# Helper: A little help with the paperwork.

> Helper is a free, unofficial web app that helps people 60 and older find their state's official SNAP and energy-help pages, print a checklist of papers, and keep an interview date.

By Donovan Baney (@baney75). Page: https://dbaney.com/projects/helper/

- **Price:** Free
- **Status:** Live
- **Runs on:** Any modern browser
- **Built with:** TypeScript, Vite
- **License:** MIT
- **Source:** https://github.com/baney75/helper
- **Live:** https://baney75.github.io/helper/
- **Documentation:** https://dbaney.com/projects/helper/docs/ (Markdown: https://dbaney.com/projects/helper/docs.md)

## Why I built it

USDA reported that in fiscal year 2022, only 55% of eligible people 60 and older took part in SNAP, compared with 88% overall. Helper can't submit an application, but it can get someone to the official page, make a list of what to bring, and keep a date from getting lost.

## Simple on purpose

It is three steps: find the official page, print the papers, save the date. Text is large, there is no account, and progress stays in the browser on that device. If the internet drops, the checklist and saved date still work. On a shared computer, **Erase this device** clears everything before you hand it to someone else.

## Honest about money

Energy programs are seasonal and funds can run out, so meeting an income cutoff is never presented as a promise of help. The optional screen says "likely worth applying" or "maybe," never "eligible."

## Three steps, no account

- Enter a ZIP code or pick a state to open the official SNAP and energy-help pages.
- Print a checklist of the papers to bring.
- Save, change or download an interview or recertification date on your own device.
- No account, and answers are never sent to a server.

## Limits

Helper is not a government website. It does not decide a case or file an application. If it conflicts with an agency notice, follow the agency.

## Questions and answers

### What is Helper?

Helper is a free, unofficial web app that helps people 60 and older find their state's official SNAP and energy-help pages, print a checklist of papers, and keep an interview date.

### Is Helper free?

Yes. Helper costs nothing, and its source code is on GitHub under the MIT license.

### Do I need an account to use Helper?

No. Open Helper in any modern browser. There is no account and nothing to install.

### Does Helper send my answers anywhere?

No. Progress saves in the browser on that device and is never sent to a server. On a shared computer or phone, Erase this device clears everything.

### Is Helper a government website?

No. Helper is unofficial. It links to each state's official pages, but it does not decide a case or file an application. If it conflicts with an agency notice, follow the agency.

### Does Helper have limits?

Helper is not a government website. It does not decide a case or file an application. If it conflicts with an agency notice, follow the agency.

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