Free Money For Parents
Here are 10 grants and financial assistance programs that can help parents in the U.S. with various needs—from childcare and education to housing and food support. Each entry includes a brief description and contact or application information:
🍼 1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
What it is: Provides monthly cash assistance and support services to low-income families with children.
Helps with: Housing, food, childcare, and job training.
Apply at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/tanf
Local contact: Visit your state’s Department of Human Services or Benefits Office.
🏡 2. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
What it is: Helps families with energy bills, energy crises, and weatherization.
Helps with: Utility bills (electric, gas).
Apply at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
🍎 3. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
What it is: Supports low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
Helps with: Nutritious food, breastfeeding support, and health screenings.
Apply at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Local WIC office contact: Call your local health department.
👶 4. Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
What it is: Helps low-income families pay for childcare while working or attending school.
Apply at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/ccdf-grant
State application portal: Search “[Your State] child care assistance.”
🏠 5. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
What it is: Provides rent subsidies for low-income families.
Apply at: https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8
Contact: Your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).
🎓 6. Pell Grant (For Parents Going Back to School)
What it is: Federal grant to help low-income students pay for college.
Apply at: https://studentaid.gov – Complete the FAFSA form.
Amount: Up to $7,395 per year (2024–25 school year).
💳 7. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
What it is: Helps families buy food using an EBT card.
Apply at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap
Local DHS office: Search “[Your State] SNAP application.”
🚼 8. Head Start & Early Head Start
What it is: Free early childhood education for children 0–5 from low-income families.
Apply at: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov
Find a program: Use their program locator.
🧾 9. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
What it is: A refundable tax credit for low-to-moderate-income working families.
Helps with: A cash refund during tax season.
Claim it by: Filing taxes at https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc
🧺 10. Local Nonprofits and Faith-Based Grants
What it is: Many churches and nonprofit groups offer one-time grants or services for struggling parents.
Search tip: Use terms like “parent emergency grant + [Your City]” or contact United Way:
📞 United Way Helpline: Dial 2-1-1 or visit https://www.211.org