Information about financial assistance programs
If you want to go to college but are worried about the cost, the Federal Pell Grant is one of the most valuable financial aid programs available. Unlike student loans, a Pell Grant is free money that you never have to pay back. Millions of students receive Pell Grants every year, and the application process…
The cost of higher education in the United States continues to climb, and for many families the question is not whether they want their children to go to college but whether they will be able to afford it. A 529 plan is one of the most powerful tools available for saving for education expenses, and…
When money is tight and you need cash fast, it can be tempting to accept the first loan offer that comes your way. Predatory lenders count on this urgency. They design their products to trap borrowers in cycles of debt that are extremely difficult to escape, charging fees and interest rates that can turn a…
Your credit report is one of the most important documents in your financial life. It affects whether you can rent an apartment, get approved for a loan, qualify for a credit card, and sometimes even whether you get a job. Yet most people have never actually looked at their credit report, and even fewer understand…
Every year, millions of Americans pay hundreds of dollars to have their taxes prepared by commercial services when they could get the exact same work done for free. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, commonly known as VITA, provides free tax preparation services to individuals and families who earn $67,000 or less per year, people…
Having a bank account is one of the most fundamental tools for managing your money, yet an estimated 4.5 million households in the United States are unbanked, meaning they do not have a checking or savings account at any financial institution. For many, the barrier is not a lack of interest but a belief that…
You found an apartment you can afford, the landlord approved your application, and you are ready to move in. Then you learn the security deposit is $1,500 and you do not have it. This is one of the most common barriers to stable housing in America, and it keeps thousands of families stuck in shelters,…
Benefits Eligibility Check You May Qualify for Disability Benefits Most people are eligible for more than they think. Check in under 2 minutes. $1,537/mo avg. SSDI $7,900 avg. back pay $0 to check ⏰ Benefits can be backdated — but only from the date you apply. Every month you wait is a month of payments…
From lowering healthcare costs to easing the burden of debt and housing, these programs are designed to give everyday Americans a fighting chance. See which ones you qualify for below. How to use this page: Each program above has different eligibility requirements. Click through to see if you qualify — most checks take under 2…
Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your life — yet most Americans have never actually checked it. Every time you apply for a rental, a car loan, a credit card, or even certain jobs, someone is looking at that number and making a decision about you. A single mistake on…
