Situation library

Life situations

Start with the event in your life, then work through the agencies that need to know.

Choose the situation that matches your goal

Start with the outcome you need. Each situation organizes the related procedures, agencies, forms, and questions.

Getting or renewing a U.S. passport

Choose the correct form, prepare evidence, check fees, and plan around processing time.

Moving to a new state or U.S. territory

A federal, state, territory, and local checklist for address changes and records.

Applying for unemployment benefits

Find the correct state program, prepare the initial claim, and follow ongoing certification rules.

Apply for SNAP benefits

Find the correct state application, complete the interview, and provide requested verification.

Apply for Medicaid

Find the correct state program, submit an application, and respond to eligibility verification.

Get or replace a Social Security card

Choose an original number, replacement card, or corrected record and prepare the right evidence.

Sign up for Medicare

Identify your enrollment period, decide whether to take Part A and Part B, and apply through the correct agency.

Apply for Social Security disability benefits

Compare SSDI and SSI, prepare medical and work information, and submit the official application.

Get an IRS tax transcript

Choose the correct transcript type and request it online, by mail, phone, or Form 4506-T.

Get an employer identification number (EIN)

Determine whether the entity needs an EIN, identify the responsible party, and apply free through the IRS.

Apply for Social Security retirement benefits

Compare start dates, review your earnings, coordinate Medicare, and file through Social Security.

Apply for federal student aid with the FAFSA form

Choose the award year, meet the earliest deadline, invite contributors, and review the processed form.

Renew or replace a Green Card

Choose the correct USCIS form, filing reason, evidence, fee route, and temporary proof of status.

Apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization

Confirm the eligibility basis, residence and travel history, N-400 filing, interview, tests, and oath.

Get a certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate

Find the issuing jurisdiction, choose the correct certified copy, prove identity, and order through an official vital-records channel.

Get a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID

Find your issuing agency, prepare jurisdiction-specific identity and residence evidence, and understand the federal travel rules.

Apply for WIC benefits

Find the correct state, territory, tribal, or local WIC agency and prepare for certification.

Apply for LIHEAP home energy assistance

Find the correct state, territory, tribal, or local program and prepare an application for energy-bill or crisis help.

Apply for VA disability compensation

Understand service connection, preserve a potential effective date, prepare evidence, and file through the correct VA claim route.