Table of Contents

Dial 211 for Help With Your Finances

The free service can connect you to a variety of options for help

By

Rebecca Lake

Updated March 26, 2024

Reviewed by Pamela Rodriguez

Key Takeaways

211 is a federally designated number to locate social service referrals and other forms of assistance.
The 211 program covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
The 211 services help families with children, people with disabilities, older Americans, youth, and anyone needing financial assistance.

What Is 211?

The 211 network comprises various agencies working together to help residents find resources and assistance. Callers who dial 211 can be connected with local agencies that can help. The service is designed to assist those who are elderly, disabled, or experiencing a personal crisis and accommodates individuals who are not fluent in English, are new to their community, or have limited reading skills.

Services are located for veterans, individuals struggling with mental illnesses or special needs, people experiencing domestic violence, individuals who have encountered a natural disaster, and ex-offenders who need help after incarceration. Nonprofit organizations like Goodwill and United Way support the service which responded to 15.3 million requests and made 19 million referrals in 2023.

Individuals do not need to qualify to use 211, and resources are available for all.

History

A coalition of United Way organizations and community-based groups recognized the need for a national helpline to connect individuals with community resources and services. In 1997, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated "211" as the national abbreviated dialing code, launched in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 2006, Congress passed the "Calling for 2-1-1 Act," which authorized federal funding for 211 services. By calling this number, individuals are connected with options for help, including federal, state, and local programs that offer financial assistance.

Financial Assistance

The 211 network operates by referral for financial assistance that includes:

Making rent or mortgage payments
Paying utilities (including electric bills, gas bills, propane bills, and water bills)
Applying for Medicaid or Medicare assistance
Getting health insurance
Covering childcare expenses
Paying for medical care or prescription drugs
Purchasing food
Getting gas money or bus fare
Preventing homelessness
Paying burial and cremation expenses
Training or transportation assistance to get to work
Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Programs and Resources

Callers with financial needs may be referred to programs such as:

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federal program that funds local agencies to help with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Provides those struggling with food insecurity a list of food pantries or food banks in their area.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program: Provides individuals with supplemental food assistance.
Debt counseling: For individuals having trouble paying credit cards or loans. A nonprofit credit counselor can review the financial situation, including budget, spending habits, and debts, to help develop a solution for managing it.

Other Help Offered by 211

The 211 network encompasses a broad range of organizations with access to:

Mental health resources
Drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation programs
Elderly care support
Child, youth, or family support
Suicide prevention services
Work assistance services

How 211 Works

Callers begin by dialing 211. The call is routed to a local or regional calling center. A 211 center referral specialist will ask what help is required and then connect the caller with an appropriate agency or organization. Callers may need to complete an application with the local social services department or referral agency.

Getting a referral from 211 doesn’t automatically mean that each qualifies for benefits. Social services programs usually base qualifications on income, household size, or financial assets.

You can also look for help online. Just enter your ZIP code on the 211 website to see which resources may be available near you.

What Are Some Limitations to Using 211?

Though 211 is available in almost all areas of the United States, coverage varies within each state. Due to limited resources and staff, 211 centers may have limited capacity to assist all callers. During high call volume or emergencies, wait times may be longer. There may also be some limitations based on local availability, eligibility criteria, and other factors that change the types of programs offered in different areas.

What Kind of Financial Assistance Does 211 Provide?

While 211 does not offer financial assistance directly, the service can connect you with organizations or agencies that do. Some situations for which 211 may be able to offer referrals include rent and mortgage assistance, utility assistance, food assistance, transportation assistance, and homelessness prevention.

Is My Personal Information Safe When Using 211?

211 is a confidential service. You don’t have to disclose information about yourself or your family. The 211 call center specialists can still provide referrals even if you make calls anonymously.

The Bottom Line

211 connects callers, at no cost, to critical financial and social services in their community. Where 911 is used for more urgent emergencies, 211 is a resource individuals can use for services, including financial assistance. This resource can guide individuals to programs to help prevent homelessness, aid job training, make mortgage payments, or obtain healthcare coverage.

Article Sources

Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

211.org. “About 211.”
Federal Communications Commission. “Dial 211 for Essential Community Services.”
211.org. "Our Impact."
Federal Communications Commission. "FCC 97-51: In the Matter of The Use of N11 Codes and Other Abbreviated Dialing Arrangements."
United Way of Greater Atlanta. "About 211."
Telecommunications and Information Policy Institute, University of Texas at Austin. "211 State by State: Nationwide Implementation of 211-Accessed Information and Referral Services."
U.S. Congress. "H.R.211 - Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2009: Summary."
United Way 211. “Financial Assistance Programs.”

Take the Next Step to Invest

×

The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Investopedia receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear. Investopedia does not include all offers available in the marketplace.