How do I find out quickly which programs my Montana family qualifies for?

Call or text 2-1-1 (text your zip code to 898-211) any time, day or night. Montana 2-1-1 specialists can screen you for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, energy assistance, food pantries, housing help, and more in a single call. You can also start an online benefits screening at dphhs.mt.gov through the MT HELP Center.

Is there emergency help for Montana families facing eviction or homelessness?

Yes. Call 2-1-1 to be connected with local emergency rental assistance funds and shelter programs in your area. HUD funds Continuum of Care networks across Montana that coordinate homeless services; your local CoC can be found through HUD's website or via 2-1-1. Montana DPHHS also administers the Emergency Assistance program for families with children in certain crisis situations—ask your local Office of Public Assistance for details.

My child has no health insurance. Can they get coverage even if I don't qualify for Medicaid?

Very likely yes. Montana's Healthy Montana Kids program (the state's CHIP) covers children in families with incomes above the Medicaid limit. There is no waiting period and enrollment is year-round. Apply at dphhs.mt.gov or call your local DPHHS Office of Public Assistance for a free eligibility check.

What should I do if I suspect a child in Montana is being abused or neglected?

Call the Montana Child Abuse Hotline at 1-866-820-5437. This line is operated by Montana DPHHS Child and Family Services and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reports can be made anonymously. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.

Child & Family Assistance Resources in Montana

Last updated September 11, 2026

Montana families facing financial hardship, health crises, or safety concerns have access to a range of state and federally funded programs administered through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Whether you need help buying groceries, covering a child's medical costs, finding safe housing, or navigating a family crisis, there are real resources available to you—and you don't have to find them alone.

The fastest way to identify what you qualify for is to call 2-1-1 Montana (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211). Trained specialists available around the clock can connect you with local food pantries, utility assistance, child care subsidies, and more—no wrong door, no referral needed. You can also apply for many state-administered benefit programs online through the MT HELP Center at dphhs.mt.gov.

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224). These lines are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Key programs in Montana

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Montana DPHHS

Provides monthly electronic benefits (EBT card) to low-income individuals and families to purchase groceries. Benefit amounts are based on household size and income.

How to access: Apply online through the Montana DPHHS MT HELP Center at dphhs.mt.gov, visit your local DPHHS Office of Public Assistance, or call 2-1-1 for help with the application.

Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – Montana DPHHS

Medicaid covers comprehensive health care for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. CHIP (Healthy Montana Kids) covers children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

How to access: Apply at dphhs.mt.gov via the MT HELP Center, call your local DPHHS Office of Public Assistance, or call 2-1-1. Enrollment is open year-round and there is no waiting period for children.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) – Montana DPHHS

Helps eligible low-income households pay heating and cooling costs. Montana also offers a weatherization component to reduce long-term energy bills. Benefit levels and open enrollment periods vary by year.

How to access: Applications are accepted through local Community Action Agencies across Montana when the program is open. Call 2-1-1 or visit dphhs.mt.gov to find the nearest intake site and check current enrollment dates.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) – Montana DPHHS

Subsidizes child care costs for income-eligible working families, families in job training, or families involved with child protective services. Parents choose from licensed or legally exempt providers.

How to access: Apply through your local DPHHS Office of Public Assistance or online at the MT HELP Center at dphhs.mt.gov. Eligibility is based on income and household size.

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) – Montana DPHHS

WIC Program teaches her how to breastfeed. Once she’s had her baby, WIC provides peer counseling and support as well as breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding moms on WIC also receive more food and for a longer time period.

Cameron, Texas(254) 697-4913

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Child & Family Assistance Resources in Montana

Key programs in Montana

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Montana DPHHS

Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – Montana DPHHS

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) – Montana DPHHS

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) – Montana DPHHS

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) – Montana DPHHS

Child & Family Assistance resources for Montana

Alliance for Period Supplies

American Pregnancy Association

Babylist

Breast Pumps Through Insurance

Cribs for Kids At Home

I Support The Girls

Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Share The Love

She Supply

Tiny Treasures Milk Bank

WIC Breastfeeding Support

Other resources in Montana

Child & Family Assistance in other states