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All life events

Not safe at home

Safety first, then a place to stay and money of your own.Help in Idaho, from the federal government, and near you.

If you are in danger now, call 911

You can talk with an advocate any time. It is free and private, and they can help you make a safety plan.

If someone checks your phone, use a private window or a safer device.

What to do first

  1. If you are in danger now, call 911.
  2. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. Someone answers any time.
  3. Use a phone or computer the other person cannot check, and a private browser window.
  4. Ask the hotline or 211 about shelter and your state's programs for people leaving abuse.
  5. When you are safe, apply for health coverage, food and cash help in your own name.

Talk it through

If it is safe to type, tell us what is going on. Use a private browser window on a device the other person cannot check.

Dates that matter

These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.

  • 60 days

    Health coverage

    People leaving domestic abuse can sign up for their own Marketplace plan outside open enrollment. You have 60 days.

    Source: HealthCare.gov

Help from Idaho

Idaho programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Idaho Housing and Finance Association

    Homelessness Services

    Regional Access Points connect people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with local housing resources.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • Idaho Housing and Finance Association

    Housing Choice Voucher Program

    Housing Choice Vouchers help eligible renters pay for housing in participating counties.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

  • Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

    Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho

    In Idaho, TANF is called TAFI.

    TAFI provides monthly cash assistance to eligible low-income families.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

  • Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

    SNAP helps eligible Idaho households buy food.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

  • Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

    Idaho Medicaid

    Idaho Medicaid helps eligible residents pay for health care.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal help

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • TheHotline.org

    National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Free and confidential. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find shelter near you.

  • LSC.gov

    Free legal help

    Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.

Checked on October 9, 2026

Help near you

Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.

Offices near you

Type a five-digit ZIP code or a county in Idaho.

Talk to a person