Free Money? How to Get Free Resources from the Government and Other Sources
When times are tough, finding ways to ease financial strain can feel overwhelming. However, there are several resources available that can help you get “free money” from both government programs and other sources.
While it’s not a magic solution, understanding and utilizing these options can provide relief for your checking account and open doors to resources you may not even know exist.
Let’s explore various ways to access funds, reduce bills and get paid extra money, from finding unclaimed assets to utilizing government assistance programs.
How to Get Free Money
1. Find unclaimed money.
It might surprise you to learn that billions of dollars in unclaimed funds are waiting to be claimed by people across the United States. These funds could come from forgotten bank accounts, unpaid wages, or refunds, and can be easily searched for online.
The website unclaimed.org provides an easy-to-use tool that allows you to search for unclaimed funds by state. Simply enter your name to see if there are any forgotten funds with your name on them. It’s a quick and easy way to check if you have cash waiting to be claimed.
2. Get help with bills.
Several government and nonprofit programs offer assistance with utilities, internet and other expenses if you need help paying bills. Programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provide funding to help cover energy bills for eligible households. Similarly, internet providers often partner with the government to provide discounted internet services to low-income families. Check with your utility companies and local government agencies to see what’s available in your area.
3. Get assistance with childcare costs.
Childcare can be a significant expense, but several programs offer assistance to help reduce these costs. For example, the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal program that provides funds to states, allowing eligible families to receive help with childcare expenses.
Additionally, child tax credits, which have been expanded in recent years, offer families a significant tax break to offset childcare costs. Another program, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, helps low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children with food, health care referrals, and nutrition education, providing valuable support to those raising young children.
4. Lower your food costs.
For families and individuals in need, food assistance programs can make a significant difference. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly financial assistance to help with food purchases. Eligibility varies by state, but generally, low-income households qualify.
Schools also offer free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch programs, so if you have school-age children, check if they are eligible for meal assistance through their school district. These programs help families stretch their budgets while ensuring children have access to nutritious meals.
5. Apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance and support services to help families become self-sufficient. TANF benefits vary by state, but in general, the program helps cover essential expenses, job training and child care for families in need. To find out if you’re eligible, visit your state’s TANF website and apply online or in person.
6. Get help with housing.
Housing costs can be overwhelming, especially during economic hardship. The federal government offers several housing assistance programs to help lower-income families secure affordable housing. Programs like Section 8, managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provide rental assistance for qualifying low-income Americans and families.
Additionally, some states offer rental assistance or emergency relief programs that can help with rent, utility payments or security deposits. Check with your local HUD office or housing authority to see what assistance options may be available.
How to Make Extra Money Fast
1. Take surveys.
While taking online surveys or participating in market research won’t make you rich, they can be an easy way to make money online in your spare time. Survey sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie and InboxDollars pay users to complete surveys, watch videos or perform other simple online tasks. Although the payouts can be small and are generally in the form of gift cards, they add up over time, and it’s something you can do while relaxing at home.
2. Get a side hustle.
Consider taking on a side hustle to earn money. Popular options include freelance work (like writing, graphic design, or coding), tutoring, pet-sitting, or even driving for a rideshare company. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork offer a range of freelance gigs, while apps like TaskRabbit can connect you with people in your area looking for help with everyday tasks. Side hustles can be flexible and often pay immediately after completing the work. You might even be able to grow it into a full-time job or small business one day.
3. Sell your unused items.
Declutter your home and make money by selling items you no longer need. Apps like eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark allow you to sell gently used clothes, electronics, furniture and other items. This not only helps you make quick cash but also frees up space in your home. Just be sure to avoid online scams and dangerous situations when selling items online. Holding a garage sale or selling items at a local consignment shop can also be effective ways to make some extra money fast.
Borrowing Options When You Need Money Now
If you’re in urgent need of cash and need money now, borrowing can be a viable option, but it should be approached with caution. Borrowing is not free. It comes with interest and potential long-term financial obligations. In some cases, the cost of borrowing for quick loans might be very expensive.
However, if you’ve exhausted other resources, here are a few common borrowing options that you might consider:
Personal loans. Banks, credit unions and online lenders offer personal installment loans and lines of credit that can be used for various purposes. Interest rates depend on your credit score, and terms vary by lender. Make sure to compare offers and understand the repayment terms before committing.
Credit card cash advances. A cash advance on a credit card can provide immediate funds but often comes with high interest rates and fees. This option should generally be considered a last resort due to the high cost of borrowing.
Family or friends. Borrowing from family or friends can be a quick and interest-free way to get cash, but it’s essential to set clear repayment terms (and meet them) to avoid straining relationships.
The Bottom Line
There are many ways to find and make extra money, from tapping into government resources to finding creative side hustles. Whether you’re looking to uncover forgotten funds, lower your monthly expenses, or earn some extra cash, these options can help provide financial relief during challenging times. Just remember that while borrowing is an option, it’s best to use it sparingly and focus on long-term solutions that strengthen your financial stability. By taking advantage of available resources and implementing creative income strategies, you can ease financial burdens and get back on track.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only, and should not be considered financial, investment or legal advice.
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