Free tax help (AARP Tax-Aide)
Program: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Free in-person, drop-off, and online tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers. No AARP membership needed.
Who qualifies: Anyone who needs it — no application
See the rule
“AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance to those who qualify, free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Up to $2,500 back for the first years of college
Program: American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
An education tax credit worth up to $2,500 per student for the first four years of college; up to $1,000 is refundable, so it can pay out even if you owe no tax.
Who it’s for: Students (you or a dependent) in their first four years of college, at least half-time, with income under $90,000 ($180,000 married)
See the rule
“AOTC allows a credit up to $2,500 per eligible student. ... AOTC is partially refundable, 40%. ... Your modified adjusted gross income must be less than $90,000, ($180,000 if married filing jointly).” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Skip Portland's $35 Arts Tax
Program: Portland Arts Tax Exemption
Skip Portland's $35 Arts Tax if your household is at or below the poverty line, or your only income is Social Security, SSI, PERS, or VA disability. File a short form each year.
Who it’s for: Homes making under about $1,330 a month (for 1 person)
See the rule
“Qualifying taxpayers with only non-taxable income (for example, Social Security, Federal Employee Retirement, Oregon Public Employee Retirement, U.S. Treasury interest, VA disability income) OR income below the federal poverty-level AND are either 70 years old or older or permanently disabled can request a permanent filing exemption” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
A safe, low-fee bank account
Program: Bank On Oregon
Help finding a checking account with no overdraft fees, no low-balance fee, and a low or waivable monthly fee.
Who qualifies: Anyone who needs it — no application
See the rule
“We can help you find a safe, affordable account.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
BIA cash help for basic needs
Program: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Monthly financial help for essential needs like food, clothing, shelter, and utilities for people who can't get TANF.
Who it’s for: Enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe in a BIA service area who can't get TANF
See the rule
“Provides financial assistance payments to eligible Indians for essential needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and utilities.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Lower a child support order that no longer fits
Program: Oregon Child Support Order Modification
A free review and possible change of a child or medical support order so payments match your current income.
Who it’s for: A parent with an Oregon support order, 35 months after it took effect or sooner with a big change in circumstances
See the rule
“You may ask us to review the child or medical support terms of your order if it has been at least 35 months since the order took effect.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Property tax break for disabled veterans
Program: Disabled Veteran or Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption
Exempts part of your home's value (about $27,000–$32,000, rising yearly) from property taxes. File with your county assessor.
Who it’s for: Veterans, and people who own their home — veterans certified 40% or more disabled who own and live in their home, and some surviving spouses
See the rule
“If you are a disabled veteran, you may be entitled to exempt some of your homestead property's assessed value from your property taxes.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
A tax refund for working families
Program: Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
A refundable federal tax credit for working people with low to moderate income — can boost your refund
Who it’s for: Working people with low-to-moderate income (the amount depends on your income and how many children you have)
See the rule
“The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe - and maybe increase your refund.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
A tax credit for child or dependent care so you can work
Program: Federal Child and Dependent Care Credit
A credit for part (20%–35%) of what you pay for care of a child under 13 or a disabled dependent so you can work or look for work. (Oregon's WFHDC is the refundable companion.)
Who it’s for: Families with kids — filers with earned income who paid for care of a child under 13 or a disabled dependent so they could work
See the rule
“You may be eligible if: You (and your spouse if filing a joint return) have earned income ... You paid qualified expenses for the care of a qualifying individual to enable you (and your spouse, if filing a joint return) to work or actively look for work.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Up to $2,200 back per child at tax time
Program: Federal Child Tax Credit
A tax credit for each child under 17 — up to $2,200 per child, and up to $1,700 of it is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe little or no tax. Separate from the Oregon Kids Credit.
Who it’s for: Families with kids — families with a child under 17 who has a Social Security number; the refundable part needs at least $2,500 of earnings; income up to $200,000 ($400,000 married)
See the rule
“You qualify for the full amount of the Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child if you meet all eligibility factors and your annual income is not more than $200,000 ($400,000 if filing a joint return).” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Student loan payments based on income — as low as $0/month
Program: Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) for federal student loans
Caps your monthly federal student-loan payment as a share of your income and family size instead of your balance. Low-income borrowers can pay $0/month, and any balance left is forgiven after 20–25 years.
Who it’s for: Anyone with federal student loans — your payment is set by your income and family size, and can be $0
⚠ Plans are changing (the SAVE plan ended March 2026; Income-Based Repayment is still open; a new plan launched July 2026). Apply free at studentaid.gov — never pay a company to enroll.
See the rule
“With an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, you can make lower monthly payments on your federal student loans based on your income and family size.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Free help with IRS tax problems (LITC)
Program: LASO Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
Free legal representation in tax disputes with the IRS or Oregon Department of Revenue.
Who it’s for: Low-income taxpayers, or those whose first language isn't English, with an IRS or state tax dispute
See the rule
“We work to ensure the fairness and integrity of the tax system for taxpayers who are low-income or for whom English is not the primary language spoken in the home.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Free tax filing and help getting an ITIN
Program: MFS CASH Oregon — Free Tax Prep & ITIN Help
Free federal and state tax filing by certified volunteers, plus help applying for or renewing an ITIN so you can file and claim credits.
Who it’s for: Homes making under about $5,000 a month
See the rule
“If you or your dependents need to apply for an ITIN, our volunteers can assist you with this process.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
An extra Oregon tax refund
Program: Oregon Earned Income Credit (EIC)
Oregon adds its own credit on top of your federal EITC — 9% of your federal EITC, or 12% if you have a dependent under 3
Who it’s for: People who qualify for the federal EITC
See the rule
“If you qualify for the federal earned income tax credit (EITC) , you can also claim the Oregon earned income credit (EIC). If you have a dependent who is younger than 3 at the end of the tax year, your Oregon EIC is 12 percent of your federal EITC; otherwise, your EIC is 9 percent of your federal EITC.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Matched savings — up to $5 for every $1 you save
Program: Oregon IDA Initiative (Individual Development Accounts)
Matched savings toward a home, education, or business (often $5 for every $1 saved), plus financial coaching.
Who it’s for: Oregonians with low-to-moderate income saving toward a home, school, or business
See the rule
“Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) offer matching cash for asset building, information about financial systems, and community-based support for Oregonians with low to moderate incomes.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
$1,050 per young child at tax time
Program: Oregon Kids Credit
Refundable $1,050-per-child tax credit for kids ages 0-5 (up to 5 kids) — full amount if your modified AGI is $26,550 or less, phasing out above that
Who it’s for: Families with kids, and homes making under about $2,210 a month — families with children ages 0 to 5
See the rule
“The Oregon Kids Credit is a refundable credit for people with young dependent children. For 2025, if your adjusted gross income (AGI) after Oregon additions and subtractions (your modified AGI) is $26,550 or less, the full credit is $1,050 per child for up to five dependent children ages 0 to 5 at the end of the tax year.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Unemployment benefits
Program: Oregon Unemployment Insurance
Weekly cash benefits if you lost a job or had hours cut through no fault of your own. Apply through Frances Online.
Who it’s for: Workers who lost a job or hours through no fault of their own and are able, available, and looking for work
See the rule
“If you have lost your job or had your hours reduced, you may qualify for benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Program.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Oregon credit that pays you back for child or dependent care
Program: Oregon Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC)
A refundable Oregon credit that helps pay for care of your dependents so you can work, look for work, or go to school. Any amount beyond the tax you owe is paid to you.
Who it’s for: Homes making under about $3,990 a month (for 1 person) — families paying for care of a child or a disabled dependent so they can work, job-hunt, or attend school
See the rule
“The credit under this section is not allowed to a taxpayer with federal adjusted gross income or Oregon adjusted gross income, whichever is greater, in excess of 300 percent of the federal poverty level.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Free help understanding how work affects your benefits
Program: Oregon Work Incentives Network (WIN) Benefits Counseling
Free certified counseling on how earning wages affects your SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and other benefits — so you can work without losing coverage.
Who it’s for: People on SSI or SSDI who are working or want to work
See the rule
“The Work Incentives Network is one of two Oregon programs that offer no-cost benefits counseling to Oregonians with disabilities who are interested in working.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
State retirement savings account (OregonSaves)
Program: OregonSaves State Retirement Savings
A Roth IRA funded through payroll deductions, so you can save for retirement even if your employer offers no plan. The account stays with you.
Who it’s for: Private-sector workers whose employer offers no retirement plan (or anyone who signs up)
See the rule
“The OregonSaves retirement program is administered by Upward Oregon, which is a division of the Oregon State Treasury.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Delay your property taxes (seniors & disabled)
Program: Oregon Senior & Disabled Property Tax Deferral
The state pays your county property tax (a 6% lien accrues)
Who it’s for: People who own their home, and people 62 or older or people with a disability
🗓 Apply January 1–April 15.
See the rule
“The household income limit for 2026 is $70,000.” Official site ↗
“Participants must be at least 62 years of age or disabled and eligible to receive federal Social Security Disability benefit and have owned and lived in their home for 5 years.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Student loan forgiveness for government or nonprofit workers
Program: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Forgives your entire remaining federal Direct Loan balance, tax-free, after about 10 years (120 payments) of full-time work for government or a nonprofit.
Who it’s for: People with federal Direct Loans who work full-time for government, tribal government, the military, or a qualifying nonprofit
See the rule
“Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) allows qualifying federal student loans to be forgiven if you work for a qualifying public service employer and make 120 qualifying monthly payments.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
A tax credit for putting money into retirement savings
Program: Saver's Credit (Retirement Savings Contributions Credit)
A tax credit worth 10%–50% of what you put into a retirement account (IRA, 401(k), OregonSaves), up to a $1,000 credit ($2,000 married). Reduces the tax you owe.
Who it’s for: Low-income workers 18+ who aren't full-time students or a dependent, and who put money into a retirement account (income under about $38,000 single / $76,000 married for 2024)
See the rule
“Depending on your adjusted gross income reported on your Form 1040 series return, the amount of the credit is 50%, 20% or 10% ... The maximum contribution amount that may qualify for the credit is $2,000 ($4,000 if married filing jointly), making the maximum credit $1,000 ($2,000 if married filing jointly).” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Siletz Tribal cash and job help for Native families
Program: Siletz Tribal TANF / 477 Self-Sufficiency Program
Tribal cash assistance (on a prepaid card), work experience, and self-sufficiency support for Native families.
Who it’s for: Families with kids — Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families in the Siletz Tribe's 11-county service area
See the rule
“We serve Federally Recognized American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian families” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Monthly cash if you're 65+, blind, or disabled with almost nothing
Program: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
A monthly federal cash payment (up to about $994 a month for one person in 2026) for basics like food and housing. In Oregon you may also get a small state add-on, and SSI usually comes with the Oregon Health Plan.
Who it’s for: People 65 or older or people with a disability — people with very little income and under about $2,000 in savings ($3,000 for a couple) — no work history needed
See the rule
“Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people who have little to no income. You must also either: Have a disability, or Be 65 or older” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Cash help for families with kids (TANF)
Program: Oregon TANF & JOBS Program
Monthly cash for low-income families with children, plus JOBS help with transportation, car repairs, child care, and job training.
Who it’s for: Families with kids — families responsible for a child under 19, unemployed or underemployed with low income and assets
See the rule
“The Job Opportunity and Basic Skills program (JOBS) is for families who have TANF.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.