Government
Federal Government Information
These resources cover government at the federal (national) level. For resources at the state and local (county, city, etc.) level, please go to the State and Local Government Information page.
Search Federal Government Sites Directly
USA.gov is the U.S. government’s official web portal to all federal, state, and local government web resources and services.
You can browse the USA.gov site by topics.
Government Agencies and Elected Officials
A to Z List of All Federal Agencies
This USA.gov page lists all federal departments and agencies and lets you search for a department or agency by name as well.
Contact U.S. Senators
This page lists all current U.S. Senators by state with links to their websites, phone numbers, and email addresses.
Find My U.S. Representative
Enter your zip code to find your U.S. Representative and find links to his/her website and contact information.
Health and Healthcare
Healthcare.gov
This site directs you, based on your state of residence, to purchase insurance through either the appropriate state or federal health insurance marketplace.
MedlinePlus
MedlinePlus has medical information in English and over 45 other languages for patients and their families and friends. Find drug information, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, the latest health news, and tools such as calculators, quizzes, and questionnaires.
CDC Healthy Living
The Healthy Living section of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) site covers specific health conditions, health at different life stages, and health concerns for specific populations.
Medicare
Medicare is a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over who have paid into the system through payroll taxes on their wages. In order to receive benefits, you need to enroll. This page, getting started with Medicare, gives more information about setting up Medicare.
Assistance, Retirement, and Student Aid
Disaster Assistance
Find out if your address is in a declared disaster area and get links to local FEMA and Red Cross centers.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The SSA manages social security payments, which includes retirement, disability, and survivor benefits that is paid in through a payroll tax on your wages. This page includes tools to understand your contributions so far and estimate future payments. In order to start receiving retirement benefits, like with Medicare, you need to enroll. Here is the link to the SSA online application for receiving retirement benefits.
Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA)
The FAFSA is a free student aid application managed by the U.S. Department of Education. Most colleges and universities encourage students to fill out this application as part of their process for determining financial aid. Aid packages typically include a combination of grants (money you don’t have to pay back), loans, and work-study funds.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers all benefits for U.S. military veterans, their families, and survivors. This includes health care, educational, and burial benefits. The VA Applying for Benefits page covers the different kinds of benefits and how to apply for each.
Jobs and Unemployment
Find a Federal Government Job
This page explains the federal hiring process for different kinds of positions, including jobs in federal agencies, apprenticeships, and internships.
Federal Unemployment Information
If you’ve become unemployed through no fault of your own, or under certain eligibility requirements as outlined by state law, you qualify for unemployment benefits. This site covers those benefits and how to apply for them.
Money and Taxes
IRS Tax Forms and Publications
If you are looking for a specific federal tax form or publication, you can find it through this site.
Federal Tax Information and Online Services for Individuals
This site gives information about how to file, pay, and manage your taxes. It includes links to how to file for free if you are below a certain income level. There is also information for different individual situations, such as self-employment, military, parents, students, or retirees.
International Travel
U.S. Passports and International Travel
Learn how to apply for a passport, a requirement for traveling out of the country. Other links include travel checklists and U.S.-issued travel alerts and warnings.
U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens to be registered with nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate while traveling abroad. This allows the Embassy or Consulate to alert you about local safety issues while abroad and to assist with communications in the case of an emergency.
Citizenship and Naturalization
How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship
Learn the steps for becoming a U.S. citizen including how to apply and what is the naturalization process. Also find information on dual citizenship, get proof of your U.S. citizenship if you were born abroad, and replace your lost or stolen citizenship certificate.
Study for the Naturalization Test
In order to become a naturalized citizen, you will take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver. The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking. The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics. Learn more on this site about the test and the free study tools available to help you prepare.
Voting and Elections
Voter Registration Information
This USA.gov website lets you find out whether you are eligible to vote, deadlines for registering, and ID requirements for registering.
Researching Election Candidates
Learn more about candidates during an election in this overview from USA.gov.
How to Vote
This website covers information on absentee voting, early voting, and voting on Election Day.