Next Article U Can Read in… 30 seconds
Introduction
Are you feeling the pinch of rising inflation or struggling to make ends meet? You’re not alone. Many Americans are facing financial stress, but what if there was unclaimed money waiting for you? The U.S. government offers a variety of grants designed to help its citizens, from low-income families and students to seniors, veterans, and small business owners. These aren’t loans you have to repay; they’re funds intended to provide a much-needed financial boost. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through seven legitimate government grant programs you can still claim in 2025, detailing who’s eligible, how much you can get, and how to apply.
1. USDA Rural Development Housing Assistance (Grants & Loans)
Description: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers various programs through its Rural Development initiative to help low- and moderate-income individuals and families in rural areas achieve homeownership or improve their existing homes. This includes direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for home repair and modernization.
Eligibility Criteria:
Income: Applicants must meet specific income limits, typically at or below the applicable low-income limit for the area. Income limits vary by location and household size. *
Location: The property must be located in an eligible rural area, generally towns with a population of 35,000 or less.
Need: Applicants must be unable to obtain affordable financing from other sources. *
For Grants (Section 504 Home Repair program): Must be 62 years or older and unable to repay a repair loan.
Grant Amount Range:
Section 504 Home Repair Grants: Up to 10, 000 for very low − income home owner sagged 62 or older to remove health and safety hazards or make homes accessible. Loans and grant scan 50,000 in assistance.
Direct Loans (Section 502): Can be up to 100% financing with payment assistance available.
How to Apply:
1. Check Eligibility: Use the USDA Rural Development website’s eligibility checker to confirm property and income eligibility for your area.
2. Contact Local Office: Reach out to your local USDA Rural Development office. A housing program specialist can provide detailed information and guide you through the application process.
3. Submit Application: Complete the required application forms (e.g., Form RD 410-4, Application for Rural Housing Assistance) and provide necessary documentation, including income verification, tax returns, and property details.
Official Website/Source: USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Programs
2. Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)
Description: Established under the American Rescue Plan Act, the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) provides financial aid to homeowners who experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds are distributed to states, U.S. Territories, and Indian Tribes to help with mortgage payments, homeowner’s insurance, utility payments, and other housing-related costs to prevent foreclosures and displacements.
Eligibility Criteria:
Financial Hardship: Must have experienced a financial hardship after January 21, 2020 (including a hardship that began before January 21, 2020, and continued after that date) associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
Income: Household income must be equal to or less than 150% of the area median income (AMI) or 100% of the U.S. median income, whichever is greater. Specific income limits vary by state and county.
Ownership: Must own and occupy the property as your primary residence.
Grant Amount Range: Amounts vary by state and individual need, with some states offering up to 50, 000 or 60,000 in assistance. The total national allocation is $9.961 billion.
How to Apply:
1. Find Your State Program: HAF programs are administered at the state level. Visit the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) website or search for your state’s HAF program to find the application portal.
2. Gather Documents: Prepare necessary documentation, which typically includes proof of income, mortgage statements, utility bills, and a statement of financial hardship.
3. Submit Application: Complete the online application through your state’s HAF portal. A HUD-certified housing counselor can often provide free assistance with the application process.
Official Website/Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury – Homeowner Assistance Fund
3. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Description: LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. It can provide assistance for heating and cooling costs, energy crisis situations (like a utility shutoff notice), weatherization, and energy-related home repairs. The program is administered by states and local community action agencies.
Eligibility Criteria:
Income: Eligibility is based on household income, which must be at or below 60% of the state median income or 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, whichever is greater. Specific income limits vary by state.
Household Status: Both homeowners and renters are eligible. You do not need to have unpaid energy bills to qualify.
Grant Amount Range: The amount of assistance varies by state, household income, and energy costs. It can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 per year. Some states offer higher crisis assistance benefits.
How to Apply:
1. Find Your Local Agency: Contact your state’s LIHEAP office or use the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 to find your local application agency.
2. Complete Application: You can typically apply online, by mail, or in person. You will need to provide proof of income for all household members, copies of your most recent utility bills, and Social Security numbers for all household members.
3. Submit and Wait for Determination: Application periods vary by state, but typically run from fall through spring. It’s best to apply early as funds are limited.
Official Website/Source: ACF Office of Community Services – LIHEAP
4. Federal Pell Grant
Description: The Federal Pell Grant is one of the largest sources of federal grant aid for college students. It is awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. Unlike a loan, it does not have to be repaid.
Eligibility Criteria:
Financial Need: Eligibility is primarily based on the Student Aid Index (SAI), which is calculated using the information you provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.
Enrollment Status: Must be an undergraduate student enrolled in a participating school.
Degree Status: Must not have already earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree.
Grant Amount Range: The maximum award for the 2025–26 award year is $7,395. The amount you receive depends on your SAI, the cost of attendance at your school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
How to Apply:
1. Complete the FAFSA: The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form online at studentaid.gov. You must complete the FAFSA every year you are in school to remain eligible.
2. School Determination: Your school will use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility and the amount of your Pell Grant award.
3. Receive Funds: Your school will apply the Pell Grant funds to your school costs, pay you directly, or use a combination of both methods.
Official Website/Source: Federal Student Aid – Pell Grants
5. VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
Description: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant to help Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities build, buy, or modify a home to meet their needs and live more independently. This can include making a home wheelchair accessible, installing ramps, or making other necessary adaptations.
Eligibility Criteria:
Service-Connected Disability: Must have a qualifying service-connected disability, such as the loss or loss of use of both legs, blindness in both eyes, or certain severe burns.
Ownership: The Veteran must own or will own the home.
Grant Amount Range: For fiscal year 2025, the maximum SAH grant amount is $121,812. This amount is adjusted annually based on a cost-of-construction index.
How to Apply:
1. Check Eligibility: Review the full eligibility criteria on the VA website.
2. Apply Online or by Mail: You can apply online through the VA.gov website or by mail by completing VA Form 26-4555, “Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant.”
3. VA Determination: The VA will review your application and service-connected disability rating to determine your eligibility.
Official Website/Source: VA Disability Housing Grants
6. Amber Grant for Women
Description: While not a government grant, the Amber Grant from Womens Net is a well-known and reputable grant for women owned businesses. It’s included here as a valuable resource for female entrepreneurs. Each month, a 10,000 grant is awarded to a woman − owned business. At the end of the year, one of the12 monthly winners is awarded an additional 25,000 grant.
Eligibility Criteria:
Business Ownership: Must be a woman-owned business.
Location: Open to women in the U.S. and Canada.
Grant Amount Range: 10,000 monthly, with a 25,000 year-end grant.
How to Apply:
1. Complete the Online Application: The application is simple and asks about your business, your story, and what you would do with the grant money.
2. Pay Application Fee: There is a $15 application fee.
3. Submit Application: Applications are reviewed monthly.
Official Website/Source: Amber Grants for Women
7. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
Description: Another valuable resource for small businesses, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers Growth Grants to its members. These grants can be used for a variety of business needs, including marketing, advertising, hiring employees, and expanding facilities.
Eligibility Criteria:
NASE Membership: Must be a member of NASE in good standing.
Business Need: Must demonstrate a specific business need for the grant.
Grant Amount Range: Up to $4,000.
How to Apply:
1. Become a NASE Member: Join NASE through their website.
2. Complete the Grant Application: The application requires a description of your business, how you plan to use the grant funds, and how the grant will support your business growth.
3. Submit Application: Applications are reviewed quarterly.
Official Website/Source: NASE Growth Grants
Comparison of Grants
| Grant Name | Target Audience | Grant Amount Range | How to Apply | Official Website |
| USDA Rural Development Housing Assistance | Low-income rural families | Up to $10,000 (grant) | Contact local USDA office | rd.usda.gov |
| Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) | Homeowners with COVID related hardship | Varies by state (up to $60,000) | Apply through your state’s HAF program | home.treasury.gov |
| Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) | Low-income households | Varies by state ( 200−1,000+) | Apply through your local LIHEAP agency | acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap |
| Federal Pell Grant | Undergraduate students with financial need | Up to $7,395 (2025-26) | Complete the FAFSA | studentaid.gov |
| VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant | Veterans with service connected disabilities | Up to $121,812 (2025) | Apply online or by mail through the VA | va.gov |
| Amber Grant for Women | Women-owned businesses | 10, 000 monthly, 25,000 annual | Apply online | ambergrantsforwomen.com |
| NASE Growth Grants | Self-employed individuals (NASE members) | Up to $4,000 | Apply online after becoming a NASE member | nase.org |
Also Read:- How to Start a Side Hustles ideas with Little or No Money (2025 Guide)
FAQs
Are government grants taxable?
Generally, government grants are not considered taxable income, especially those for disaster relief or welfare. However, some grants, particularly those for business or education, may have tax implications. It’s always best to consult with a tax professional.
What’s the difference between a grant and a loan?
A grant is a form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. A loan, on the other hand, is borrowed money that must be paid back, usually with interest.
Can immigrants apply for U.S. government grants?
Eligibility for government grants for non-U.S. citizens varies by program. Some programs require U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status. It’s important to check the specific eligibility requirements for each grant.
Do I need to repay these grants?
No, grants are not loans and do not need to be repaid, except in certain circumstances (for example, if you withdraw early from a program for which you received a Pell Grant).
Is it legal to apply for multiple grants?
Yes, it is legal to apply for multiple grants, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each one.
Bonus Resources (Recommended Tools)
Credit Score Checker: Knowing your credit score is crucial for financial health. Services like Experian or Credit Karma can provide you with your credit score for free.
Government Benefits Checker Tool: Websites like Benefits.gov offer a free, confidential tool to help you find other government benefits you may be eligible for.
Budgeting App: Managing your finances is easier with a budgeting app. Rocket Money or YNAB (You Need A Budget) can help you track your spending and save money.
Homeowner Insurance or Rent Assistance Programs: If you’re struggling with housing costs, look into state and local programs that offer homeowner insurance or rent assistance. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has a helpful housing portal. Free Tax Filing Tools: When it comes to tax time, services like IRS Free File or VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) can help you file your taxes for free, which is especially helpful if you need to report any grant income.
