If you are in financial trouble and looking for a government hardship grant, The first thing you need to know is that there is no such thing as a "government hardship grant" for individuals, Exactly.
Actually, if you receive a notice to apply for a free grant from the government, There's a good chance it's a scam.
But there are government benefits that can help you pay for food, housing and health care. Read on to learn what kind of assistance you can apply for and how to protect yourself from scams.
- Can I get a financial hardship grant from the state?
- "Grants for personal hardship" are probably a scam
- 4 ways the government can help you in financial emergencies
- What hardship relief is available during COVID-19?
Can I get a financial hardship allowance from the state?
The federal government does not award hardship grants to individuals. Instead, grants of this type go to state and local governments, colleges and universities, law enforcement agencies, research labs, nonprofit organizations and businesses. These grants aim to fund programs that benefit specific groups or an entire community.
In some cases, nonprofits that receive federal grants may use the money to fund programs that help the people they serve. Here's how it may be possible to find help from a nonprofit that receives federal grants.
"Grants for personal hardship" are likely a scam
It is not uncommon for scammers to pose as charitable organizations or even government agencies. Their promises of free money from the government are really just a ploy to get you to give them personal information – or even money. by gaining access to your bank account.
Scammers may claim you are eligible for free money for home repairs, business expenses, education costs or unpaid bills. You can counter scammers through ads, phone calls, or other forms of outreach.
Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help protect you from federal grant fraud.
- Do not give your bank information to strangers. If scammers get their hands on your account number or password, they could steal your money. For this reason, you should always keep your bank account information confidential – and not share it unless you know the company and why the information is necessary.
- You should not be charged upfront for a free promotion. If you have to pay money to get a "free" government grant, it's a scam, says the FTC. "A real agency won't ask you to pay a processing fee for a scholarship you've already been awarded – or to pay a list of scholarship providers." Look online or at a public library for free information about agencies and foundations that award grants.
- Do your homework. If you don't know the agency, Look it up to make sure it's real. You can also check under grants.gov to search for federal grants to make sure the grant you are being offered actually exists.
- Don't be fooled by technology. Some scammers use technology to trick caller ID systems. They will make their calls look like they are from Washington, DC, when they could actually be anywhere – even in another country.
If you believe you are a victim of government grant fraud, you can visit the FTC's website to file a complaint or call 1-877-382-4357. Reporting suspicious behavior like this can help authorities crack down on fraudsters.
Learn more about scams in connection with coronavirus help
4 ways the government can help you with financial hardships
Even if the government does not grant individual hardship benefits, you may be eligible for other government benefits if you are having trouble making ends meet.
Government benefit programs are available to help people with lower incomes for food, housing, health care, and other financial needs.
Let's take a look at some government programs that can provide financial aid.
1. Food
If you're having trouble putting food on the table, the government offers several food assistance programs that can help. Here are a few.
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP- Better known as food stamps, The SNAP program can help you pay for groceries. Eligible applicants can receive a benefit card to use at certain grocery stores and farmers markets. To find out if you're eligible, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's SNAP eligibility page.
- National School Lunch Program – This program provides nutrition, reduced-price or free lunches for school children. To learn more, visit the USDA's National School Lunch Program page.
- WIC program – This short-term program helps mothers and their young children gain access to healthy foods. It also provides nutritional counseling and can refer women to health, welfare and social service programs. Visit the USDA's WIC eligibility requirements to see if you might qualify.
- Commodity Food Supplement Program – This program helps seniors by providing a package of healthy food each month. For more information, visit the USDA's Commodity Supplemental Food Program page.
For more details and information about additional federal food assistance programs, Visit usa's food assistance page.gov.
2. Housing
The federal government offers several housing programs to help low-income families, people with disabilities, and seniors make a roof over their heads. Here are a few.
- Supportive Housing – These government-owned rental houses or apartments are for families living on lower incomes, seniors, and people with disabilities. To find out if you are eligible for social housing, contact your local housing authority, or PHA.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program – Formerly known as Section 8, This program is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. It can help people with lower incomes to pay for rental housing. To find out if you are eligible for a housing voucher, or apply, Contact your local housing authority, or PHA.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP – This program provides low-cost home improvements to help people living on limited incomes lower their energy costs. It also helps them pay heating and air conditioning bills. To learn more, Visit LIHEAP's Benefits page.gov.
3. Medicine
The federal government also offers health benefits for people with lower incomes.
- Medicaid – Medicaid provides free and discounted health care services to low-income individuals and families.
- Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP – Children who come from low-income families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid can qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program. or CHIP. (Eligibility requirements vary by state, but generally depend on income.). Apply, Find a CHIP Program by State.
4. Financial support
There are several types of federal cash benefits available to needy people.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF – Better known as welfare, This program provides cash, child care and job training to low-income families for a limited period of time. To enroll in temporary benefits, apply at your local county or welfare office or call your state TANF office.
- Supplemental Security Income, or SSI – If you're a senior or a person with a disability, This government benefit program can provide you with cash. To find out if you are eligible, Visit the Social Security Administration's SSI eligibility requirements page.
End Effect
The federal government does not provide grants directly to individuals for personal use.
But if you're having trouble making ends meet, you might qualify for federal government benefit programs that can help you put food on the table, cover your living expenses and pay for health care. You should also check with your state to see what benefit programs are available.
And watch out for scammers who claim to provide government hardship grants. They may pose as legitimate charities or even government agencies to get you to give up personal information or your own money.
You are not sure what you might qualify for? You can use the federal government's Benefit Finder tool under Benefits.Use gov to find benefit programs that may be right for you. The website provides information on programs for different types of needs, such as disaster relief, services for families and children, food and nutrition, health care or medical assistance, financial assistance or loans, and more.
What hardship assistance is available during COVID-19?
The Corona pandemic has not only affected our physical health, but also the health of the economy.
If you are having difficulty making ends meet during the pandemic, you may be eligible for a small amount of additional assistance through the Coronavirus Relief, Relief and Economic Security Act.
Federal government benefits include ..
- Appeal to people with low and medium incomes. Individuals who are eligible for the economic impact payment receive up to $1, 200. If you haven't received yours yet, the IRS provides information on verifying payments with economic impact.
- Suspend student loan payments (interest and principal) on federally held student loans until 31. December, 2020.