Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Lori Pace
There is definitely a greater need for financial assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has sent devastation to many countries worldwide and left many households in dire financial situations. Many families are in dire need of personal grants and other forms of assistance.
There is good news, though, that there are many federal assistance programs that have existed pre-COVID-19, continue to exist during the pandemic, and may also be present post-pandemic.
There are various categories of free grants ranging from utility bills grants, housing grants, education grants, business grants, transportation, utility payments, rent, and taxes, and many more.
What Are Personal Grants?
A personal grant is a federal grant meant to help the needy. Personal grants address an individual’s expenses during a difficult financial period in one’s life.
This special grant provides financial relief to low-income families, disabled, ill, and unemployed individuals. Grants are money given to the needy, and unlike loans, you don’t have to pay the money back. These grants are awarded by government agencies, private organizations like businesses, colleges, or private foundations.
How Can I Get Free Personal Grants?
As a U.S. citizen or a qualifying non-citizen, you can benefit from personal grants. Get help for a specific purpose like supplies, real estate, taxes, paying off loans, repairing your home, fuel, rent, food, education, utility bills, medical bills, legal services, etc.
All you have to do is start the application process and submit your grant application to the relevant government agencies.
If you need a personal grant, the application process for free government grants is pretty straightforward. The only challenging part is selection because even though there are many opportunities for personal grants, you are not the only one applying for these grants.
Luckily, there are ways to increase your chances of selection:
- Focus on grants that are more suitable and specific to your needs.
- Approach a local authority who will share your options and assist you with your application.
- Subscribe to Grant.gov. for updates about the different federal grants available.
- Write a letter about your hardship and personal story (make sure you are not lying about your story). This extra information is helpful as it outlines your needs.
- Make sure you are eligible for the federal grant or assistance program.
Where to apply for personal grants?
Get free grant money to pay your bills and for your personal use. You can state your need for the grant money for any amount of time based on your needs. Below are different federal grants; see if you are eligible. If you qualify, apply for the most suitable grants to cover your expenses. Here are programs that may be able to help:
Government Personal Grants For Single Moms
The federal government offers several personal grants to assist vulnerable single moms in looking after themselves and their children. Single moms can expect to get government assistance ranging from child care, food, nutritional, and even medical assistance that they can qualify for from pregnancy to the birth of their child or children.
Child Care Grants
Day-care is an expense that parents cannot afford. Get a federal grant to help ease the burden of daycare costs. The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides eligible low-income families with childcare assistance. The program co-pays for daycare costs, while parents pay the rest based on their family size and income.
This program is offered in each of the 50 states, each state having its own eligibility requirements and application process. Search for the CCAP in your area online to start your application process.
Eligibility requirements:
- Parents with children younger than 13 or older children with health-related issues or disabilities.
- Other requirements stipulated by the state.
- Food and Nutrition Grants
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp program. Provides affordable and healthy meals to the neediest families and most children under the age of 18. Recipients are given a debit card used to buy groceries.
To start your application process for SNAP, contact your local SNAP office or download your state’s application form online.
Eligibility requirements:
- Low to no-income families.
- Meet certain income requirements determined by your state.
Government Grants For Unemployed Persons
If you have lost your source of income during the pandemic, there is money from the government that you can use to navigate this time in your life and meet your everyday needs.
Business Grants For Small Businesses
If you have lost your job or are struggling to find employment and have decided to start a small business. You may qualify to receive funding from the government through programs like The Small Business Administration. SBA is an effort by the U.S. government to help Americans start and expand their small businesses. Contact your local office to start your application process.
Eligibility requirements:
- A comprehensive Business Plan.
- Other requirements stipulated by your local office.
Government Grants For Low-Income Families
Housing Grants
The primary source of free housing grants is the government. Low-income families and individuals can qualify for free or subsidized housing offered by state governments by applying for these housing programs.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds several housing programs like the HUD Public Housing Program. The HUD Public Housing Program focuses on providing low-income individuals and families with access to safe, clean, affordable, and non-discriminatory subsidized housing.
Grant applications are easy and are open to single parents and low-income households.
Eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a United States citizen.
- Annual gross income must be 50% of the median income of the country.
- Family’s size.
- Valid references that prove you are a good tenant.
Medical Grants
Medical bills can be overwhelming for low-income families, especially in the plight of the Covid 19 pandemic. Get help with unexpected medical costs through Medicaid. This is a federal and state public health insurance program providing free or low-cost health to Americans. This form of government assistance takes the stress off of low-income families or individuals when it matters most.
Eligibility requirements:
- Considered low-income families, single adults, kids, pregnant women, elderly, and disabled.
Transportation Grants
Every day millions of Americans use public transportation to travel to and from work. Such travel is a daily necessity that not everyone can afford. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is a U.S. Department Of Transportation (DOT) initiative that partners with several state governments and local governments annually to provide free public transportation grants. Ensuring safe, efficient, and accessible public transport for Americans. This grant includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys, and ferries.
Government Grants For College Students
Yearly, millions of Americans enroll in different accredited colleges to further their education. The biggest hindrance to this “American Dream” can be a lack of funding and student aid.
The Pell Grant is the largest federal financial aid in America. This financial aid makes it easier for college students to pay their school fees to further their education. Pell grants help students by offering up to $6.345 for the award year based on financial need, the student’s cost of tuition, and enrolment status.
Eligibility requirements:
- Students must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. college.
- Display financial need
You can search for more programs and grants like these by visiting Grants.gov. In addition to these, several charitable organizations commit themselves annually to assisting the needy in paying their bills. If you are eligible to apply, apply to as many assistance programs as you can. These are funds specifically meant to improve the quality of life for many Americans. And the more you apply, the greater your chances are of receiving financial assistance.
If you are still unable to get financial assistance from the government, you may want to look into the following:
1. Recover unclaimed money
This isn’t free money but is money that could be owed to you. This includes long-forgotten deposits unclaimed life insurance, etc. Visit the National Association of State Treasurers to check if you have any unclaimed money.
2. Claim for disability benefits
If you are disabled, the Social Security Administration is a federal organization that can help you by providing you with a hardship grant, money, or other financial assistance. Search the website to see all the different assistance that the organization provides.
Every dollar buck counts, so make the most of these relief programs to help you with your daily expenses.
