Free Money You Didn’t Know You Qualify For: Government Programs and Legitimate Cash Most People Miss

Let’s start 2026 with the most actionable guide possible to you getting Free Money! (Updated December 31, 2025)

We’ve all been there—it’s time to pay your bills at the end of the month, and you’re scrambling to make ends meet. Existing as a human being in the twenty-first century is expensive, and no matter how successful you are, the chances are that at some point, you’ve found yourself wishing for a way to earn some extra cash in a pinch.

Luckily, there are plenty of legitimate (and legal) methods of earning a few extra bucks. Whether you’re stuck between jobs, dealing with an expensive medical setback, or just have fallen on hard times, check out our tips to get free money.

What Is Free Money?

When we say “free money,” we mean cash or rewards you gain from signing up for and using a service. Since you’re not producing anything or otherwise laboring for a company, the money is essentially free. However, you will need to provide something in return, even if it’s just an email address.

It’s important to note that the ideas we provide here aren’t enough to form a full-time income; they’re just some easy ways to earn a little extra cash, whether you need it to pay bills, to line your savings account, or to purchase a fun gift for yourself.

Last year, Americans left $62 billion in government benefits on the table. Sixty-two billion dollars that people qualified for but never claimed.

That’s not a typo.

The Earned Income Tax Credit alone goes unclaimed by roughly one in five eligible families every year. We’re talking about refunds of $7,000 or more that sit there because nobody told these families the money existed.

I’ve spent years helping people find money they didn’t know was theirs. And here’s what I’ve learned: the problem isn’t that help doesn’t exist. The problem is that nobody explains it in plain English.

This guide covers the real ways to get free money. Not survey sites that pay you pennies. Not contests where your odds are one in a million. Actual government programs, tax credits, and assistance that puts hundreds or thousands of dollars in your pocket.

Some of this money arrives in weeks. Some takes longer. But all of it is real, legal, and sitting there waiting for people to claim it.

The Tax Credits Most People Miss

Let’s start with the money the IRS wants to give you but can’t because you didn’t ask.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

This is the biggest anti-poverty program in America, and most people have never heard of it.

If you work and earn low to moderate income, you may qualify for a tax refund even if you owe no taxes. For 2024, a family with three kids could receive up to $7,830. A single person with no kids could get up to $632.

The income limits are higher than people think. A married couple with three children can earn up to $66,819 and still qualify. A single person with no kids can earn up to $18,591.

Here’s the catch: you must file a tax return to get it. Many low-income workers don’t file because they think they don’t need to. That’s exactly why billions go unclaimed every year.

If you haven’t filed taxes in past years, you can still claim EITC for the last three years. That could mean thousands of dollars you’re owed right now.

The Child Tax Credit

If you have kids under 17, you can receive up to $2,000 per child. Up to $1,700 of that is refundable, meaning you get it even if you don’t owe any taxes.

The income limits are generous. Single parents can earn up to $200,000. Married couples can earn up to $400,000. The credit starts phasing out above those amounts, but most families with children qualify for something.

The Additional Child Tax Credit

This one trips people up. If the regular Child Tax Credit is more than the taxes you owe, the “additional” credit lets you get some of that difference as a refund. It’s not a separate program. It’s just the refundable part of the Child Tax Credit.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit

Pay for daycare so you can work? You may qualify for a credit of 20% to 35% of your childcare costs, up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more.

The percentage depends on your income. Lower earners get the higher percentage. But even families earning $100,000 or more can claim 20% of their childcare expenses.

Food Assistance Programs

Nobody should go hungry. These programs exist to make sure they don’t.

SNAP (Food Stamps)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps about 42 million Americans buy groceries each month. The average benefit is around $234 per person monthly, though amounts vary based on income, household size, and expenses.

Income limits are typically 130% of the federal poverty level, which works out to about $20,000 yearly for a single person or $41,000 for a family of four. Some states have higher limits.

You apply through your state’s SNAP office. Most states now let you apply online. Benefits load onto an EBT card that works like a debit card at grocery stores.

And here’s something most people don’t realize: many working families qualify. Having a job doesn’t disqualify you. The program looks at your net income after deductions for things like housing costs and childcare.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

Pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five can get free healthy food through WIC. The program provides specific foods like milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, fruits, and vegetables.

Income limits are 185% of the federal poverty level, which is higher than SNAP. A family of four earning up to about $55,000 could qualify.

WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare. About half of all infants in America receive WIC benefits at some point.

Free School Meals

If your kids eat breakfast or lunch at school, they might qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Families fill out an application at the start of the school year.

The income limits for free meals are 130% of poverty. For reduced-price meals (currently capped at 40 cents for lunch), the limit is 185% of poverty.

Some schools in high-poverty areas now offer free meals to all students regardless of family income. Ask your school’s office what’s available.

Housing Assistance

Housing costs eat up more of people’s budgets than anything else. These programs can help.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

This program helps low-income families afford rent in the private market. You find your own apartment, and the voucher pays part of the rent directly to your landlord.

The catch: waitlists are long. Some cities have waitlists of several years. Some open applications only occasionally. But it’s worth applying, because once you get a voucher, it can save you hundreds of dollars every month for years.

Income limits are typically 50% of your area’s median income. A family of four in many areas could qualify with income up to $40,000 to $50,000, though this varies a lot by location.

Public Housing

Local housing authorities operate apartment buildings where rent is based on your income, typically 30% of what you earn. If you make $1,500 a month, you’d pay around $450 for rent.

Like Section 8, waitlists can be long. But some properties have shorter waits than others. It’s worth asking what’s available.

Down Payment Assistance

Want to buy a house but can’t save enough for a down payment? Most states offer programs that help.

These aren’t just for low-income buyers. Many programs help middle-income families too. Some offer grants that never need to be repaid. Others offer low-interest loans or forgivable loans that disappear after you live in the home for a certain number of years.

First-time homebuyers usually get the most options, but “first-time” often means anyone who hasn’t owned a home in three years.

The FHA maintains a database of programs at fha.com/fha-downpayment-grants. Your state housing finance agency will have more options specific to where you live.

LIHEAP (Utility Assistance)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps families pay heating and cooling bills. Benefits vary by state but can range from a couple hundred dollars to over a thousand.

Most states run the program during heating season, but some offer year-round help. You apply through your local community action agency or social services office.

Income limits are typically 150% of poverty or 60% of state median income, whichever is higher. Many working families qualify.

If you’re behind on utility bills and facing shutoff, ask about crisis assistance. Many states have emergency funds that can help faster than the regular program.

Healthcare Assistance

Medical bills are the number one cause of bankruptcy in America. These programs exist so that doesn’t have to happen.

Medicaid

This program provides free or low-cost health coverage to low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Income limits vary wildly by state. In states that expanded Medicaid, adults can qualify with income up to 138% of poverty (about $20,000 for a single person). In states that didn’t expand, only certain categories of people qualify, and limits are much lower.

Children often qualify at higher income levels than adults. In many states, kids in families earning up to $50,000 or more can get free coverage through Medicaid or the related CHIP program.

If you’re pregnant, you may qualify for Medicaid even if you wouldn’t otherwise. Pregnancy Medicaid has higher income limits in most states.

ACA Marketplace Tax Credits

If you buy health insurance through HealthCare.gov or your state’s marketplace, you may qualify for premium tax credits that lower your monthly payments.

The credits are available to people earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, which is about $58,000 for a single person or $120,000 for a family of four. But there’s currently no income cap for people whose premiums would exceed 8.5% of their income.

Many people qualify for plans with $0 monthly premiums after credits. Others pay just $50 or $100 a month for coverage that would otherwise cost $500 or more.

You can see what you qualify for at HealthCare.gov. Open enrollment runs November through mid-January, but you can sign up anytime if you have a qualifying life event like losing other coverage, moving, or having a baby.

Medicare Savings Programs

If you’re on Medicare and have limited income, you may qualify for help with premiums, deductibles, and copays.

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program pays your Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance. Income limits are roughly $1,275 monthly for individuals or $1,724 for couples, though these change yearly.

Other programs help with just the Part B premium if your income is slightly higher.

Prescription Assistance

Can’t afford your medications? Several options exist.

Most major drug manufacturers offer patient assistance programs that provide free or discounted medications to people who can’t afford them. NeedyMeds.org maintains a database of these programs.

Medicare Part D has an “Extra Help” program that reduces prescription costs for people with limited income. You can save up to $5,000 per year.

Many states have pharmaceutical assistance programs too. And some pharmacies offer $4 generic programs that don’t require any application at all.

Education Money

College is expensive. But more help exists than most people realize.

Pell Grants

This is free money for college that never needs to be repaid. For the 2024-2025 school year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395.

You qualify based on financial need, determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Generally, students from families earning under $60,000 qualify for something, though the exact amount depends on many factors.

You can use Pell Grants at any accredited college, university, or career school. The money can cover tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Students with exceptional financial need may qualify for an additional $100 to $4,000 per year through FSEOG. This is free money on top of Pell Grants.

Not all schools participate, and funds are limited. Students who file FAFSA early have the best chance.

State Grants

Most states offer their own grant programs for residents attending in-state schools. Some are need-based. Others reward academic achievement. Some do both.

Check with your state’s higher education agency to see what’s available. Deadlines often come earlier than federal deadlines, so don’t wait.

Student Loan Forgiveness

If you already have student loans, you may qualify for forgiveness.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness wipes out remaining federal loan balances after 120 qualifying payments (10 years) for people working full-time in government or nonprofit jobs.

Income-Driven Repayment plans cap your monthly payments at a percentage of your income and forgive remaining balances after 20-25 years.

Teachers in low-income schools may qualify for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness after five years.

The SAVE plan (Saving on a Valuable Education) is a newer option that can result in $0 payments for borrowers earning under about $33,000 individually or $68,000 for a family of four.

Cash Assistance for Families

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

This program provides monthly cash assistance to families with children who have very low income. Benefits vary dramatically by state, from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand monthly.

TANF comes with requirements. Most adults must participate in work activities. There are time limits on how long you can receive benefits. Rules differ by state.

The program isn’t easy to get, and benefits are modest. But for families in crisis, it can help pay rent and keep the lights on while getting back on your feet.

General Assistance

Some states and counties offer cash assistance to people who don’t qualify for TANF, like childless adults. Programs go by different names in different places.

These benefits are usually small and temporary. But if you’re in a tough spot, it’s worth asking your local social services office what’s available.

Money That’s Already Yours

Here’s something wild: billions of dollars are sitting in government accounts right now with people’s names on them. The owners just don’t know it.

Unclaimed Property

States hold onto money when they can’t find the rightful owner. This includes forgotten bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, insurance payments, security deposits, and more.

The National Association of State Treasurers runs a free search tool at unclaimed.org. You can search every state’s database from one site.

About one in ten Americans has unclaimed property waiting. The average claim is $350, but some people find thousands.

This takes five minutes to check. Do it now.

Old Tax Refunds

The IRS holds onto refunds for people who didn’t file returns. If you didn’t file in a year when you were owed a refund, you may still be able to claim it. You have three years from the original due date.

Billions of dollars in refunds go unclaimed every year because people assumed they didn’t need to file.

Class Action Settlements

Companies that get sued sometimes pay out settlements to customers. You may be owed money from products you bought or services you used.

Websites like TopClassActions.com and ClassAction.org list open settlements you can claim. Most require nothing more than filling out a short form.

Payouts range from a few dollars to hundreds, depending on the case. It’s not life-changing money, but it’s money you’re owed.

Employer Benefits You Might Be Missing

Some of the best “free money” comes from your job.

401(k) Matching

If your employer matches your 401(k) contributions, that’s free money. Period.

Let’s say your company matches 50% of contributions up to 6% of your salary. If you earn $50,000 and contribute $3,000 (6%), your employer adds $1,500. That’s a 50% return on your money before it even gets invested.

Yet millions of workers don’t contribute enough to get the full match. They’re leaving free money on the table every paycheck.

At minimum, contribute enough to get your full employer match. It’s the closest thing to guaranteed returns you’ll ever find.

Tuition Reimbursement

Many employers pay for employees to take classes or earn degrees. Some cover the full cost. Others pay a set amount per year.

This benefit often goes unused because people don’t know it exists or don’t think they have time for school. But even one class per semester adds up. And your employer is paying for it.

Check your employee handbook or ask HR what’s available.

Flexible Spending Accounts

FSAs let you pay for medical expenses or dependent care with pre-tax dollars. That saves you roughly 25-30% compared to paying with after-tax money.

If you spend $2,000 a year on prescriptions, glasses, or doctor copays, an FSA saves you $500 or more. Dependent care FSAs can save even more if you pay for childcare.

The catch: you usually must spend the money within the plan year or lose it. But if you know you’ll have expenses, this is free savings.

Bank and Credit Card Bonuses

Banks want your business. They’ll pay for it.

Checking and Savings Bonuses

Major banks regularly offer $100 to $500 for opening new accounts. Chase, Bank of America, Citi, and others rotate promotions throughout the year.

You usually need to deposit a minimum amount or set up direct deposit. Read the terms carefully. Some bonuses require keeping the account open for a certain period to avoid fees.

Doctor of Credit and NerdWallet track current offers. A few hours of paperwork can net you several hundred dollars.

Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses

New credit cards often come with bonuses worth $200, $500, or more. Some travel cards offer 50,000 to 100,000 points worth hundreds in free flights or hotels.

This only makes sense if you pay your balance in full every month. Carrying a balance and paying interest wipes out any bonus value.

If you have good credit and pay cards off monthly, sign-up bonuses are legitimate free money.

How to Actually Get This Money

Reading about programs is one thing. Getting the money is another.

Here’s what to do.

• Start with taxes. If you haven’t filed, file. If you’ve filed but didn’t claim credits you qualified for, you can amend returns for the past three years. Free tax preparation is available through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) for people earning under about $64,000.
• Check your eligibility. Benefits.gov has a questionnaire that helps identify programs you might qualify for. It takes about 15 minutes and shows federal and state options.
• Apply for what you qualify for. This is where most people stop. They learn about a program, mean to apply, and never do. Set aside an hour this week. Pick one program. Fill out the application.
• Gather documents ahead of time. Most programs want proof of income, identity, and residence. Having pay stubs, tax returns, and utility bills ready speeds up every application.
• Follow up. Applications get lost. Calls get dropped. If you don’t hear back within the stated timeframe, call and ask about your status.
• Don’t pay for help applying. Legitimate assistance programs are free to apply for. Anyone charging you to apply for food stamps, Medicaid, or other government benefits is running a scam.

The Uncomfortable Truth

I need to say something that might sound harsh.

Many people who need help don’t apply because they feel embarrassed. They think these programs are for “other people.” They don’t want to feel like they’re taking handouts.

Here’s the thing: you paid for these programs. They come from your taxes and your employer’s taxes. They exist specifically so that when you hit a rough patch, you don’t lose everything.

Using SNAP when you’re struggling isn’t shameful. It’s exactly what the program is for. Getting your kids on Medicaid isn’t gaming the system. It’s making sure they see a doctor when they’re sick.

The wealthy take every tax deduction they qualify for. They don’t think twice about mortgage interest deductions or capital gains treatment. They hire accountants specifically to find every dollar they’re entitled to.

You should do the same.

What to Do Right Now

Don’t just read this and move on. Pick one thing and do it today.

If you haven’t filed taxes this year, schedule time to file. Look into VITA sites near you for free help.

If you’re struggling with food costs, check SNAP eligibility at your state’s website. The application takes about 20 minutes.

If you have kids, verify you’re getting all the tax credits you qualify for. The Child Tax Credit alone could mean $2,000 per child.

If you’re paying for health insurance, check HealthCare.gov to see if you qualify for better subsidies than you’re getting.

If you haven’t searched for unclaimed property, go to unclaimed.org right now. It takes five minutes and might find money with your name on it.

The help exists. The money is there. You just have to claim it.