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6 Ways to Get Free Money From the Government
#1
Wink 
There is government money to help you during the COVID crisis, as well as for everyday needs.
Kelsey SheehyJan 4, 2021

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Whoever said “nothing in life comes free” didn’t take into account government programs that help people pay for things like college, day care and a new home. And during the coronavirus outbreak, there is even more assistance available to you.
Free money from the government: COVID relief and more
The high-priority free money from the government these days is COVID relief. Use NerdWallet's stimulus check calculator to determine how much COVID relief money you could expect and find a link to track the status of your payment from the U.S. Treasury.
Above and beyond pandemic payouts, there are other day-to-day government programs available to those in need. But unlike COVID assistance, you'll have to seek out and apply for these financial boosts.
Most of these programs are funded by taxes, so technically you pay something, but it's as close as you’ll get to finding free money from the government. Note that the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the availability of some of these programs.
1. Get help with utility bills
Need help paying your heating or phone bill? These programs may be able to help:
  • The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households cover heating and cooling costs. Grants are issued via states, which receive funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. Each state sets its own eligibility requirements, including income levels.
  • The Lifeline program offers discounted phone or internet service. You must meet certain eligibility requirements.
Plan your comeback strategy
Check up on all your spending at a glance to spot your trends and opportunities to save more.



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2. Find money for child care
Day care is a major expense for many families. Annual costs for infant care range from just shy of $5,000 in Mississippi to more than $22,600 in Washington, D.C., according to the Economic Policy Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on low- and middle-income workers.
The Child Care and Development Fund can help ease the burden for low-income families. Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the fund gives states, territories and tribes money to distribute to families to help pay for child care. Grants are income-based and typically cover care for children under 13. Find the Child Care and Development Fund contact for your state.
3. Recover unclaimed money
This isn’t so much free money as it is money owed to you. It could be a long-forgotten deposit paid to a utility company, a lost savings bond, unclaimed life insurance benefits or an uncashed paycheck.
These unclaimed funds are turned over to the state when the owner can’t be located, often due to a clerical error or companies having an old address on file. Visit unclaimed.org, a site affiliated with the National Association of State Treasurers, to find out if you have money waiting to be claimed.
During the 2019 fiscal year, more than $3 billion in previously unclaimed property was returned to owners, with an average claim payment of $1,780.
4. Get down payment assistance
You want to buy a home but can’t afford a down payment. Enter state-based down payment assistance. These grants and loans help you cover the upfront costs of purchasing a home.
In Nevada, for example, prospective homeowners who qualify can pay a fee and receive a grant of up to 5% of their home loan value to put toward a down payment and closing costs. Help isn’t reserved for low-income borrowers. For government loans, Nevada’s grant program is available to those with an annual income below $98,500. See if you qualify.
See NerdWallet's guide to find down payment assistance programs in your state.
5. Find tax credits for health insurance
The future of the Affordable Care Act is murky at best. But for now, the premium tax credits issued via the program are alive and well. Here’s how they work:
Individuals and families who buy coverage through the government's health insurance marketplace (HealthCare.gov) may qualify for a credit toward their insurance premiums. The credit can be paid directly to your insurance provider, lowering your monthly payments.
6. Apply for college grants
College grants, like the federal Pell Grant, can make it easier to pay for college. Students who are eligible for the Pell Grant could get up to $6,345 for the 2020-21 award year. The exact amount awarded is based on factors that include financial need, the cost of attendance and enrollment status. Students can apply for the Pell Grant by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The application is also used to qualify for many state and institutional grants and scholarships.
Other federal grants for college include:
  • The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
  • The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant.
  • The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.
You can also look for scholarships using the U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search tool.
Watch out for scams
While there are ways to get free money from the government, there are also grant scams that claim to give you free money from the government in hopes of stealing from you. Don’t be fooled. The government rarely reaches out to people with offers of free money, and when it does, it’s never via social media.

Like stimulus checks? See 12 other legit ways to get free government money

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Like stimulus checks? See 12 other legit ways to get free government money
"Free government money"? Come on, that's a scam, right?
Well yeah, there are scammers who try to steal your personal information and your money with promises of free pots of gold from the government. But there also are many legitimate ways your Uncle Sam can provide you with some cash with no strings attached.
The stimulus checks to help Americans get through the pandemic are an obvious example. But you might also receive money if you're buying your first home, preparing to go to college, needing some help with your monthly bills — or if you're just absent-minded and left behind a savings account somewhere.

Take a look at these completely legit ways you can get free money from the government.
1. Unclaimed tax refunds and other forgotten funds
Love getting a tax refund? It seems many people aren't that enthusiastic about getting money back from the IRS, because $1 billion or more in tax refunds go unclaimed every year.
Americans have three years to file a tax return and claim refund money. When they don't, it goes back into the tax agency's coffers.
There's no penalty for not filing a tax return if you're due a refund, but it's worth your while to file each year just in case Uncle Sam does owe you something. Good tax software will walk you through the process and track down all the deductions that apply to you.
Meanwhile, more than $40 billion is out there for the taking from forgotten bank accounts, life insurance policies, utility deposits and other sources, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. You can see if you've got any long-lost money by checking MissingMoney.com or Unclaimed.org.
2. Missing stimulus checks
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Filing your taxes is especially important this year because it’s an essential step if you want to claim a lost stimulus check.
Two rounds of checks went out last year, totaling $1,200 and $600 for most Americans. If you failed to receive one of these “economic impact payments,” you can apply for a Recovery Rebate Credit on Form 1040 of your federal tax return.
Filing your return also will give you a chance to update your info with the IRS so you won’t miss any additional stimulus checks that come along. A new $1,400 payment is now in the works.
If you can’t wait for the next check to arrive, consider taking a few steps to make your own stimulus check.
3. Unclaimed pension benefits
Remember pensions? They've largely been replaced by 401(k) plans, so today few workers get pensions, which promise guaranteed income in retirement.
That can be a sweet deal, yet many Americans leave their scarce pension benefits on the table. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. says 80,000 people are owed over $300 million in unclaimed pension money.
To see if any of that is yours, you can go on the PBGC's website and use its search engine. You can look under your name or the name of a company where you worked.
And for help managing your retirement money — so you won't lose track of any of it — you might want to turn to one of today's affordable financial planning services that operate online.
4. Down payment assistance
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The great American dream of home ownership comes with a great big upfront cost: the down payment. Yes, buyers can get incredibly low mortgage rates today, but scraping together up to 20% of the cost of the house can be a heck of a challenge.
However, it's not hopeless: Federal, state and local government agencies have grant programs to help make the dream come true.
For example, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development's Good Neighbor Next Door program picks up half the price of a home for teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who commit to live in a community for three years.
The department's website can direct you to homebuyer assistance programs available in your state.
5. Help with utilities
The average U.S. household spends over $4,000 a year — around $337 a month — on utilities, including electricity, heating and phone services, according to the latest census data.
You bet that's a lot of money, and paying the bills to keep everything plugged in and turned on can be a struggle for many families.
The Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline program helps low-income Americans stay connected by providing up to $9.25 monthly discount on phone or broadband internet service.
And, the federal Health Department's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, offers state-issued grants for heating and air conditioning costs in the home. The department has a map to help you find LIHEAP contacts in your state.
6. Weatherization money
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After you've gone to the trouble of getting the government to help with your energy costs, don't waste money by letting cold seep in during the winter and heat worm its way into your home during the summer.
The federal Weatherization Assistance Program has money available for weatherstripping, insulation and other home efficiency updates to make your home more energy efficient and cut your heating and cooling bills.
Up to 30 million U.S. families qualify for this benefit, which the U.S. Department of Energy says saves households an average of $283 or more every year.
Eligibility is based on income. For example, a family of four can get weatherizing help if their annual income doesn't exceed $52,400.
7. Education assistance
Education is freaking expensive. The average annual tuition and fees in 2021 are around $41,000 at four-year private institutions, according to US News. In-state students pay an average of $11,000 a year at public colleges.
But federal and state grants can make paying for college less painful.
You could get a federal Pell Grant if you're able to show you have "exceptional financial need." For the 2020-2021 academic year, Pell Grants are available for up to $6,345 and since it's a grant, the money doesn't have to be paid back.
You also can try to land a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant through the financial aid office at your school. Amounts range from $100 and $4,000, based on how needy you are.
The first step toward gathering up a sackful of financial aid is to fill out a FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Be warned: It's notoriously complicated and confusing, but if you and your family can hack your way through all of the mumbo jumbo, it can be worth it.
8. Free tax services
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Tax filing can be a nerve-racking process, and reaching out to an accountant for help can cost you a pile of money.
As we mentioned earlier, good software makes doing your taxes easy and is often completely free.
But if you prefer in-person help, you might be able to get that at no cost through the IRS' Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA program.
Here’s how it works: Retired tax experts volunteer in their communities to help complete tax returns for people who earn $57,000 or less, or who are disabled or not proficient in English.
A related service offers seniors free tax help and more. The IRS says volunteers for its Tax Counseling for the Elderly program bring specific knowledge about pensions and retirement finances unique to older Americans.
9. Social Security
We know exactly what many of you are going to say: “Social Security isn’t free! It's my money — I paid for it with Social Security taxes my entire working life!"
But Americans often do receive "free money" from Social Security: more back in the form of benefits than they ever put in, according to the Urban Institute.
A 2018 study from the think tank found that a single woman who turned 65 in 2020 after working in low-earning jobs will have paid $132,000 in total Social Security taxes, but will collect $209,000 in lifetime benefits. A married one-earner couple whose breadwinner hit 65 last year after making average money will have paid $294,000 into the system but will get back $529,000. (All dollar amounts are in 2017 dollars.)
And don’t worry — you’ll get your money, because Social Security isn’t going broke. That's a common myth.
10. Social Security’s lump-sum death benefit
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There are lots of ways to get extra money from Social Security. One of the more obscure ones is a modest one-time death benefit you can receive when you lose a spouse or parent.
What do we mean by "modest"? Today’s typical payment is just $255, an amount that was introduced in 1954.
The lump-sum death benefit has been around since 1935, before the program offered survivors benefits for widows, widowers and other dependents. Once those benefits came along, the death payment evolved into money for burial expenses, but it doesn’t go very far today. In 2019, the average funeral cost $7,640, according to the National Funeral Directors Association.
Proposals have been made over the years to end or increase the benefit, but they’ve all hit — wait for it — dead ends.
11. Compensation when you’ve been scammed
Have you been ripped off? Maybe when you were urged to send money to “collect” your prize from a phony sweepstakes, or if you paid for an item you never got from an online store that seemed a little sketchy. (Really, you should have known better.)
The Federal Trade Commission can help you get some money from the scammers.
First, you need to file a complaint with the agency, explaining what happened and how much you lost. If the FTC gets enough complaints, it takes legal action against the company, recovers money and sends checks to customers. Officials say they try to return as much money as possible to each victim.
Recent FTC checks have gone to people who fell for fraudulent business opportunities, and for shoppers who paid for LED lightbulbs that didn’t work well.
12. Unemployment benefits
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When you lose your job through no fault of your own — say, because of a global pandemic — the government's got your back. It provides some cash to help you get by, for a time.
Today's unemployment insurance system is overseen by the federal government but run by the states, and some are stingier than others. Benefits can last up to 26 weeks and range from $235 a week (in Mississippi) to $555 (in Massachusetts).
During the first wave of the coronavirus crisis — which saw unemployment soar higher than at any time since the Great Depression — the federal government threw in an additional $600 per week. Those bonus payments ended last July, but under the most recent stimulus package, out-of-work Americans can get an extra $300 a week until March 14.
On top of that, if President Joe Biden’s proposed $1.9 trillion rescue plan passes, bonus unemployment payments will increase to $400 per week through the end of September.
13. FHA mortgage refunds
FHA home loans — backed by the Federal Housing Administration — are popular with first-time homebuyers because they allow you to make a low down payment, even if you have a so-so credit score.
The FHA guarantees to pay a portion of the loan if you default, but you agree to take on some of the risk by paying mortgage insurance premiums, or MIP, starting with an upfront premium at closing of 1.75% of the loan amount.
The housing agency has determined that some borrowers are owed refunds of part of their upfront MIP if they didn't default on their loans. You can find out if you have some mortgage money waiting by reading the FHA’s refund fact sheet.
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#2
How to Get Free Government Assistance
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If you’re facing a job loss, disability, or other factors that make it difficult to support your family, you may be eligible to get free money from the government. These programs can help you pay for housing, food, and other essentials.
Jana Lynch
Written by Jana Lynch Last Updated: June 4, 2021
Jana Lynch
Reviewed by Zina Kumok

Home Money Management Personal Finance

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If you’re facing a job loss, disability, underemployment, or other factors that make it difficult to support your family, you’re not alone.

According to U.S. Census data, 38.1 million people were living in poverty in 2018.[1]

That doesn’t include the families living above the poverty line who struggle to pay their bills and put food on the table. That means a significant number of Americans rely on public assistance programs and free money from the government to get by.

But how do they find that money and those programs?

While the federal government provides a comprehensive list of programs, the following is a list of some common services and programs that provide free money and other resources.
How to Get Free Money From the Government

The federal government funds several programs to help U.S. citizens with basic necessities. Most of the programs and services are income-based and have other eligibility requirements; but others are available to anyone, regardless of income.

If you need financial assistance, these programs can help.
Government Assistance for Housing

Finding affordable housing is often difficult, especially if you live in a high cost of living area. These government-run housing programs can help keep you in your home.
Down payment assistance programs

If you’re interested in buying a home, but need help with the down payment, there are a number of FHA grants available. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements for each grant, as they vary from program to program and state to state.

You might also be able to get assistance from a VA loan (guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) or USDA loan (offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture) as well.
Affordable housing

There are a number of government programs that help with paying rent, as well as a number of private charities and organizations. To qualify for HUD assistance, you must meet income eligibility requirements as well as guidelines for family size and composition. The type and amount of assistance varies from state to state.

The three main programs supported by HUD are:

Privately-owned subsidized housing
Public Housing
Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly known as Section 8)

You can find out if you qualify for one of these programs by contacting your local housing authority. Please note that in most areas, the Section 8 waiting list is incredibly long and in some cities, the list is closed to new applicants.
Foreclosure prevention

If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage, The Homeownership Preservation Foundation is a HUD-approved free hotline you can call for help with making your mortgage payment and remaining in your home.

When you call, the hotline will connect you with a foreclosure prevention specialist who will talk with you about your options. You can also use the service if you’ve received a mortgage modification or have been a victim of a mortgage scam.
Education Assistance, Grants, and Loans

If you have student loan debt, or are looking for grants or loans to afford college, there are a number of options for you.
Student loan forgiveness

Under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program, you’ll need to make 120 payments (10 years worth) and work full-time in an approved field, government agency, or nonprofit organization. If you meet all of the eligibility requirements and go through the lengthy application process, you might have the remaining balance of your student loans forgiven.

There are job-specific forgiveness programs for people in the medical and education fields, and some states have their own specific forgiveness programs.

There are also organizations you can work with that will forgive some of your federal student loans (private loans are not included), and provide a stipend for future educational expenses.

Some of these organizations include:

AmeriCorps
Peace Corps
National Health Service Corps
Nurse Corps
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program
Military Financial Aid

Pell Grants

If you are an income-eligible first-time undergraduate student or are enrolled in certain post-baccalaureate programs, you can apply for Pell Grants from the federal government. This is true free money, since it’s awarded as a grant rather than a loan and doesn’t have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.

To be eligible for a Pell Grant, you must first complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. In fact, if you’re interested in receiving any need-based assistance including work-study, you must complete this form.
Food Assistance Programs

If your family is struggling with access to food, and you don’t have nearby food banks or food pantries, these programs and services can help.
SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, is the largest program offering free government money for food. Individuals and families meeting the income eligibility requirements receive a pre-loaded debit card that they can use at any grocery store, farmers market, or other retailer that accepts SNAP benefits.

Each state uses its own eligibility criteria for determining the amount of SNAP benefits a family or individual will receive.
WIC

Women, Infants, and Children is another food assistance program for low-income individuals. A bit more restrictive than SNAP, WIC provides food, nutritional education, and health care referrals to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and low-income women with children five years old and under.

In order to receive WIC benefits, you must meet certain eligibility requirements.
School-based programs

These are some of the food assistance programs are available to school-aged children.
Free and reduced lunch (and breakfast)

Low-income families with school-aged children attending public school or a nonprofit private school or who are in a residential childcare institution are eligible to receive free or reduced school lunches as well as free milk.

To participate in this program, as well as the free breakfast program, families must meet income requirements.
Summer Food Aid

Another government assistance program, the Summer Food Service Program provides free, healthy meals to children in low-income areas during the summer months. Since the meals are served by independent contractors and providers rather than the schools, you’ll need to find where they’re located in your area.
Backpack programs

While this isn’t a government-funded program, it is a way to get food on the weekends. Generally available in low-income areas, backpack programs provide healthy, non-perishable, and easy-to-prepare foods to kids to ensure that they have enough food when school isn’t in session.

There are no standard eligibility requirements to participate in this program, and each one is unique to the community and population it serves.
Government Assistance Programs for Utilities

One of the largest household expenses after food and housing is utilities. Keeping the lights on and heating and cooling your home can take up a huge portion of your monthly income. These programs can help offset those costs and help you save on energy bills.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

A federally-funded program designed to help low-income families with energy costs, LIHEAP provides financial assistance for paying heating and cooling bills.

It can also help with emergency or crisis issues, like having your heat shut off in the winter or weatherizing your home. It doesn’t provide assistance for water or sewer bills.
Weatherization Assistance Program

This is a program run by the U.S. Department of Energy that provides grants to help low-income households reduce their energy costs by improving the energy efficiency and safety of their homes. Families must meet eligibility requirements to receive this type of assistance.

You can read more about the program and eligibility requirements by visiting the Weatherization Assistance Program’s website.
Free Government Money for Healthcare Needs

Whether it’s just you or you have a spouse and dependent children, you need medical care. If you can’t afford your employer’s health insurance options, or you make below a certain income level, there are still ways to have your medical needs taken care of.
Healthcare Marketplace

If you don’t currently have health insurance, you can sign up for a plan through the federal government via The Healthcare Marketplace.

While there is no specific option for low-income families and individuals, if you make below a certain threshold, you’re eligible for a premium tax credit, which would make your medical insurance free.

The website offers a free income screening tool to determine if you’re eligible for the credit or for lower-premium plans. There are also cost-sharing reductions to help offset the costs of certain services.
Medicaid

Often confused with Medicare, Medicaid is a healthcare program intended to assist low-income, pregnant, medically needy, and disabled individuals under the age of 65 so they can receive quality medical care.

Unfortunately, there’s no uniform set of eligibility requirements for Medicaid. Even though it’s a federal program governed by federal oversight, each state is permitted to decide for itself which populations are covered and what the eligibility criteria are.

To participate in the Medicaid program, states must cover certain groups of people:

Low-income families
Eligible pregnant women
Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI)

In some states, other populations like children in foster care or adults needing home-based services are also eligible for Medicaid. You can learn more about the complete eligibility requirements for the Medicaid program by visiting the Medicaid website.

CHIP

The Children’s Health Insurance Program is another option for low-income families to obtain healthcare for their children. It provides low-cost insurance to families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but can’t afford private insurance.

Unlike Medicaid, CHIP isn’t a free program. There is a small fee associated with enrolling your child in CHIP, but it’s usually no more than 5% of your total income (the amount varies by state).

However, most routine services don’t have an associated copay, and in some states, there is a pre-pay discount. This means if you pay your annual premium in full, you might get a three-month discount. So if you pay for nine months, you can get three free.

Like Medicaid, each state determines its own eligibility criteria, so you’ll need to check with your state to find out if you qualify.

Related: How to Pay Off Unexpected Medical Debt
Government Assistance for Childcare

Finding quality and reliable childcare is crucial to working parents. However, in many areas, the cost of daycare is unaffordable, and parents must choose between unreliable care or not working. Fortunately, there are government assistance programs that can help.
Child Care and Development Fund

The Child Care and Development Fund is administered by the states to provide subsidies in the form of vouchers or grants and contracts with providers to low-income families for childcare.

Like many of the other assistance programs, each state sets its own eligibility requirements. You can find out what your state’s requirements are by contacting your local fund administrator.

If your family does qualify, you’re allowed to pick the provider you want, as long as the provider meets state standards (and accepts the voucher or grant).
Head Start

Head Start is a school-readiness program for children from birth through five from low-income families. In addition to preparing kids for school, it also helps with whole-family well-being and health and development.

Head Start services are available to eligible families living below the federal poverty line, and are available in childcare centers, in-home daycares, and home-based services.

Foster children, children from homeless families, and children in families where other types of assistance (i.e. TANF, SSI, or others) are provided are also eligible for Head Start.

Related: Need Help Paying Bills? Here’s 22 Assistance Programs Worth Looking Into
Free Money from Taxes and Unclaimed Funds

Free government money doesn’t always come in the form of need-based programs. Some are available to anyone, regardless of income.
Unclaimed money

While this isn’t necessarily free money, it is money that is owed to you for some reason by some entity. This money can include uncashed paychecks, apartment or utility deposits, or safety deposit box contents.

There’s no one place to check for unclaimed money, and you might have it in multiple states so make sure you’re researching all the states you’ve ever lived in. If your employer is headquartered in a different state from where you work, check that state as well.

The best places to start looking for your unclaimed funds are:

Unclaimed.org
Workers Owed Wages
Unclaimed Funds
Filling out a Destroyed U.S. Savings Bonds Claim

You might also have unclaimed money from old or forgotten tax refunds. To check for those, visit:

IRS Refunds
USA.gov

Old pension plans

In addition to unclaimed money or tax refunds, you might have money available to you in the form of old pension plans. If you or someone in your family worked for a company that provided a pension but hasn’t collected those benefits, you might still be eligible for that money.

You can find out if there’s money owed to you by visiting the Pension Benefits Guaranty Corporation and searching for your or your family member’s name.
Tax credits and deductions

An easy way to find free money is to adjust your tax withholding and deductions. If you haven’t done this recently, review the W-4 you submitted when you began your job. Figure out what you chose and then, using this list, make necessary and appropriate adjustments.

Some people are also eligible for free tax preparation via the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program or the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program. If you qualify, you’ll receive free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers.
Miscellaneous Government Assistance Programs

Whether you need assistance with your phone service, starting a business, or have suffered a job loss, there are programs that can help.
Lifeline

Lifeline is a discount cell phone service administered by the FCC, and is available to low-income people in every U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands. The cost is $9.25 per month.

In order to use Lifeline, you must meet certain income eligibility requirements. This means your income should be at or below 135% of the federal poverty level. You may also be eligible if you participate in certain assistance programs including:

Medicaid
SSI
SNAP
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Certain Tribal assistance programs

Lifeline provides both cell phone and landline service and works with broadband. However, you may only use the Lifeline program for one service; FCC rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household.

If you find that you need help with your phone service but don’t qualify for Lifeline, there are other ways to get free or discounted cell phone service.

Related: 8 Places to Get a Free Phone for Low-Income Earners
Small business loans

If you’re interested in having your own business but don’t have the start-up capital, a loan from the Small Business Administration can help.

These loans aren’t free government money, but they often come with a much lower interest rate than loans from a private lender. The SBA also offers grants for select scientific and non-scientific fields and nonprofits, as well as providing low-interest loans to businesses affected by natural disasters.

You check for those grants and even apply for them from your phone by visiting Grants.gov.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, is commonly known as welfare. It’s the cash assistance program designed to help families with children when the family can’t provide the children’s basic needs.

Like Medicaid, this is a program financially supported by the federal government but administered by the states. As such, each state has its own discretion to decide eligibility requirements, time limits, and other factors affecting who receives the assistance, and how much assistance each family receives.

To determine if you’re eligible in your state, you can visit this website.
Senior benefits

BenefitsCheckUp is a free service administered by the National Council on Aging to help senior citizens find benefits that might be available to them. The searchable database contains more than 2,500 federal, state, and private programs to help improve the lives of seniors in the areas of:

Medication
Housing and utilities
Health care
Transportation
Food and nutrition
Income assistance
Taxes

You can also search for veterans’ benefits and senior citizen discounts. The benefits are local to your area, which means that if you need help in Mississippi, you won’t be shown programs that are only offered in New York.
Unemployment benefits

One of the most stressful parts of losing your job is the loss of income. If you have been let go or downsized from your job, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits.

CareerOneStop, operated by the U.S. Department of Labor, is a hub for you to apply for your unemployment benefits online, and find out what else you might be eligible for. It even has resources to help you with your job search.
Getting Free Government Money Can Be Difficult

Although there are plenty of options for finding free government money, the only way to receive the money is by meeting eligibility requirements in most cases. For most programs, there’s no uniform set of requirements beyond the federal poverty guidelines, so it’s often difficult to figure out if you qualify.

Low-income families with children, disabled individuals, veterans, and the elderly typically have an easier time qualifying for benefits, but it’s not a guarantee. And if you qualify for some programs, you might not be eligible for others. It all depends on your state, the program, and other factors.

If you need any of these programs, contact your state’s Department of Health and Social Services. You can also use the screening tool available on Benefits.gov to see what programs you might qualify for. While it isn’t a determination of benefits, it’s a good place to start.

Related: 12 Places to Get a Free Car For Those in Need
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Author
Jana Lynch

A tireless advocate for financial abuse survivors, Jana spent over a decade working in the social services sector after obtaining her Master's in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware. Since making the switch to freelance writing and editing Jana has worked with a number of high-profile websites including The Penny Hoarder, ChooseFI, Frugal Rules, The Dollar Stretcher, and more. She also works closely with The Plutus Foundation, where she served as the Director of Grants and Programs for four years.
3 comments
Tonya Chamberlain
Tonya Chamberlain

I’m a single mother going back to school… I do get SNAP and I talked to DHS and they said they would help with getting me internet if I can get a computer first. Any idea where I can start?
Reply
Ben Huber
Ben Huber

Hey Tonya,

Annette actually wrote an article about free ways to get a laptop (several of the items on the list pertain to needs-based programs that offer free laptops to those who cannot afford one on their own). You may find the article I linked to useful!
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Amy Valentine
Amy Valentine

My dad left me his house. I need to get it in my name so I can get help from HUD to fix it, but first, the estate needs to go through probate. My attorney is doing it pro bono but I need $200 for paperwork. Is there any place that can help me pay for this or is there a different way to do it altogether? I need to get it done; almost 2 years have gone by. I’ve lived here for the past 25 years, and the house really needs to be fixed up, but I don’t know how to get a grant since it’s not yet in my name. Anybody have any info to help me get this done before the house falls in?
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#3
Find how to get free money.

While free money to help pay bills sounds like a nice concept, the reality is that nothing in life is “free”. That being said, there are countless ways to easily make some extra money. You may be able to earn free cash from stuff you already do daily, receive financial support, apply for government assistance, use online tools or cash apps for free money and take other steps.

All of this cash can used to help address a form of financial help. Or the free money can allow families to build savings, invest, and more. While conditions will need to be met for all of these options listed below, if you are successful they can in effect be considered free money.

Another tactic to take is that individuals, regardless of their age, background, or income, need to realize that any money you can save can be considered to be “free”. In addition to that, consider any help you receive from financial aid programs or funds from other sources as really a form of free money. This is a very effective approach for households that have a more limited income.

For example, if you save $20/month from an energy bill assistance plan that is offered by your local utility company or a government agency, that $20/month is in effect "free money". Using coupons on a monthly basis will help a family free up their income for paying other bills. If you save $50 per / month on your heating bill by using your heat more efficiently and conserving energy, that is also free money. Or get in effect free money for food by using a charitable pantry. In fact, due to how income taxes work, a dollar saved is really more than a dollar earned. So saving $20 is really like $25 or $30 in free money.

The number of ways to make some cash continues! If you use a cashback app, paypal or some other tool on your cell phone when shopping, and maybe you get a gift card, credit, or free money, that too can make a difference. As doing any of these things, and more, that extra cash in is more than you would have had otherwise.
Make free cash from things you do daily

There are many other ways to in effect make free money from maybe hobbies or things you do everyday or monthly. There are websites, phone applications, and many other resources out there available to you, most of which are free to use and to sign up for. Some of these things you may do daily, weekly, or monthly, and why not turn them into free money. Most of them are easy to do and can provide you and your family with some quick cash for paying the bills. They include the following.






Search for online deals.

Selling hair.

Take and sell photographs.

Write book reviews for money.

There are a number of cell phone apps or websites that provide free money. The companies that created these technology services get paid commissions from stores, corporations, retailers, marketing companies, websites and other organizations to encourage their use or maybe the sale of a product. The money making apps are for both iPhone and Android cell phones.

Get paid for everything from shopping to exercising that you do on a daily basis, trying products, and more. Everyone from low income families to millennials and people who are “pressed for time” can make some extra free cash. Find a list of free apps for money or compensation.

Those are just a few of the options available. We have a list of free money making ideas and ways to monetize activities that you do everyday. Families can also explore many other resources that may offer financial help. All throughout this site is information on grants, free money from government programs, charities, non-profits, public resources and more. This can be used to show you how to apply for free cash aid programs or to locate sources of money as well as other support for your family. A search box is at the top for your convenience.









A dollar saved is a “free” dollar earned. Actually, it is worth more than just one dollar “earned” as you need to take into account taxes paid to the government. Regardless, saving money is really equivalent to free money. Anyone who takes advantage of coupons, online rebates, smart phone applications, sales, discounts, price comparisons, and more is in effect earning free cash, which can then be used to help pay the bills or really anything. Find how to save money along with many tips.

Rent your stuff (or even time) for extra free cash. These will be things in your everyday life. For example, lease out your car on an hourly or daily basis. Rent your home out for free money or your parking or driveway in a city or even suburb. There are many ways to take advantage of the possessions in your life. Find how to your personal rent stuff for free money.

Most people have knowledge or are experts on at least one thing. Some are experts on many topics. That knowledge can be turned into free money. Q&A websites provide cash, gift cards, rewards, and other incentives to anyone who is willing to share information. Find details on free money from question and answer websites.

As noted above, the best way to make free money is to get short term assistance, budget properly and save. Say you save 10%, or $20 / month on your energy bill. That $20 per month you will have month in and month out. Or if you consolidate your credit card debt and lower your monthly payments by say 15%, that as well is a form of free money from savings on your monthly interest costs. So save money, and take advantage of assistance programs. That is the best advice for free money to help pay bills that we can give you. Many of the ways to save are simple and won't cost you a thing.

Cash apps allow you to get free money for any shopping or spending you do. Or even get paid for browsing the Internet, taking online surveys, sharing information, using paypal for transactions and so much more. The point being is that a number of apps allow families, not matter their income, to make a little extra money. Find a list of free cash back money apps.
Get free money from government grants

Receiving free money to help pay for bills from government, public or private grants is possible but is more challenging. While they do exist, they are harder to find, and there are typically strict criteria for applicants. Most of the grants are not available for everyone. So while they are not common and will have conditions and a formal application process in place, you should take the time to review grants that are available.

The truth is that the government doesn’t technically just hand out grants or free cash, but there are programs and resources to explore. Some of these can provide some short term financial assistance and maybe even free money. Any assistance is very targeted to solving a certain issue. This can then be used for paying bills. For example, explore the resources below. Staff associated with these programs can show struggling families how to get free money to help with their bills.









Non-profits can receive funds from the federal government as part of CSBG block grants. Your local community action agency may offer funds from such government assistance programs as LIHEAP, weatherization, and the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP).

Government agencies or a department of social social services can distribute free money as part of welfare or other cash assistance programs. Much of this is focused on the vulnerable, including the disabled, homeless, or elderly. They may be able to provide grants that can be used for free prescription drugs, security deposits, and money for making monthly rent payments. More on public aid and assistance.

People with a medical crisis may be able to get help from one of these resources. As one example, there are free sources of money including grants and financial help for cancer bills.

There are a number of charities as well as some churches that offer free items to low income families or people in a crisis. Some may offer money to those that meet a wide range of eligibility criteria, but this is not common. Much more likely is for an applicant to get free stuff for their family to help them make it through a short term crisis. Programs may run seasonally and often rely on donations. Find a listing of agencies as well as programs that offer free stuff.

A national charity, the Jewish Association, provides money as an interest free loan as well in a limited number of cases. In some cases the funds are issued to people of any religion, but some of the affiliates due have more restrictions. The savings accrued from borrowing money that does not charge the person any monthly interest can be significant, and the money saved can also be thought of as a form of free financial help. More on interest free loans from Jewish Association.

Many charities, churches and agencies offer additional support around the holidays. A focus is on supporting children from low income families and they may receive free toys, money in the form of gift certificates, vouchers, clothing, and more. Receive assistance and free Christmas money and gifts.

Search for free money that is in your name but the funds are unclaimed or “lost”. these funds can come from many places, such as a deposit (on utilities or rent) you never collected, an old bank account, a life insurance policy that maybe a family member left in your name, products you bought in the past that had class action lawsuits, pensions, social security and so much more. All of the websites to use are free to use, and find how to search for free unclaimed money in your name.








Free crowdfunding and passive income

Free money can be made on a recurring basis too. There are services, jobs, and different things that people can do on a monthly basis that sets them up for a regular source of income. Often times the work is done up front and the money flows in month after month. Find a list of free passive income opportunities as well.

Crowdfunding is another way to get free money. There are many websites and smartphone apps that can be used, including the biggest GoFundMe. The funds can be used to pay bills, start a business, cover emergency travel, pay for school or job skills, and so much more. Many low income or struggling families use them for emergency cash, and read more on free money from Crowdfunding.
Simple, quick at home jobs to make free money

Other ways to make money from home include you can write articles from home to make some cash, do mystery shopping, and more. But once again, nothing in life is free. You do need to put in some effort, including time to research the best opportunities and to of course time to do the work itself. Find several work from home opportunities, including survey and market research. We firmly believe that market research and survey may be the closest thing to free money (from a source of income) that exist. The process is so simple to start up and continue with.

In addition to saving money or making some extra cash, there are also some other work from home opportunities that can be in effect free money. But you still need to put in some time and effort. For example, online market research and surveys are a very easy way to starting making money. There are no sign up costs or applications to complete. While of course there are no guarantees, many people can make $100 per month with a very limited amount of effort.

For those individuals who put in a little more time and effort, many individuals who use these services can make up to a few hundred dollars per month. Online market research and surveys can also be turned into a home business by referring your friends, family, neighbors, and others. You will get a referral fee and ongoing commission for every action they take. ABC News wrote a positive article about survey and market research as well.

If you do qualify for any public assistance from the government, or any other agency for that matter, use the funds and money provided to you wisely. Take advantage of those grants to get yourself back on the path to self-sufficiency. As once you apply for help just once, most programs will not continue to freely support families or individuals over the long term.









Your best approach is to fully explore this site for government programs, charities, technology such as apps for smartphone and information on other programs that may provide a limited amount of cash. While free financial help or money is difficult to find, and all funds will always be limited and come with restrictions, there are resources available.
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#4
Government Grant Scams
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Offers of free money from government grants are scams. Someone might offer you a grant to pay for education, home repairs, home business expenses, or unpaid bills. But they’re all scams. Here’s how to avoid a government grant scam, and how to report it.

How Government Grant Scammers Try to Trick You
What To Know About Government Grants
What To Do If You Paid a Scammer
Report Government Grant Scams

How Government Grant Scammers Try To Trick You

Scammers reach you in lots of ways. You might see ads online for (fake) government grants. Scammers might call you, but use a fake caller ID so it looks like they’re calling from a federal or state government agency. Some send texts or emails, saying you may qualify for free money from the government.
Scammers make big promises. They might say you can use this so-called free money or grant to pay for education, home repairs, home business expenses, household bills, or other personal needs.
Scammers try to look official. Besides faking their phone number, they’ll pretend they’re with a real government agency like the Social Security Administration. Or, they’ll make up an official-sounding name of a government agency, like the Federal Grants Administration, which doesn’t exist.
Scammers ask you for information or money. Government grant scammers might start by asking for personal information, like your Social Security number, to see if you “qualify” for the grant (you will). Then they’ll ask for your bank account information — maybe to deposit “grant money” into your account or to pay for up-front fees. But sometimes, scammers will ask you to pay those fees with a gift card, cash reload card, money transfer, or with cryptocurrency. And that’s always a scam.
Scammers try to be convincing. They might even promise a refund if you aren’t satisfied. But that’s a lie. Once you give your bank account information, or pay fees, your money will disappear. And, you’ll never see the grant they promise.

What To Know About Government Grants

The government won’t get in touch out of the blue about grants. It won’t call, text, reach out through social media, or email you. It won’t offer you free government grants of any kind, much less grants to pay for home repairs, medical costs, or other personal needs. Real government grants require an application, and they’re always for a very specific purpose. Learn more (for free) at grants.gov.
Never share your financial or personal information with anyone who contacts you. Government agencies will never call, text, message you on social media, or email to ask for your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number. In fact, no matter who they say they are, don’t give out that information. Once a scammer has your information, they can steal money from your account, or your identity.
Don’t pay for a list of government grants — and don’t pay any up-front fees. The only place you can find a list of all available federal grants is at grants.gov. And that list is free. No government agency will ever contact you to demand that you pay to get a grant. And no government agency will ever ask you to pay with a gift card, cash reload card, by money transfer, or with cryptocurrency. Not for a grant, and not ever.
If you paid a scammer, act quickly. If you think you’ve sent money to a government impersonator like one of these grant scammers, contact the company you used to send the money. Tell the gift card, money transfer, or cryptocurrency company that it was a fraudulent transaction. Then ask them to reverse it.

What To Do If You Paid A Scammer

Scammers often ask you to pay in ways that make it tough to get your money back. No matter how you paid a scammer, the sooner you act, the better. Learn more about how to get your money back.
Report Government Grant Scams

When you report a scam, the FTC can use the information to build cases against scammers, spot trends, educate the public, and share data about what is happening in your community. If you spotted a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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#5
How To Get Free Government Money, You Never Pay Back

The United States of America always believes in a prosperity with balanced economy. Part of this fact, the government takes different steps to make the needy people grow financially and work for them to be prosperous and rich by giving away free government money. The government has full responsibility to make the people strong financially. However the American People may avail government monetary help to lead a safe and financially secured life. So it is important to know for you how to get free government money you never pay back.

About $800 billion is given away as part of the government grants with private and government programs to the individual, businessman and college student who don’t have to pay back. This free government money is inspired to spend for doing better things that can work best for the welfare and safety of the community people. Additionally government also provides benefits as free money to children. They can avail free money from government under social security benefits for child of disabled parent as part of their secured and better future. According to the US government, people can have a full access to free money or grant if they are capable to ensure jobs by creating small and medium enterprise (SME).
Who Are Eligible To Get Free Government Money You Never Pay Back

Federal government has different plans to provide money for the universities, starting business that can employ people, for the student who want to get back to school. More importantly, research and innovation is number one corner stone to make a difference for the people. So grants are available to get when you are proving that you are going to conduct research and innovation work for the new development. Additionally you may show that you are much more energy efficient and live on nature. This effort can help you get free government money.

How To Get Free Government Money, You Never Pay Back

However the main criteria to get this free money is the people will be U.S citizen and a regular tax payers. No matter what happened to your bankruptcy or you had a bad credit. More importantly you don’t require any credit check, security deposits or collateral and co-signers. More than 1,400 federal program are working to meet the demand of 24,000 state programs. Additionally 30,000 private foundation and 20,000 scholarship programs are working to give away free government money to the people.

Though government money is free to hear but this has some terms and conditions to get this money. Surely you have to show that you are going to do something great for the community people and get benefit for yourself. Then it is sure for you get this money.
How To Start For Authentic Free Government Money Knowledge

Every day U.S government is giving away millions of dollars as grants to the people. If you need this grans as money, you may have to know exactly how you can get this money. It is also simple to proceed the process.
Search And Apply For Government Grants

If you are seeking for where you can contact to get government grants, you just need to use federal government’s free and official website instead of any other websites. Most of the websites may allure to sign up for free grants but these are not valid. Additionally they may direct to the federal government official websites on the basis of fee. However Grants.com can be a trusted tool to get connected with grant ideas as this websites compile all information regarding grants.
Application Process

However these official websites will instruct you to provide necessary information and you will also get tips and instruction to complete registration and application process. In this way you can proceed a successful grant proposal indeed. At last you will get an email about your grant opportunities.

There is no terms and conditions to give away government money as anyone can apply for this free government money. Unlike any bank loan or any other source where there are so many terms and conditions and paperwork’s as well. But free money under federal agencies is less paperwork and much more convenient for the people.

To get free money from Government, you just need to make sure how much money you are going to need. There is a minimum criteria to meet the terms and conditions by the government agencies. For example, you want to start a business, the federal agencies has policies on how much you will be paid.
Free Government Money You Never Pay Back

The government grants are easily available for the people who need it to recover their financial progress. There are different programs from federal and state government that help the helpless people who are really suffering due to money. These grants are not taken back but these grants work to grow them financially. So we here are discussing some important government grants that you never pay back.
Grants for Farms

Small scale farms are contributing a lot to the US Economy and the US government is also trying to expand aid for these farms accordingly. However if someone is going to start any farm which could be a small family based, the government is providing loans to the borrowers. But this loan is not obtainable from the borrowers as it is a way to develop them with loans in the name of free money.
For Purchasing a Home

When you are worried to buy a home with bad credit, you may need an amount of fund to do that. Most commonly Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s Program is government run program that helps the people who are seeking fund or free money that they never pay back. There is only 3% down payment but under this program, down payment may be zero when you can get counselling from housing agency.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development also help the people who badly need money to buy a house.

If you are in need of mortgage down payment assistance, it is easy to get this assistance from government grants. The federal housing association helps the people who are stuck in the event of paying down payment. However this can be a good and a way of getting free money when you don’t have money to pay the down payment amount.
Grant For Home Repair

As your house is in need of repair and it is urgent. You may get free money form the government as the government spends around $300 billion for repairing and maintenance of the house for general people. The question is are you eligible to get this money? Okay, you need to be a senior income earner and you are struggling a very tough condition under a recession.

However loans or grants as free money that you never pay back is waiting for you. There are government agencies, nonprofit organization and state agencies have so many programs for those people who need free money.
Health Insurance For Your Kids

Kids are your future and you always take of care of their health. Surely there are different cost of taking their health. Additionally, if they are sick, there are so many costs like expenses for hospital stays, doctor visits, drugs and prescription and many more. If you want to bear this cost, you have to pay much. So there is health insurance which can be granted by the government.

It is easy to get this grant from insurekidsnow.gov. The US State Government offer grants for the millions of children and kids coverage at free of cost and this can be really helpful for you if you want to get free money or grants from the government.
Free College Money

Now a day’s college expense is soaring high and it has become really tough to bear this soaring expense. But you should know that there is government program to help the needy student who are at college level. More importantly the government believes that a good education is important for all sphere of life. However there is a change to gain up to $7000 under the federal student aid program. However it is not just about any loan type that you have to pay back. This is government assistance as free money that you never pay back.
Weatherization Assistance Program

Getting free money is really a matter of pleasure. But you do something great that saves community and environment. This style of living may make you eligible to get free money from the government that you never heard. However your house is more energy efficient. You are more likely to use day light instead of electric light run by energy. You live by depending on nature.

It is really good thing according to US Department of Energy and it has a special plan like Weatherization Assistance Program. You are going to get free money from the department if you show that you use less energy and depend on nature for better living. The department will reward you as free money to encourage you and the community people.
Disability Grants

Disabled people have a special care from the government. There are so many plans and programs to help the disabled people so that they can lead a happy life even if they are disabled. Social security is the government program through which grants are approved to the disabled people who can get free money as grants.
Get Free Money For Food

It is really unfortunate to learn that you need money to buy food. The financial condition may not be in your favor and you are struggling to feed your family. Surely there is government program to help you if you are low income. There are some programs where you may find free money to buy foods. These are summer food service program, the national school lunch program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Grants For Teachers

Teachers are the maker of an advanced country as they develop students who are striving and young workforce for future. The government has various plans to provide the grants for the teachers.

Though in some cases, teacher are getting so many facilities that are not measured on money. But there are also so many programs to provide grants for teachers like SNAP programs, assistance from the Labor Department for helping you get a job, helping for getting a home, internet, computers and many more.
Grants for Needy Family at Bad Time

In some cases, the reality may be different and cruel. It may be so hard to survive and there is government program to help the needy families with grants. So if you are worried for your recent financial hardship like food assistance, child care, housing assistance and many more, you can get grants from temporary assistance for needy families.
Easy Free Government Money to Get For These Areas

Surely government wants to get a robust and strong economy. For this there are easy programs for three types of purposes like personal use, grants for business and grans for education
For Business Purposes

Government grant is highly workable according to the US government as the people will invest this money to expand their business and create employment. It is the policy of the United States of American that sounds a good and strong economy. There are more than $30 billion for business as free grants. However people don’t know this free government money and they think that this money is not for them. But if you do something good that work best for the economy, free money from the government is waiting for you.
Free Money For Education

Education is believed to be the corner stone to hit the extreme development. U. S government always expand its beneficial program to the education purposes. The students who are returning to school after a gap can get high amount of free money from the government.

Additionally preschool children, nursery education, private education, the people who want to expand their education further, engineering student, computer science medical school and many more can get free money from the government.
For Personal Use

Your personal expenditure may include you are going to buy a new house, pay off student loan, different types of mortgage payments , utility bills car purchase, childcare, fuel and any type of personal expenses. You need to apply for money for low income families. The federal government has a specific free money program to give away money for the people who are living under poverty line.
Final Outline

However government grants can be easily available if you fulfill terms and condition to get it. Not all people are not eligible to get this grant as the government has rules and regulation set for its specific people who need financial help from the government. You may get this government grant that you never pay back and work for the betterment of the country and your life. Government grants are also inspired to increase if this grants are used in proper way.

You and your family members may have a bad condition and you can recover this this condition with this grant. A small business may receive grants if they create employment for the community people. The researches may get grants if they are able to make innovation for the society. However this grant is really helpful for the rich and happy country.
Tags: Free Government Money You Never Pay Backfree grant money for anythingfree grant money to pay billsgovernment grants for individualsgovernment loans for housesloans you don't have pay back
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#6
Does the Government Give Money Away for Free?
Updated on April 6th, 2021 Published By John Rampton
government money

When I first got my driver’s license, my grandparents handed me down a second car they owned. Obviously, I was beyond grateful. What freshly-minted driver wouldn’t want a free car or truck?

Of course, my first car wasn’t 100% free. Even though my grandparents gave me the car, I still had to pay for the tags, registration, and insurance. There were no complaints here. But, the point is that nothing in life is truly free. And, that’s definitely the case when it comes to the government.
Does the Government Give Money Away for Free?

“The federal government does not offer grants or ‘free money’ to individuals to start a business or cover personal expenses, contrary to what you might see online or in the media,” it clearly states on usa.gov. “Websites or other publications claiming to offer “free money from the ‘government’ are often scams.”

And, if you come across any, report them to the Federal Trade Commission immediately.
Wait. I heard that the government was giving handouts.

I know what you’re thinking. You heard a squabbling talking head proclaim that people are getting all sorts of freebies. You may have come across social media posts promoting COVID-19 relief grants. And, what about the people who are getting paid not to work?

Sure. Some people are certainly rigging the system here. But, their fraudulent behavior will catch up to them. Again, the government doesn’t just give money away.

For example, the infamous “Welfare Queen” stereotype is a myth. Those relief grants are scams. And, not only do people pay into unemployment, that’s only temporary and can’t be sustained forever.

At the same time, there are “federal benefit programs designed to help individuals and families in need become self-sufficient or lower their expenses.” And, these programs were crucial throughout the pandemic.

But, there are additional government services and programs to assist people with a disability, students, small business owners, and seniors. While this may seem like “free” money, it’s often money that’s owed to you because they’ve been funded through taxes.

Moreover, there are specific qualifications that you must meet. And, there may even be some strings attached. One example would be loans from the Small Business Administration. While non-profits and select fields may be eligible for grants, most small businesses will receive a loan with a more favorable interest rate.

So, with that in mind, here are 15 legit ways you can get “free” money from the government.
1. Missing stimulus checks.

Here’s the one that’s on the top of mind for most of us. And, for good reason. These checks have been a lifeline for millions of Americans. But, what if you and your dependents never received either the $1,200 or $600 checks from last year?

File your taxes ASAP. When you do, you can apply for a Recovery Rebate Credit on Form 1040 of your federal tax return. That means you’ll receive a larger tax refund or a smaller tax bill sooner.

What’s more, this gives you a chance to update your info with the IRS, like signing-up for direct deposit, so that you’ll get the third stimulus check without any hiccups.

For more information on this, head over to the Economic Impact Payment Information Center.
2. Find unclaimed funds.

The IRS claims that for the tax year 2016, there were $1.5 billion dollars of tax refunds that went unclaimed. While it’s too late to claim 2016, you do have three years to file a return. And, there’s no penalty for doing so as well. Furthermore, you may be able to secure some sweet deductions along the way.

In addition to unclaimed tax refunds, you may be able to find unclaimed money from;

Apartment deposits
Old utility payment overages or deposits
Forgotten bank accounts or savings bonds
Insurance reimbursements
Uncashed paychecks

Visit unclaimed.org or Workers Owed Money to find out what money is there waiting to finally be returned to you.
3. Old pension plans.

Despite pension plans falling out of favor being replaced by 401(k) plans, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. states that more than 80,000 are owed over $300 million in unclaimed pension benefits. You might fall into that group due to a company acquisition or merger. Or, you were laid off.

To find out, visit pbgc.gov. If your name is in their database, then retrieve what you’re owed.
4. Boost your Social Security benefits.

“In 2019, the average Social Security benefit for a U.S. retiree is $1,461 a month, or a little over $17,500 for the year,” writes Tim Huffman over at MoneyWise.

“Again, that’s the average,” he adds. “Some seniors get even less. But some receive more; in fact, 2019’s maximum possible payout is $3,770 per month or more than $45,000 for the year.”
“How do you push your benefit into the higher end of the scale?” Huffman asks.

Well, follow these “tips to maximize your payout, to help you stretch your retirement savings.”

“Errors can occur, given that the benefits calculation involves multiple variables and complex data,” states Huffman. “Download and go over your estimated benefit statement on a regular basis because mistakes can reduce your payments.”
Put in 35 years of service as it’s based on your highest 35 years of earnings.
Earn more money during your working years through side gigs.
Work as long as you can and wait until 70 to claim your benefits since that’s when it’s maximized.
“Avoid the tax trap by working less in retirement, or by doing more advance planning,” advises Huffman. “You might want to roll savings into a Roth IRA, because withdrawals from a Roth usually won’t count toward taxable income.”
Relocate to a state that doesn’t impose taxes on your benefits.
If your partners earned more than you, you could claim “that’s equal to 50% of your spouse’s benefit.”
Did you lose a spouse? If that’s an unfortunate yes, then you’re eligible for a one-time death benefit.
If you claimed benefits too early, you can “pay back your Social Security money so you can collect a fatter benefit later.”
Do you have dependents like children, grandkids, or stepchildren? If so, “you and your dependents can receive up to 180% of your full retirement benefit.”
If you have an income below certain levels or can not work because you’re blind, you can receive. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
Let’s say that you’re old enough for Social Security, but are still working. If you get laid off — you might be able to claim both Social Security and unemployment.

5. Housing assistance.

Finding affordable housing is a problem in the U.S. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies, around one in three households spend more than 30% of their income on housing. For those earning less than $15,000 a year, 75% of them are spending more than half their income on housing costs.

“The issue seems to be getting worse because, in many ways, it is getting worse,” said Shomon Shamsuddin, an assistant professor in the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning. “Housing costs in the U.S. have been rising faster than incomes for many years.”

While they didn’t solve this problem completely, there are government-run programs that provide housing assistance, such as;

State-sponsored FHA down payment grants.
If you meet income eligibility requirements and guidelines for family size and composition, you may qualify for HUD assistance to help cover rent. Usually, this is through programs like privately-owned subsidized housing, public housing, or Housing Choice Vouchers.
Contact the Homeownership Preservation Foundation if you’re struggling to pay your mortgage. You’ll be connected with a foreclosure prevention specialist to go over your options.

6. Help with utilities.

On average, Americans can expect to shell out around $398 per month on utilities. If you’re struggling with utility expenses, you can turn to LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). While funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, they’re managed through state programs and can help with heating and cooling bills.
7. Weatherization money.

Another way to reduce your heating and cooling bills? Improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Thanks to a program run by the U.S. Department of Energy, you may be eligible for a weatherization assistance grant. Usually, this is based on income. For example, if a family of four has an annual income that’s below $52,400, they’re qualified.
8. Free or reduced childcare.

According to Care.com data, expect to pay $215 for a daycare center. Yikes. You can ease this financial burden through the Child Care and Development Fund.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, money is allocated to states, territories, and tribes to assist with childcare expenses. As such, the criteria will vary. Usually, it’s based on income and only applicable for children under 13.
9. Healthcare needs.

Don’t have healthcare? Use the free income screening tool at the Healthcare Marketplace to see if you can claim a tax credit or lower-premium plans. There’s also Medicaid to assist individuals who are low-income, pregnant, disabled, or medically needy who are under the age of 65.

For parents, visit InsureKidsNow.gov to see if your children can receive free or reduced healthcare coverage.
10. Education assistance, grants, and loans.

There’s been a lot of talk about student loan forgiveness. And, it’s warranted. On average, it costs $35,720 per student, per year. If you take into account interest and loss of income, this might end up costing you $400,000 for a bachelor’s degree.

If there’s a silver lining, even if it’s just a sliver, you can apply for a Federal Pell Grant. Eligible students may be able to land up to $6,345 for the 2020-21 award year. And, since this is a grant, the money doesn’t have to be paid back.

You could also apply for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant, or Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. And, you can also head over to the U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search tool.
11. Food assistance programs.

If you’re not careful, grocery bills can add up fast. Of course, that will depend on the size of your household, as well as their age and dietary needs. While creating a budget, using coupons, packing your lunch, and buying generic food can help, a family of four could still spend over $800/per month.

There are, however, programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (for women, infants, and children) that can provide low-income families nutrition assistance, along with healthy eating education. There are also programs for seniors and school-aged children.

Visit the Nutrition.gov page to see what food assistance programs you may be able to secure.
12. Low-cost or free phone service.

“Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services,” states the FCC. “Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund.” And the “program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.”

In 2016, the program was modernized to include cell phone and internet plans. You still have to pay for service each month. However, monthly plans are only $9.25 from a number of cell service providers as long as you meet eligibility requirements, such as living below the poverty line.
13. Free tax preparation.

Filing your taxes can be nerve-wracking. For people with disabilities, not proficient in English, or make $57,000 or less, there’s the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where retired tax experts volunteer to help you prepare your taxes.

If you are over the age of 60, there’s also the TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) program. In addition to assisting seniors with their taxes, they can also answer questions regarding income, pensions, and retirement.
14. Unemployment benefits.

Let’s say that, I don’t know, a global pandemic came along and caused you to lose your job. Because you’re being paying into this, you may be able to receive unemployment benefits. How much you’ll receive and the duration will depend on factors like where you live and how long you were employed.

However, if the “American Rescue Plan” passes, expect a supplemental unemployment benefit from $300 to $400 a week from the federal government through August.
15. Compensation when you’ve been scammed.

Have you been ripped off? Well, not to be harsh, you might have had to use some common sense here. If an online store looks sketchy, avoid it. But, there are nefarious individuals who are really proficient at scamming people.

If you’re in this situation, file a complaint with the FCC. Explain what happened and how much you lost. If the agency receives enough complaints, it will not only take legal action against the company; it will recover these funds and return them back to the victims.
Final words of advice.

There is no such thing as “free money.” If you’re promised free money, it’s probably a scam. But, if you meet eligibility requirements, you may have access to government assistance programs that can help you get through a rough patch.

It can be quite difficult to obtain these benefits — but if you need them, it’s definitely worth the try.
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John Rampton
John Rampton is an entrepreneur and connector. When he was 23 years old while attending the University of Utah he was hurt in a construction accident. His leg was snapped in half. He was told by 13 doctors he would never walk again. Over the next 12 months he had several surgeries, stem cell injections and learned how to walk again. During this time he studied and mastered how to make money work for you, not against you. He has since taught thousands through books, courses and written over 5000 articles online about finance, entrepreneurship and productivity. He has been recognized as the Top 50 Online Influencers in the World by Entrepreneur Magazine, Finance Expert by Time and Blogging Expert by Forbes. He is the Founder and CEO of Due.
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#7
Like stimulus checks? See 12 other legit ways to get free government money

Like stimulus checks? See 12 other legit ways to get free government money
Like stimulus checks? See 12 other legit ways to get free government money

"Free government money"? Come on, that's a scam, right?

Well yeah, there are scammers who try to steal your personal information and your money with promises of free pots of gold from the government. But there also are many legitimate ways your Uncle Sam can provide you with some cash with no strings attached.

The stimulus checks to help Americans get through the pandemic are an obvious example. But you might also receive money if you're buying your first home, preparing to go to college, needing some help with your monthly bills — or if you're just absent-minded and left behind a savings account somewhere.

Take a look at these completely legit ways you can get free money from the government.
1. Unclaimed tax refunds and other forgotten funds

Love getting a tax refund? It seems many people aren't that enthusiastic about getting money back from the IRS, because $1 billion or more in tax refunds go unclaimed every year.

Americans have three years to file a tax return and claim refund money. When they don't, it goes back into the tax agency's coffers.

There's no penalty for not filing a tax return if you're due a refund, but it's worth your while to file each year just in case Uncle Sam does owe you something. Good tax software will walk you through the process and track down all the deductions that apply to you.

Meanwhile, more than $40 billion is out there for the taking from forgotten bank accounts, life insurance policies, utility deposits and other sources, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. You can see if you've got any long-lost money by checking MissingMoney.com or Unclaimed.org.
2. Missing stimulus checks
Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income tax return next to the Stimulus Check Relief program. Close up view.
Evgenia Parajanian / Shutterstock

Filing your taxes is especially important this year because it’s an essential step if you want to claim a lost stimulus check.

Two rounds of checks went out last year, totaling $1,200 and $600 for most Americans. If you failed to receive one of these “economic impact payments,” you can apply for a Recovery Rebate Credit on Form 1040 of your federal tax return.

Filing your return also will give you a chance to update your info with the IRS so you won’t miss any additional stimulus checks that come along. A new $1,400 payment is now in the works.

If you can’t wait for the next check to arrive, consider taking a few steps to make your own stimulus check.
3. Unclaimed pension benefits

Remember pensions? They've largely been replaced by 401(k) plans, so today few workers get pensions, which promise guaranteed income in retirement.

That can be a sweet deal, yet many Americans leave their scarce pension benefits on the table. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. says 80,000 people are owed over $300 million in unclaimed pension money.

To see if any of that is yours, you can go on the PBGC's website and use its search engine. You can look under your name or the name of a company where you worked.

And for help managing your retirement money — so you won't lose track of any of it — you might want to turn to one of today's affordable financial planning services that operate online.
4. Down payment assistance
Love, Family, Home Concept. Portrait of cute asian couple sitting among moving boxes and making heart sign with fingers
Prostock-studio / Shutterstock

The great American dream of home ownership comes with a great big upfront cost: the down payment. Yes, buyers can get incredibly low mortgage rates today, but scraping together up to 20% of the cost of the house can be a heck of a challenge.

However, it's not hopeless: Federal, state and local government agencies have grant programs to help make the dream come true.

For example, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development's Good Neighbor Next Door program picks up half the price of a home for teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who commit to live in a community for three years.

The department's website can direct you to homebuyer assistance programs available in your state.
5. Help with utilities

The average U.S. household spends over $4,000 a year — around $337 a month — on utilities, including electricity, heating and phone services, according to the latest census data.

You bet that's a lot of money, and paying the bills to keep everything plugged in and turned on can be a struggle for many families.

The Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline program helps low-income Americans stay connected by providing up to $9.25 monthly discount on phone or broadband internet service.

And, the federal Health Department's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, offers state-issued grants for heating and air conditioning costs in the home. The department has a map to help you find LIHEAP contacts in your state.
6. Weatherization money
working insulates the attic with mineral wool
Kuchina / Shutterstock

After you've gone to the trouble of getting the government to help with your energy costs, don't waste money by letting cold seep in during the winter and heat worm its way into your home during the summer.

The federal Weatherization Assistance Program has money available for weatherstripping, insulation and other home efficiency updates to make your home more energy efficient and cut your heating and cooling bills.

Up to 30 million U.S. families qualify for this benefit, which the U.S. Department of Energy says saves households an average of $283 or more every year.

Eligibility is based on income. For example, a family of four can get weatherizing help if their annual income doesn't exceed $52,400.
7. Education assistance

Education is freaking expensive. The average annual tuition and fees in 2021 are around $41,000 at four-year private institutions, according to US News. In-state students pay an average of $11,000 a year at public colleges.

But federal and state grants can make paying for college less painful.

You could get a federal Pell Grant if you're able to show you have "exceptional financial need." For the 2020-2021 academic year, Pell Grants are available for up to $6,345 and since it's a grant, the money doesn't have to be paid back.

You also can try to land a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant through the financial aid office at your school. Amounts range from $100 and $4,000, based on how needy you are.

The first step toward gathering up a sackful of financial aid is to fill out a FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Be warned: It's notoriously complicated and confusing, but if you and your family can hack your way through all of the mumbo jumbo, it can be worth it.
8. Free tax services
Mature woman talking to financial planner at home
EdBockStock / Shutterstock

Tax filing can be a nerve-racking process, and reaching out to an accountant for help can cost you a pile of money.

As we mentioned earlier, good software makes doing your taxes easy and is often completely free.

But if you prefer in-person help, you might be able to get that at no cost through the IRS' Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA program.

Here’s how it works: Retired tax experts volunteer in their communities to help complete tax returns for people who earn $57,000 or less, or who are disabled or not proficient in English.

A related service offers seniors free tax help and more. The IRS says volunteers for its Tax Counseling for the Elderly program bring specific knowledge about pensions and retirement finances unique to older Americans.
9. Social Security

We know exactly what many of you are going to say: “Social Security isn’t free! It's my money — I paid for it with Social Security taxes my entire working life!"

But Americans often do receive "free money" from Social Security: more back in the form of benefits than they ever put in, according to the Urban Institute.

A 2018 study from the think tank found that a single woman who turned 65 in 2020 after working in low-earning jobs will have paid $132,000 in total Social Security taxes, but will collect $209,000 in lifetime benefits. A married one-earner couple whose breadwinner hit 65 last year after making average money will have paid $294,000 into the system but will get back $529,000. (All dollar amounts are in 2017 dollars.)

And don’t worry — you’ll get your money, because Social Security isn’t going broke. That's a common myth.
10. Social Security’s lump-sum death benefit
A burial process with a coffin to the grave
Eugen Thome / Shutterstock

There are lots of ways to get extra money from Social Security. One of the more obscure ones is a modest one-time death benefit you can receive when you lose a spouse or parent.

What do we mean by "modest"? Today’s typical payment is just $255, an amount that was introduced in 1954.

The lump-sum death benefit has been around since 1935, before the program offered survivors benefits for widows, widowers and other dependents. Once those benefits came along, the death payment evolved into money for burial expenses, but it doesn’t go very far today. In 2019, the average funeral cost $7,640, according to the National Funeral Directors Association.

Proposals have been made over the years to end or increase the benefit, but they’ve all hit — wait for it — dead ends.
11. Compensation when you’ve been scammed

Have you been ripped off? Maybe when you were urged to send money to “collect” your prize from a phony sweepstakes, or if you paid for an item you never got from an online store that seemed a little sketchy. (Really, you should have known better.)

The Federal Trade Commission can help you get some money from the scammers.

First, you need to file a complaint with the agency, explaining what happened and how much you lost. If the FTC gets enough complaints, it takes legal action against the company, recovers money and sends checks to customers. Officials say they try to return as much money as possible to each victim.

Recent FTC checks have gone to people who fell for fraudulent business opportunities, and for shoppers who paid for LED lightbulbs that didn’t work well.
12. Unemployment benefits
Male and female company employees are carrying their box out of the office because the company is closed or waste. Unemployed man, The economic downturn made people unemployed.
thirawatana phaisalratana / Shutterstock

When you lose your job through no fault of your own — say, because of a global pandemic — the government's got your back. It provides some cash to help you get by, for a time.

Today's unemployment insurance system is overseen by the federal government but run by the states, and some are stingier than others. Benefits can last up to 26 weeks and range from $235 a week (in Mississippi) to $555 (in Massachusetts).

During the first wave of the coronavirus crisis — which saw unemployment soar higher than at any time since the Great Depression — the federal government threw in an additional $600 per week. Those bonus payments ended last July, but under the most recent stimulus package, out-of-work Americans can get an extra $300 a week until March 14.

On top of that, if President Joe Biden’s proposed $1.9 trillion rescue plan passes, bonus unemployment payments will increase to $400 per week through the end of September.
13. FHA mortgage refunds

FHA home loans — backed by the Federal Housing Administration — are popular with first-time homebuyers because they allow you to make a low down payment, even if you have a so-so credit score.

The FHA guarantees to pay a portion of the loan if you default, but you agree to take on some of the risk by paying mortgage insurance premiums, or MIP, starting with an upfront premium at closing of 1.75% of the loan amount.

The housing agency has determined that some borrowers are owed refunds of part of their upfront MIP if they didn't default on their loans. You can find out if you have some mortgage money waiting by reading the FHA’s refund fact sheet.
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