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Government Agencies and Elected Officials
BackGovernment Agencies and Elected Officials
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Elected Officials
State, Local, and Tribal
Elected Officials
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State, Local, and Tribal Governments
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Federal Government
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Benefits, Grants, and Loans
Learn how to get benefits from the government and browse popular benefits by topic.
On This Page
Free Money from the Government
Many people have heard that the government will give you money for almost any reason. This is not true.
You must complete an application and meet specific eligibility requirements in order to receive financial assistance from the government.
Benefits.gov can help you determine which types of government assistance you might qualify for and tell you where to apply.
How to Find and Apply for Financial Assistance
Benefits.gov can help you identify grants, loans, financial aid, and other benefits from the federal government, determine if you are eligible, and then tell you how and where to apply.
When looking for financial assistance, remember that there are differences between grants and loans. You are required to pay back a loan, often with interest. You are not required to pay back a grant.
Your state's human service or social service agency might also be able to provide financial assistance or refer you to local community organizations for help.
Grants
There are very few grants available to individuals, sometimes called “personal grants.” The best place to find money to help you and your family is Benefits.gov.
Most grants are awarded to universities, researchers, cities, states, counties, and non-profit organizations. You can find grants for organizations at Grants.gov.
Loans
GovLoans.gov can help you find loans from the government including business and education loans. You are required to pay back loans, often with interest.