Real help programs and grants
Government grants for personal bills are rare, and anyone promising "free grant money" for a fee is running a scam. The real help comes from programs like these. Each one is free to apply for on its official site.
All 12 programs
USA.gov Benefit Finder
The government's own questionnaire. Answer a few questions and it shows federal benefits you may be able to get.
Who it's for: Anyone
- Answer the questions on USA.gov.
- Open each program it suggests to apply.
Official siteusa.gov (opens in a new tab)Applying is free.
Help paying heating and cooling bills (LIHEAP)
Money toward energy bills, and sometimes emergency help when your power is about to be shut off.
Who it's for: Households with limited income. Each state sets its own rules and dates.
- Apply through your state or local LIHEAP office. The federal government doesn't take applications.
- Not sure where to start? Call the National Energy Assistance Referral line.
Free home weatherization
Local agencies seal leaks, add insulation and sometimes repair heating, at no cost to you, to lower your energy bills.
Who it's for: Households with limited income. Renters can qualify with the owner's permission.
- Find your state's program through the Department of Energy.
- Your local agency checks the home and does the work.
Official siteenergy.gov (opens in a new tab)Applying is free.
USDA home repair grants and loans
Grants to fix health and safety hazards in your home, and low-cost loans for other repairs.
Grants up to $10,000 over your lifetime (age 62+). Loans up to $40,000 at 1% for 20 years.
Who it's for: Very-low-income homeowners in rural areas who live in the home. Grants are for people 62 or older.
- Check that your address and income qualify on the USDA's program page.
- Apply through your local USDA Rural Development office.
Official siteusda.gov (opens in a new tab)Applying is free.
Lifeline phone or internet discount
A monthly discount on one phone or internet service.
Who it's for: Households with limited income, or that get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
- Check if you qualify and apply on the official Lifeline site.
- Then sign up with a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.
Official sitelifelinesupport.org (opens in a new tab)Applying is free.
SSI and Social Security disability benefits
Monthly payments for people who can't work because of a disability, and SSI for people with very limited income who are 65+, blind or disabled.
Who it's for: People with a disability, or 65 and older with limited income and resources.
- Apply on ssa.gov or by phone.
- Ask for help at your local Social Security office if you get stuck.
ABLE savings accounts
A savings account that lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid.
Up to $20,000 a year can go in (2026), with more allowed for some working owners.
Who it's for: People whose disability began before age 46.
- Compare state ABLE plans at the ABLE National Resource Center.
- Open an account online with the plan you choose.
Official siteablenrc.org (opens in a new tab)Applying is free.
Federal Pell Grant
Money for college or career school that doesn't have to be paid back.
Up to $7,395 for the 2026-27 school year.
Who it's for: Students with financial need, including adults going back to school.
- Fill out the free FAFSA form on studentaid.gov.
- Your school tells you how much you'll get.
Official sitestudentaid.gov (opens in a new tab)Applying is free.
Disaster assistance (FEMA)
Help with housing, repairs and other needs after a federally declared disaster.
Who it's for: People in an area with a federal disaster declaration.
- Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Keep photos and receipts of damage and repairs.
Official sitedisasterassistance.gov (opens in a new tab)Applying is free.
Earned Income Tax Credit and free tax help
A tax credit that can mean a bigger refund for workers with low to moderate income, plus free tax prep so you don't pay a preparer.
Up to $8,046 for the 2025 tax year.
Who it's for: People who worked and earned under the income limit.
- Check if you qualify on IRS.gov.
- Claim it on your tax return. Free IRS-certified volunteers can prepare it.
Official siteirs.gov (opens in a new tab)Applying is free.
State home energy rebates
Some states give rebates for heat pumps, insulation and electrical upgrades. What's available depends heavily on your state.
Who it's for: Usually homeowners and renters with limited or middle income, depending on the state.
- Look up your state's programs on DSIRE.
- Or call your state energy office.
Official sitedsireusa.org (opens in a new tab)Applying is free.
VA benefits
Health care, disability compensation, pensions, education and home loan benefits for veterans and some family members.
Who it's for: Veterans, service members and some family members.
- Check and apply on VA.gov.
Official siteva.gov (opens in a new tab)Applying is free.
Amounts and rules checked November 10, 2026. They change, and the official site always has the final word.