Stories from the team

How to File a VA Disability Claim in Texas (and the State Benefits That Come With It)

How to file a VA disability claim in Texas: how to apply, how ratings work, and the state benefits Texas adds on top.

How to File a VA Disability Claim in California (and the State Benefits That Come With It)

How to file a VA disability claim in California: three ways to apply, what to bring, and what the state adds to your federal benefits.

How to Claim the Child Tax Credit in Texas and Get Your Refund Fast

How to claim the Child Tax Credit for 2025: what to file, how much you can get, and what changed under the new federal law.

How Much Is the Child Tax Credit in 2026?

The Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17. That amount is now permanent, set by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed in July 2025, and it adjusts for inflation in the years after 2025. So the $2,200 you can claim on the return you file in early 2026 carries forward into 2026 and beyond. That's the headline number. The harder question is whether you'll see any of it as cash. The answer depends on how much tax you owe, and this guide walks you through it in pla

Child Tax Credit vs Child and Dependent Care Credit: What's the Difference

Child Tax Credit vs. Child Care Credit: what each one covers and how to claim both on your tax return.

How to Claim the Child Tax Credit in California (Plus State Credits You Can Stack)

How to claim the Child Tax Credit: what to file, how Schedule 8812 works, and where to get free help.

How to Claim the EITC in California (and the CalEITC on Top)

California Earned Income Tax Credit: how to claim both CalEITC and the federal EITC in one tax season.

How to Apply for CalWORKs in California (and What It Includes)

CalWORKs explained: how California's cash assistance program works, who qualifies, and what most families don't know to ask for.

How to Apply for TANF in Texas (and What the Cash Covers)

How to apply for Texas benefits: online, by phone, or in person — and what to bring before you start.

How to Apply for LIHEAP in Texas: Steps and Documents ​

How to apply for LIHEAP in Texas: call 2-1-1, find your local agency, and what to expect next.

How to Apply for LIHEAP in California (and What to Stack With It)

How LIHEAP pays your energy bill: what the benefit covers, how much you can get, and what else to apply for.

How to Apply for ACA Insurance in Texas (2026 Guide)

How to apply for ACA insurance in Texas in 2026: where to go, key deadlines, and what to do if you missed open enrollment.