How to Get Free Money From the Government: 12 Options

Who doesn’t like the idea of free money from one of the most official sources possible? The truth is, the government does offer plenty of ways to put cash in your pocket — if you know where to look. 

From tax credits that show up at refund time to grants that never need paying back, there are legit programs designed to help people out. The trick is separating the real deals from the scammy noise.

How can I get free money from the government? 

Some of the most common ways to get free money from the government include unemployment insurance, cash assistance, tax credits, housing help, food programs, and even grants for education or small businesses. If you need financial assistance, here’s where to start.

1. Apply for unemployment benefits

Lost your job? Unemployment insurance is designed to keep you afloat while you find the next gig. Benefits vary by state, but in general you’ll need to prove you lost work through no fault of your own. Apply through your state’s labor department site — it’s the only legit way to access these funds.

2. Request cash support and services

If you’re in a tough spot, government cash assistance programs can provide short-term relief.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Helps with basic needs like food, shelter, and bills. Benefits and rules vary by state.

3. Search for and apply to college grants and scholarships

College is expensive, but the government offers free grant money for bills and personal use related to school.

• Federal Pell Grants: Need-based aid that never has to be repaid.

• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Your ticket to unlocking Pell Grants, work-study, and other funding sources.

📌 Related: How to Apply for Student Loans

4. Claim eligible tax credits

Tax season isn’t fun — but credits can mean a bigger refund (aka free cash).

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Designed for low-to-moderate income earners. You could qualify for up to several thousand dollars depending on your income and family size.

• Child Tax Credit (CTC): Puts real money back in the pockets of parents. For 2025, eligible families may claim up to $2,000 per child under age 17.

• American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): Helps students cover education expenses. It offers up to $2,500 per year for the first four years of higher education.

According to the IRS, millions of people miss out on claiming these every year (irs.gov). Don’t be one of them.

5. Enroll in healthcare insurance

Medical bills are no joke. The government funds programs that lower or eliminate those costs:

• Medicaid: Free or low-cost coverage for people with limited income.

• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Coverage for kids in families that earn too much for Medicaid but still need help.

6. Apply for help with child care costs

Child care eats up a big chunk of most family budgets. The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) offers subsidies to help parents work or attend school while their kids are in safe, qualified care.

7. Seek support for down payment or housing

Housing assistance is one of the most valuable forms of free government money for individuals:

• First-time homebuyer programs: Lower down payment requirements and hardship grants for individuals buying a house for the first time.

• Public Housing Assistance: Affordable rentals managed by local housing authorities.

• Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): Rent subsidies to help families afford safe housing.

📌 Related: What Is a Mortgage?

8. Lower your utility bills

Energy costs can crush your budget. Federal programs can help keep the lights on:

• Lifeline program: Discounts on phone and internet bills.

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Helps pay heating and cooling costs.

9. Get help paying for groceries and meals 

The government has multiple programs designed to make sure no one goes hungry:

• National School Lunch Program: Free or low-cost school meals for kids.

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Monthly funds to buy groceries.

• The Child and Adult Care Food Program: Reimburses caregivers for nutritious meals.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Nutrition support for pregnant people, new moms, and young kids.

10. Access disability assistance programs

If you’re unable to work due to a disability, federal programs provide consistent monthly benefits:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For disabled individuals with limited income.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes but can’t work due to disability.

11. Check for any unclaimed money or assets

It sounds too good to be true, but you might literally have unclaimed cash waiting for you. Use the official site unclaimed.org run by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) to see if you’ve got forgotten checks, refunds, or deposits.

12. Apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) grants

Entrepreneurs, this one’s for you. While most SBA programs are loans, there are also grant opportunities for specific industries (like scientific research or community development). Check sba.gov for up-to-date listings.

👉 Need Money Now? 14 Fast and Easy Ways to Get Cash Today

How to avoid scams

If someone’s promising “guaranteed free money” in your DMs, run. Here’s how to stay safe when looking for federal financial assistance:

⚠️ Use official government websites: anything else could be shady.

⚠️Never pay upfront fees to get “free” government money

⚠️ Don’t cave to urgency or pressure tactics to earn free money.

⚠️ Don’t share personal info with strangers: Real programs won’t ask for Social Security numbers over email.

📌 More tips for staying safe here. 

Real Free Money Does Exist … If You Know Where to Look

Government programs can cover food, housing, health care, school, utilities, and even business needs. Sure, it’s not like a giant check with your name on it for doing nothing, but it is free money in the sense that you don’t have to pay it back. And when life throws you curveballs, knowing these programs exist could be the difference between sinking and staying afloat.

FAQs

Can I get free money from the government if I’m unemployed?

Yes. Apply for unemployment benefits through your state labor office. Rules vary, but if you lost work through no fault of your own, you likely qualify.

How can I check if I qualify for government assistance programs?

Start at benefits.gov, which matches you with programs based on your personal situation.

How do I know if a government program or website is legitimate?

Stick to official .gov sites. If someone asks you to pay money upfront or provide personal info in shady ways, it’s a scam.