How To Find Government Grants

Do grants really exist to pay off credit cards and debt? Many people may ask themselves this question, after seeing TV commercials or other ads promoting promising and new information about paying bills and debt with grants. No, these ads are not a scam, but like many ads and things on TV it is perceived different then it really is. After hearing an ad or viewing a commercial for such products many people think that they will get free grants and money to pay off the credit card and bad debt just by quickly filling out a few forms or making a few calls. This assumption is incorrect.

Review the steps below to find out how to start researching to find your own government grants.

1) Before you begin your search for a grant, you need to understand that there is not a grant that is specifically created to pay off credit cards, debts, or bills. If you walked into a government office and asked for such a grant, you will soon find yourself quickly out in the cold. The best way to find a grant is to  look at your credit card's individual expenditures, to see where your bills are, to qualify for your purchases, not the actual bill itself.

2) Most government grant programs that may provide help are county and state ran programs. If you do decide to purchase a list of information about your specific home area, state, or county, or your specific interest, you need to make sure to read the small prints. You will find lists of grants that will cost anywhere from $5 to $80, but they are typically the same lists.

3) Hospital bills: The best place to look for a grant to help pay medical bills is at the hospital. Ask to talk to the patient advocate, and they can help you find any funds and grants that are available through the hospital. Also you need to be sure to check with Family Services to determine if your medical bill or debt can be paid with emergency Medicaid funds through County Assistance. Lower income individuals and families may be eligible for direct state assistance programs while others looking for help may qualify for clinics that are paid by a sliding fee scale. Sliding fees that you may need to pay are determined by how much a family income is, how much they can afford to pay for a service, and the fees are usually very small. To find out more about additional grants programs also be sure to contact your local health department. Current medical bills, and even some unpaid debt, may be eligible for reduction. Additional ways to get help with medical bills.

 

 

 

4) Energy Bill - Emergency Crisis Grants: Many utility, gas, water, and energy providers have programs and grants that can help prevent a disconnection. The grant programs are targeted at the low income and struggling people. Call your utility company to learn more, or get a listing of energy company assistance programs.

5)  Shopping: Regular Shopping expenditures: While you will not find assistance programs or free cash grants that will pay for a new fun wardrobe, or your daisy dukes shorts (unless it is a uniform requirement!), you may be eligible for grants to help pay for uniforms for work through the local career center or clothes for school through family services. A disabled person who is looking to find employment may also find free grant money to get a whole new wardrobe to change professions with assistance programs such as the Vocational Rehabilitation program. While some programs probably will not pay off an entire bill, participating in aid programs like the Salvation Army will give you clothes and uniforms if you meet income guide lines.

6) Debt and grants due to education: While I think it is fairly well known that there are many government programs to help the poor and disadvantage pay for education expenses, there are also numerous assistance programs and grants to help the country and economy find the next "leader and doctors" of tomorrow. To find government grant programs, if you just go to your college financial adviser may be the best advise we can give. However, to find lucrative private grants and aid you may need to research through the internet and library.

7) Grants for dependent expenses: While most families daycare expenses and bills are deducted from taxes paid and taxable income every year, some low income families may be eligible for additional assistance. You need to look for additional information at your local Economic Development Center or family services for more information on grants or other funds that may help with buying school supplies, adoption, or other necessities.

8) Grants to help pay debt due to daily living expenses: You usually see "Eight hundred dollars a month for the rest of your life to pay off any debts and bills" as a common line. If a grant or assistance program states this, they are usually talking about a disability check or social security that will help families and people that are disabled and not able to earn more then $800 a month. The information you may provide is simply go to your local social security office.