Free stuff and free services for low income families.
Free items, whether “physical stuff” or services is generally available for people who cannot afford basic necessities, household items, or essential care. While resources are of course limited, there are charities, churches, and even some government programs that provide free goods and services to low-income and/or struggling families.
The term “free stuff” on this page refers to both physical items and essential services. This includes everything from food, clothes, some types of basic medical care, transportation, financial counseling, and other necessities that are provided at no cost to eligible households. Most programs, or the organizations that administer them, require an application and may verify income, household size, age, disability status, or participation in public assistance programs.
As with any program, in particular anything around free stuff, the demand of what can be provided often exceeds demand. It is also to be aware of any false promises or even scam type programs - never pay for anything marketed as free. This page serves as a central guide to the main types of free help available. Each section below links to more detailed pages that explain eligibility rules, application steps, and where to find help locally by state, county, or city. Note if you are looking for programs in your area, you can also browse free items by location here.
Note: People searching for free items or services should be cautious of scams or misleading offers. Legitimate charities, non-profits, and government agencies do not charge application fees, require payment to access “lists,” or ask for upfront money in exchange for assistance. Be wary of websites, social media posts, or individuals that request payment, personal financial information, or gift cards in order to receive free help. When in doubt, assistance should be directly verified through contacting those official organizations or local agencies themselves.
Free household and home-related items
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Free air conditioners, fans, or other home cooling devices may be available for income qualified households affected by extreme heat. Help is often targeted to seniors, people with medical conditions, or families with young children, who all tend to be most at risk due to heat or humidity. Free air conditioners, while of course limited in availability, may come from government-funded energy programs or local charities.
Free heating system repairs or replacements may be available during colder months for “at-risk” low-income households, seniors, and people with disabilities. Programs may help repair furnaces, boilers, or heating units and may also improve energy efficiency. Read more about options when it comes to free heating system repairs or replacement.
Home repair assistance may be available for low-income homeowners, in particular senior citizens or people with a disability, who need help fixing safety or habitability issues. Repairs are wide ranging (when available) and may things such as include roofing, plumbing, electrical work, or accessibility modifications. More details are here, on our page of how to get free home repairs, which are often provided by charities, volunteers, or grant-funded programs including from HUD or the USDA.
Free furniture and household furnishings may be provided to families transitioning out of homelessness or facing financial hardship or recovering from a disaster Assistance from a distribution center may include beds, mattresses, tables, couches, or free vouchers for “shopping” at thrift stores, depending on availability and location as listed here on free furniture assistance programs.
- Some programs focus on giving away free appliances. Most are used items but functional, but some new, free appliances may be provided (in rare cases) as well to the low-income facing a crisis. Get dishwashers, freezers or refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines or dryers and so much more from a free appliance programs.
Vouchers, grants, and free services
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Free cars or donated, but drivable, vehicles may be available through non-profits, faith-based organizations, or community programs that support employment and self-sufficiency around earning a stable income. Most programs that may help people get a car for free require proof of income, employment needs, and the ability to pay all future operating costs.
- Free gasoline or help getting fuel may be provided by non-profits, charities and other groups that help struggling people get gas for work, or job interview or emergency ride. Help may come in the form of free gas cards or vouchers to be used to get a certain amount of fuel for a car or truck as outlined here on programs for free gasoline.
- Additional transportation assistance may also include free rides, volunteer driver programs, public transit passes, or non-emergency medical transportation for people without reliable access to a vehicle as part of local and national free transportation programs.
Free or subsidized child care may be available for parents who are working, attending school, or participating in job training programs. Assistance is often funded through federal or state programs and may include additional support such as meals or early childhood services. The goal of free daycare services is to make child care affordable for families that are trying to stabilize their financial situation.
 Some families may qualify for financial assistance. While income criteria are in place, availability of funds vary, and agencies that administer have applications in place, the free money for paying bills can include things such as rebates, hardship grants from a charity, or government cash-equivalent benefits. As noted these programs and the concept of “free money” can include everything from charitable funds to government benefits. Assistance may interest free loans or low-interest loans offered by community organizations or religious groups.
Government benefit programs may also provide free or low-cost services, medical coverage, equipment, or support for children and adults. The free services or funds offered are generally for people enrolled in programs such as Medicaid which can give some free items or other state assistance programs.
Emergency housing and shelter programs may provide free lodging for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing. Assistance may include shelter placement, short-term emergency housing, or another option when the local shelters are full is it may be possible to get a free voucher for a motel.
Income-based housing programs, including both nonprofit run and government options, may help very low-income households secure affordable or subsidized housing. While many have a wait list and require various criteria, these rent free apartments programs often work alongside charities that may even help furnish or help people stabilize into a new home.
Free basic needs and personal items
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Many communities offer local, even neighborhood level alerts or sign-ups for free giveaways. Some most give away items on a “first-come serviced basis”, timing is critical as noted in this guide of how to be alerted to free giveaways in your area.
Free baby and newborn supplies may be available to families (including single parents) welcoming a new child. Free or low cost baby stuff may include formula, clothing, maternity items, car seats, free crib programs, or other essential supplies from a wide variety of charitable and community programs. A major ongoing expense is hygiene stuff for a new born and this is where free diaper assistance programs can be very beneficial.
Free birthday items may be available, in particular to younger kids, through charities, community organizations, and participating businesses. Assistance from a free birthday service may include food, toys, gift cards, or special items for children and families.
Free nutrition education and cooking programs may teach families how to shop and prepare meals on a limited budget. Some programs also provide groceries, kitchen supplies, or food during classes.
Free clothes for work, or school are an option: A wide variety of free clothes for adults, kids or job seekers can be provided by clothing closets. Clothing banks and closets are located at a number of charities, churches or other places and give out (based on resources) gently used clothes or in some new stuff.
Free nutrition education and cooking programs, including the main option known as Cooking Matters, may teach families how to shop and prepare meals on a limited budget. Some programs also provide groceries, kitchen supplies, or food during classes.
Cooking Matters classes: The program is a free, weekly training workshop offered nationwide. Professionals and volunteers teach attendees how to shop on a budget so they can buy healthy food. The training programs also teaches cooking classes (for making healthy meals) and provides free food, some kitchen supplies, and other material support. Find how to apply for free Cooking Matters program.
Free grocery savings programs, coupons, or shopping apps are widely available. These various services will often may help families reduce grocery costs, with free food shopping apps providing diverse benefits to people in need. Assistance may include coupons available for free, digital discounts, or rebate programs.
Food pantries and free community meal programs, including from soup kitchens, provide free groceries and meals to low-income households. Availability and limits vary by location, but many local places for free food also provide hygiene items or household supplies on a limited basis.
Some low-income families may qualify for free or reduced memberships to community organizations such as the YMCA. While each location has terms and conditions in place, in general the programs provide access to fitness, wellness, youth programs and other services with more information here about YMCA membership programs that are free.
Free samples, household products, and basic items may be available through mail-based programs or community distribution events, depending on availability. Free samples can even be provided by companies or product testing sites as a marketing type program from them.
Free technology programs may provide computers, tablets, internet access, or other devices to low-income households, students, or seniors. There are government programs that give items to low-income families and companies also give out tech products to consumers for reviews with more details here about how to get free technology products.
Charities may provide free vouchers or gift cards to help struggling families purchase essential items, particularly during seasonal or emergency situations. A free voucher will not be able to pay bills, but it can provided essential stuff for everyday needs.
Seasonal items that are given for free to low-income families
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Back-to-school assistance programs may provide free backpacks, supplies, clothing, shoes, or computers to students from low-income families. Get information on how to apply for free school supplies, with most programs open during the later summer - early fall months.
Free firewood, heating fuel, or pellets / wood scraps may be available to households that rely on these sources for heat, particularly during winter months. Free firewood can be provided by both government programs as well as some charities, as availability allows.
Holiday assistance programs may provide food, gifts, or additional financial help, including gift cards or money to pay for Christmas items, during Thanksgiving or Christmas. Many programs that offer help at Christmas require early applications due to limited funding. Thousands of charities, churches, and volunteer groups operate these services.
- Some organizations offer free Christmas trees or holiday decorations to families facing financial hardship. A Christmas tree for low income families tend to focus on veterans and households with kids.
Heating oil and fuel: During the winter, free heating oil and equipment may be passed out. Other stuff to keep a working poor family warm may be offered too. Most of this will be for seniors citizens and homes with young children. Find how to get help from heating oil programs.
Winter assistance programs may provide free coats, boots, hats, or cold-weather clothing for children, seniors, and low-income adults. A major focus is on giving out winter clothes for free to kids or seniors. But other support can be arranged too as some of the programs will also advise people on how to get help from heating oil programs.
Free financial, legal and counseling services
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Free credit or debt counseling may be available from nonprofits to households struggling with budgeting, debt, or financial planning. Services from a non-profit credit counseling agency will help people improve their overall financial situation for both short and long-term needs.
- Free credit repair assistance may be available through community programs, veterans’ services, or housing counseling agencies as well as the non-profits referenced above. The free credit repair services help people improve their FICO scores and get on track.
Job training and workforce development programs support individuals who need new skills or credentials to improve employment prospects. These free job training programs services may include placement assistance, vocational training, certifications, and resume support, and are often open to anyone facing employment barriers.
Free tax preparation services are available in many communities for seniors and low- to moderate-income households. Trained volunteers help ensure that required filings are completed correctly and that available government credits or refunds are claimed as part of these services which file taxes for free.
Legal aid organizations provide civil legal assistance to low-income people (and seniors regardless of their income) who cannot afford private attorneys. Common areas of help from free legal programs include housing disputes, benefits appeals, family law matters, consumer issues, and protection from unlawful practices.
- Individuals considering bankruptcy may be able to obtain free bankruptcy consultations from attorneys or approved counselors. These services help explain the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings and outline the steps involved before any decision is made.
Medicaid planning assistance helps individuals understand eligibility rules for medical coverage, long-term care, and nursing home services. Counselors that are part of the free Medicaid Planning assistance programs explain asset limits, application requirements, and program options, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities.
Some charitable programs also assist with basic veterinary care for pets owned by low-income households, veterans, or people experiencing homelessness. Support from the free vets, which can be at local clinics or pet shelters, may include exams, vaccinations, medications, or emergency treatment.
Medical, dental, and wellness care
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Medical equipment assistance programs help individuals obtain necessary items when insurance coverage is limited or unavailable. Support from the government or a non-profit may include free or low-cost CPAP machines, oxygen equipment, mobility aids, or other durable medical supplies, often through clinics or charitable programs. Another option is to borrow equipment, at no cost, from a medical loan closet.
Community health centers and free clinics provide primary medical care to uninsured or underinsured patients. Services from free community clinics may include checkups, testing, preventive care, and treatment for common medical conditions, often on a sliding-scale or no-cost basis.
Dental care assistance addresses one of the most common unmet health needs. Free dental care may offer cleanings, exams, extractions, fillings, or preventative check-ups. In some cases, it is also possible to get free emergency dental care or surgery. These services are for individuals who cannot afford private dental services or people that have no insurance at all.
People with diabetes may qualify for help obtaining medications, testing supplies, or insulin. Assistance, such as medications and supplies for diabetics, can come from non-profits, government programs, or clinics. There are even some manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs that may offer free insulin, depending on the household income and insurance status.
Vision care programs help cover eye exams and prescription glasses, frequently focusing on children, seniors, or adults with very limited income. There are also foundations that help low-income people access free prescription glasses or exams.
Hearing aid assistance programs are an option. The devices can also help pay for what is not covered by Medicare, a health insurance plan, or Medicaid. While some devices have a minimal costs, other programs may even give out hearing aids.
Mental health services may be available through clinics, charities, or special programs serving veterans, first responders, or uninsured individuals. Some are income based others anyone can use. Support from a free therapy service for uninsured patients can include counseling, therapy, or referrals to ongoing treatment resources.
Prescription assistance programs help reduce the cost of medications through vouchers, manufacturer programs, or discount cards. These options for free prescription drug programs are often available regardless of insurance status as the pharmaceutical companies try to ensure people have access to the medications they need.
Substance abuse treatment services may be provided at no cost through government-funded programs, non-profit treatment centers that arrange income-based services, or Medicaid-supported facilities. Available services from a free rehab and substance abuse treatment program can include detoxification, inpatient care, outpatient treatment, and ongoing recovery support.
Want to read what others are saying or ask a question?
Visit our forum that discusses free stuff to see real experiences and community replies from across the U.S. As many people, no matter their income, are trying to find free items for them or their family. Or email us at [email protected], and be sure to include your state and county as many programs are local.
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