How to Get Free Money From the Government in 2025

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Generally, the government isn’t in the business of free cash giveaways, but you might qualify for assistance programs, tax credits and grants that do not require repayment.

You can capitalize on these structured, eligibility-based offerings at the local, state and federal levels. This article will tell you where to look, what you need to qualify and how to claim any government money you might have coming to you. 

1. Claim All Available Tax Credits

Tax credits offer an annual opportunity to reclaim cash that you would have otherwise forfeited to the IRS or your state. Unlike deductions, which merely reduce your taxable income, credits lower your tax bill on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Among the most common are:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Child Tax Credit (CTC)
• Saver’s Credit
• Education-related credits, such as the Lifetime Learning Credit and American Opportunity Tax Credit
• ‘Green’ Credits like the Residential Clean Energy Credit (RCEC)

Some are nonrefundable, meaning they can lower your tax bill to zero but no further. Others, like the EITC, are refundable, which means any leftover portion becomes or adds to a tax refund. Others are only partially refundable and some, like the Residential Clean Energy Credit (RCEC), allow taxpayers to carry over unused portions to future tax years.

In most cases, your tax-filing software or preparer will ask a series of questions to determine your eligibility and then claim qualifying credits on your behalf, but laws and eligibility standards are always changing, so check and double-check that you’ve taken all for which you qualify.

2. Apply for Government Grants and Benefits

USA.gov states that the federal government typically offers grants only to states and organizations, not to individuals. However, there are some exceptions, including: 

3. Get Utility or Rent Assistance

Qualifying renters might be eligible for need-based assistance programs that can help them pay their rent and utility bills, including:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
• Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)
• State-run hardship funds for assistance with water, gas and electricity bills

4. Use State-Specific Cash Relief Programs

Some states, counties and cities offer money to their residents through:

• Universal basic income pilot programs for vulnerable populations like the homeless, new mothers and low-income households with children, which cities and counties have implemented in at least 11 states.
• Refundable tax credits
• One-time relief payments

Check your state’s Department of Revenue or Human Services website for details.

5. Search for Unclaimed Money or Property

According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, state governments and treasuries hold billions of dollars’ worth of unclaimed cash and property owed to one in seven Americans.

Visit MissingMoney.com or your state’s unclaimed property portal to see if you can collect assets from sources like: 

• Forgotten bank accounts or CDs
• Insurance payouts
• Tax refunds
• Utility deposits
• Trust distributions
• Rebates
• Contents of safe deposit boxes

6. Apply for SNAP or WIC Benefits

A federally funded program administered by the states, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is America’s largest anti-hunger initiative. It gives beneficiaries money for groceries and related qualifying purchases according to their household’s size and income.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides vouchers for food and health services for expecting mothers and mothers with children under five.

Check your eligibility and apply through your state’s health department.

7. Sign Up for Free or Discounted Internet Programs

Lifeline is a federal program that offers financial support for phone and internet service for qualifying low-income households.

Please note that the similar Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024 due to a lack of Congressional funding, but the FCC states that some service providers have not updated their websites to reflect that change, and that several are still collecting data from customers inquiring about eligibility.

Final Thoughts

With the rare exceptions of situational stimulus payments and disaster relief, the government generally does not give away cash as “free money.”

However, many government programs offer real financial support for those who qualify. Take time to check your eligibility, gather documents, and apply. Don’t leave money on the table — especially if it’s owed to you through tax credits or unclaimed assets.

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