Federal Assistance and Programs

Learn more about the federal programs, tax credits, and benefits available in Puerto Rico to support individuals, families, farmers, and communities across the island.

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN/NAP)

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN/NAP) is a federal block-grant food assistance program helps low-income households purchase food; administered locally by ADSEF (Administration for Socio-Economic Development of the Family).

📞 PAN/NAP Main Line: (787) 294-4900

📞 ADSEF Help/Eligibility: (787) 289-7600

📞 EBT/Flexible Benefits Hotline: 1-877-467-4832 For more general information about the program, click HERE.

WIC Program

The Puerto Rico WIC Program provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under age five.

📍 Mailing Address P.O. Box 25220 San Juan, PR 00928

📞 Phone (787) 766-2805

Ext. 5156 – General Information
Ext. 5057 – Services
Ext. 5096 – Client Support

How to Apply: Call the main number or visit the website to request an appointment at the clinic closest to your municipality. Bring photo ID, proof of address, income information, and pregnancy or medical documentation if available. For more general information, visit HERE.

📍 Local WIC Clinic Locations: Find the nearest WIC clinic near you, by clicking HERE.

Temporary Assistance & Family Support

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federally funded program that helps families in Puerto Rico meet basic needs during financial hardship. On the island, TANF is administered locally by the Administracion para el Desarrollo Socioeconomico de la Familia (ADSEF), which operates under the Department of the Family and manages eligibility, payments, and support services.

What TANF can help with:

Temporary cash assistance for basic household expenses
Employment and job-training referrals
Support services for parents and caregivers working toward self-sufficiency

Who can apply: Low-income families with minor children who meet Puerto Rico’s income and residency guidelines.

How to Apply in Puerto Rico: Apply online or in person through ADSEF’s official services portal.

Residents can also visit a local ADSEF office in their municipality for in-person assistance with applications and required documents.

Farmers Market & Senior Nutrition Programs

These federally funded programs help stretch food budgets while supporting Puerto Rico’s local agriculture. Eligible participants receive vouchers or electronic benefits that can be used to buy fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey directly from authorized farmers, roadside stands, and farmers markets across the island. The programs also promote healthier eating, improve access to nutritious foods in communities, and keep dollars circulating in Puerto Rico’s agricultural economy.

How to Apply: Ask your WIC clinic or local senior-services office for enrollment details and participating locations.

Housing Programs USDA Rural Housing Programs (Home Loans & Repair) provides direct homeownership loans, home repair loans/grants, and guaranteed loans in rural areas.

How to Apply: Visit a local USDA Rural Development office in Puerto Rico or contact approved lenders for guaranteed loans.

Housing & Community Resources (HUD): Call 2-1-1 or (787) 268-5353 to connect to local housing help, vouchers, and homelessness support programs in Puerto Rico.

Agricultural Programs (Farmers, Growers & Producers)

USDA Service Centers & Rural Development: Local USDA offices in Puerto Rico can help with federal agricultural programs, disaster relief, farm loans, and rural housing support.

Crop and Livestock Insurance: Administered by the USDA through approved local agents, crop insurance helps protect farmers against hurricane damage, drought, flooding, and other natural disasters.

Emergency Loans & Farm Loans: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers low-interest emergency loans after disasters and operating or ownership loans for producers who cannot secure commercial credit.

Additional Agriculture Resources

How to Apply? Visit or call your local USDA Service Center to apply for farm loans, disaster assistance, technical help, or housing programs like homeownership loans.

USDA Rural Development – Puerto Rico State Office

654 Ave. Muñoz Rivera, Suite 601, San Juan, PR 00918

Phone Number: 787) 766-5095 | Email: sm.puertoricord@usda.gov Some

USDA Rural Development programs allow online interest registrations through the RD

Apply portal: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rd-apply

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Puerto Rico

LIHEAP is a long-standing federal program that helps families manage electricity costs, avoid utility shutoffs, and in some cases receive minor energy-related home repairs. The program is funded by the federal government and locally administered in Puerto Rico through housing and community-development agencies designated by the territorial government.

What LIHEAP can help with:

Paying electric bills
Preventing power disconnections
Emergency assistance during energy crises
Limited repairs to keep electricity running safely

Who can apply: Households with limited income, especially seniors, people with disabilities, families with young children, and households facing utility shutoffs.

How to apply in Puerto Rico: Call 3-1-1 for guidance on the nearest LIHEAP intake office in your municipality, or visit USA.gov’s energy-assistance page to be directed to Puerto Rico’s administering agencies.

Local municipal offices and community organizations can also help residents start the application process.