25 Programs to Get Free Money From the Government (2026)
Saving money on programs get free money does not have to be complicated. We rounded up the essentials so you can spend less and skip the guesswork.
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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.
Written by Jana Lynch Last Updated: April 1, 2025 Reviewed by Zina KumokIf 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 frequently 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 programsIf 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 housingThere 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.
HUD is offering $112M in grants available to expand #affordablehousing for low-income persons with disabilities. AND, for the first time in nearly a decade, new grants to build more! https://t.co/cwONSrqrs4 pic.twitter.com/ykOSnuPCMp
, HUDgov (@HUDgov) October 9, 2019
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 preventionIf 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 forgivenessUnder 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.
Not ready to make your first student loan payment? These tips may help: https://t.co/zaRxtDFzFp pic.twitter.com/2Hb9ZkQ3Pb
, Federal Student Aid (@FAFSA) November 12, 2019
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
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.
SNAPThe 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.
WICWomen, Infants, and Children is another food assistance program for low-income individual
Final Thoughts
Before you check out, double-check programs get free money against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.
Originally published at dollarsprout.com.
Jana Lynch
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