Programs that provide cash or tokens for individuals who have no personal means of transportation and are unable to use public transportation (or a taxi service) for necessary local travel without assistance with the fare. Also included are programs that provide bus fare for people who need to travel out of town (e.g., for a funeral) but do not have the means to do so.

Programs that provide money or vouchers to purchase gasoline, most frequently for individuals who need their automobile for necessary local or out-of-town travel but cannot afford to run their vehicle without assistance, but occasionally for people driving through the local area who have become stranded.

Programs that pay all or a portion of the utility bills of people whose utilities have been or are at risk of being shut off including any reconnection fees that may apply. Also included are non-emergency programs like those funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), also referred to as LIEAP or HEAP in some states, that provide home energy assistance, generally in the form of a credit, for low-income households that apply. The assistance is usually available once per calendar year (or heating season). Utility bill payment assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.

Programs that pay the hospital bills, doctor bills, laboratory expenses or other health care expenses of people who are unable to obtain necessary health care without assistance. Also included are programs that provide vouchers which enable eligible individuals to obtain medical care. Medical bill payment assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.

People whose annual income is within the federal poverty level guidelines which vary according to family size and are revised annually.

Individuals who currently have jobs or who could have a job, generally at a low-income level, but are at risk of becoming or remaining unemployed because they do not have a reliable means of transportation.