Whoever said"nothing in life comes free" didn't take into account government programs that assist individuals pay for things such as school, day care and a new residence. Most of these applications are funded by taxes, so technically you cover something, but they're as close as you'll get to getting free money from the government.
1. Get Assistance with utility bills
Want help paying your heating or phone bill? These programs may Have the Ability to assist:
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households cover heating and cooling costs. Each state sets its own eligibility requirements, such as income amounts.
The Lifeline program provides discounted landline or cell phone service. Lifeline is a income-based application, and that means you must meet certain eligibility conditions.
Get money for child care
Day care is a significant investment for many households.
The Child Care and Development Fund can help ease the burden for low carb families. Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the fund gives states, tribes and lands money to distribute to families to help cover child care. Grants are income-based and generally pay care for children under 13. Locate the Child Care and Development Fund contact for your state.
3. Recover unclaimed money
This isn't so much free money since it's money owed to you. It might be a long-forgotten deposit paid to a utility company, a missing savings bond, unclaimed life insurance benefits or an uncashed paycheck.
West Virginia doled out more than $12 million in unclaimed funding during fiscal year 2017.
These unclaimed funds have been turned into the country when the operator can't be located, often because of clerical error or businesses using an old address on file. Stop by a website affiliated with the National Association of State Treasurers, to learn if you have cash waiting to be maintained.
During the 2017 fiscal year, West Virginia doled out more than $12 million in unclaimed funds. Maine returned over $18 million and Florida returned more than $313 million -- a record for the two states. 4.
To buy a house but can't afford a deposit. Input state-based down payment support. These grants and loans help you pay the upfront costs of purchasing a home.
Grants and loans allow you to pay the upfront costs of purchasing a home.
In Nevada, as an example, prospective homeowners may be eligible for a grant up to 5 percent of the mortgage to put toward a down payment and closing prices. District of Columbia residents can qualify for a down payment assistance loan of up to 3.5% of the mortgage. The loan needs to be repaid only if you sell, refinance or vacate the house within the first five years.
Help isn't allowed for low-income borrowers. Nevada's grant program is available to those with an annual income below $98,500. The D.C. program caps income eligibility at only $132,000.
5. Locate tax credits for health
The future of this Affordable Care Act is murky at best. But for the time being, the premium tax credits issued through the app are alive also. Here's how they work:
Individuals and households who purchase
College grants, such as the national Pell Grant, will make it easier to pay for faculty. Students who are eligible for the Pell Grant could get up to $6,095 for the 2018-19 award year. The exact amount given is based on variables which have financial need, the expense of attendance and enrollment status. The program is also utilized to qualify for many institutional and state grants and scholarships.coverage throughout the government's health insurance market can be eligible for a credit in their insurance premiums. The credit can be paid directly to your insurer, decreasing your monthly payments, or paid out as a tax credit when you file your return.
While there are ways to get free money from the government, there are also grant scams that claim to provide you free cash from the government in hopes of slipping from you. Do not be fooled. The authorities rarely reaches out to individuals with offers of free money, and when it does, it is not via societal media.