free pet food and supplies to help low-income families keep their pets fed (San Antonio Humane Society, Animal Defense League, and more).
Phone: 210-226-7461
Learn moreHealth Care
Texas Medicaid (Texas HHSC)
Free health coverage for low-income children, families, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Phone: 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905
Learn moreTexas CHIP — Children’s Health Insurance Program
Low-cost health coverage for kids 18 and under (enrollment $50 or less per family per year).
Phone: 2-1-1
Learn moreSan Antonio Metro Health — Public Health Services
Immunization clinics, STI/HIV services, WIC, and maternal/child health for San Antonio and unincorporated Bexar County.
Phone: 210-207-8780
Learn moreFree Mental Health Assistance Programs
Free counseling, therapy, and crisis intervention for anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress (Center for Health Care Services, NAMI, Crisis Center, and more).
Phone: 210-261-2427
Learn moreHousing
City of San Antonio Housing Assistance Program (HAP)
Free temporary rental and utility assistance — up to 3 months of rent plus up to $1,500 in utility help.
Phone: 210-207-5910
Learn moreOpportunity Home San Antonio (Public Housing & Section 8)
Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers with income-based rent (around 30% of income).
Phone: 210-477-6000
Learn moreRight to Counsel — Free Eviction Legal Aid (City + TRLA)
Free attorney help for low-income households facing eviction.
Phone: 210-212-3703
Learn moreHUD-VASH — VA Supportive Housing (veterans)
Rental voucher plus VA case management for homeless veterans; entry through VA referral.
Phone: 877-424-3838
Learn moreFinancial
TANF Cash Help (Texas HHSC)
Monthly cash for families with children 18 and younger with little to no money.
Phone: 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905
Learn moreTexas Unemployment Benefits (TWC)
Temporary partial income replacement ($75–$605/week, up to 26 weeks) if you lost your job through no fault of your own.
Phone: 800-939-6631
Learn moreCity of San Antonio Housing Assistance Program (HAP)
Free emergency rent and utility assistance for households facing instability (also listed under Housing).
Phone: 210-207-5910
Learn moreEducation
Federal Pell Grant
Federal grant up to $7,395 for the 2026–27 award year for college, career, or trade school — never has to be paid back.
Phone: 1-800-433-3243
Learn moreTEXAS Grant (Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success)
Need-based Texas grant up to $5,399/semester for Texas residents at Texas public universities.
Phone: 888-311-8881
Learn moreWIOA Career Services — Workforce Solutions Alamo
Free career counseling, skills training, and on-the-job training at 16 career centers.
Phone: 210-438-0581
Learn moreChild Care Services (CCS) Scholarships — TWC
Child care scholarships for parents who work or attend school/training.
Phone: 210-230-6300
Learn moreFree Books Assistance Programs
Free books for children, families, and individuals to foster literacy (library giveaways, Books for Kids, Little Free Library, and more).
Phone: 210-207-2500
Learn moreFree Job Training Assistance Program
Free job training in healthcare, IT, skilled trades, and manufacturing — career counseling, resume workshops, job placement (Alamo Colleges, Goodwill, Workforce Solutions Alamo, Project QUEST, and more).
Phone: 210-486-0450
Learn moreFree Computers & Laptop Program
Free or low-cost computers, laptops, and digital literacy training for low-income families and students (Goodwill Tech for Good, PCs for People, and more).
Phone: 210-924-8581
Learn moreSmall Business
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
Long-term financing up to $5M per loan, with the SBA guaranteeing part of the loan; apply through SBA-approved lenders.
Phone: 1-800-827-5722
Learn moreUTSA Small Business Development Center
Free confidential one-on-one business advising plus no-cost and low-cost workshops — business plans, funding, marketing, and government contracting.
Phone: (210) 458-2460
Learn moreVeterans
VA Benefits — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Health care enrollment, disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, pensions, and more.
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Learn moreHUD-VASH — VA Supportive Housing (South Texas VA)
Rental voucher plus VA case management for homeless veterans; entry through VA screening and referral.
Phone: 877-424-3838
Learn moreTexas Veterans Commission
Free help filing disability claims, job placement, and education benefits for Texas veterans and families.
Phone: 1-800-252-8387
Learn moreHome & Family Essentials
Free Clothes Assistance Programs
Free clothing for adults, children, job interviews, and seasonal needs (Goodwill, Salvation Army, church closets, and more).
Phone: 210-924-8581
Learn moreFree Diapers Assistance Programs
Free diapers, wipes, and baby essentials for families in need (Food Bank Diaper Program, Diaper Bank of San Antonio, WIC, and more).
Phone: 210-431-8326
Learn moreFree Furniture Assistance Programs
Free furniture and household items to furnish homes (Goodwill, Salvation Army, Furniture Bank, and more).
Phone: 210-924-8581
Learn moreFree Bed Assistance Programs
Free beds and essential furniture for families and individuals in need (Goodwill, Salvation Army, Furniture Bank, and more).
Phone: 210-924-8581
Learn moreFree Daycare Assistance Program
Free daycare, preschool, and early education for low-income families — infants, toddlers, and children aged 3-5 (YMCA, SAISD Pre-K, Head Start, and more).
Phone: 210-207-7830
Learn morePhones & Internet
Free Phone Assistance Program
Free cell phones, monthly service, and minutes for eligible low-income residents through Lifeline providers (Assurance Wireless, Safelink, and more).
Phone: 800-234-9473
Learn moreFree Wifi Assistance Programs
Free Wi-Fi and internet access for low-income families, students, and individuals (libraries, Comcast Internet Essentials, T-Mobile Project 10Million, and more).
Phone: 210-207-2500
Learn moreTransportation
Free Transportation Assistance Program
Free or discounted rides for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income families — medical appointments, grocery shopping (VIA, SA Connect, and more).
Phone: 210-362-2020
Learn moreLegal Help
Free Legal Assistance Programs
Free legal advice, consultations, and representation for low-income residents — family law, immigration, disability rights, criminal defense (TRLA, SALSA, and more).
Phone: 210-212-3700
Learn moreNot sure where to start? Our free Apply for Me program matches you to the right programs and helps you apply.
