Applying for Assistance
Many families need assistance with affording health care and food for their children. This toolkit provides information about programs available to help families fulfill these needs.
Food Assistance
Free or Reduced Lunch
Contact your child's school to fill out an application for free or reduced lunch. If your family already receives SNAP or TANF benefits, your child will automatically qualify for free lunch. Also, many communities provide a summer meal or free lunches that are open to the community. Contact your school to find a summer meal site in your area. To find out more about the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Montana visit Benefits.gov.
Summer Meal Program
Summer meal programs are free and open to all children under age 18 regardless of income. No forms or questions required – just show up and eat! To find out where summer meals are served in your area, visit the USDA Meals for Kids Site Finder (Summer Site Finder).
Health Insurance
Healthy Montana Kids
Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) Plan is a free or low-cost health insurance plan for Montana children under age 19. Covered services include medical, mental health, dental, eyeglasses, and more. To be eligible for HMK, children must be a resident of Montana, under 19 years old, not covered by other health insurance (including Medicaid), and a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant.
Energy Assistance
LIEAP is a fuel assistance program that helps keep Montana families warm in the wintertime. For more information and to apply, visit the DPHHS website.