There are hundreds, if not thousands, of government programs available that can give you financial assistance or provide you with services free of charge.
Did you know there are ways to get money from the government? It seems a little crazy because we’re so used to them taking our money, but it’s true. There are a lot of programs available to get free money from the government. And while some of them are for low-income families, there are plenty that aren’t as well.
Apply for College Grants
One of the biggest expenses people face in their lifetimes is college. If you, or your child, are looking at a college education in the future there are grants available. You will have to complete a FAFSA to see if you qualify for the Pell Grant, but it could literally save you thousands of dollars over the course of your college career.
Get Down Payment Assistance
Looking to buy a house? Then you may be able to get the government to help with your down payment. The down payment grants available vary by state, but you can visit the FHA Down Payment Grants page to see the different grants available. Most states have several programs available, so if you don’t qualify for one make sure you check for other programs.
Help with Child Care Expenses
If you currently pay for or need childcare for your children, the Child Care and Development Fund may be able to help. On their website is a list of state offices that you can contact to see if you qualify for assistance for paying for child care.
Tax Credit for Health Insurance
Thanks for the Affordable Care Act, you may qualify for a credit towards your insurance premiums. When you buy coverage through the government’s marketplace at Healthcare.gov you will be able to see if you’re eligible for a subsidized healthcare plan.
Search for Unclaimed Money
Have you heard of people finding out that they had unclaimed money they didn’t know about? While this isn’t exactly money from the government, it’s a great way to see if you have money that is owed to you. You can simply search with your first and last name within your state and it will give results for money that is owed to you.
Get Unemployment
If you have lost your job, make sure that you apply for Unemployment which will give you temporary benefits. The benefits you receive will vary based on what your income was and what your state offers, but most people can qualify for some temporary unemployment benefits while searching for a new job.
Help with Housing Repairs
For people 62 and older who live in an urban area and meet certain income requirements, there is a government grant to help pay for repairs and improvements to your home. The grant is called the Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grant Programs. This program can provide a grant up to $7,500 that can be used to remove or repair safety hazards.
