Free grant money for low income families does not always take the form of a check for a specific amount handed to an individual.  Much of the money available from the Federal Government for low income families is filtered through a number of government agencies and state programs that take it upon themselves to ensure that as many people as possible can take advantage of the money available and that those receiving the funds really do need them.  Some of the programs include:

Section 8 Housing

Section 8 housing is a federal program which is administered by individual states.  Section 8 provides low income families rental assistance in the form of rental vouchers.  These vouchers enable low income families to get housing in actual communities instead of public housing areas.  This ensures that families can find a niche for themselves that is best for them and their families in terms of schools, communities and safety.

Low-Income Energy Grants

Low-income energy grants are available for low-income families who are having problems meeting their energy bills.  Families eligible for these programs make less than 150% above the poverty level and funds are administered by specific state agencies.  States are supposed to use the money they receive from these grants specifically for reducing the family’s monthly energy costs.

Nutritional Assistance

The Food and Service (FNS) is another state program offered directly to low-income families.  This is a supplemental nutritional assistance program that assures that low income individuals receive proper nutrition.  Specifically the FNS provides free lunches to many students as well as summer food service programs and WIC (Women Infants Children) checks to individuals to help them receive properly nutritious food for pregnant women and small children who might otherwise go hungry.

If you feel that you may be eligible for any of these programs you can contact your state health and human services agency to see what is required for application and eligibility.  However, sometimes there is actual grant money that is available to low income families. One of the agencies that actually gives out money directly to low income individuals is the United States Department of Agriculture.

The USDA offers a series of grant for low income families or for groups that cater specifically to low-income families, these include:

First is the Self-Help Technical Assistance Grant.  These grants are provided to qualified nonprofit organizations and public groups that aid needy or low income individuals and families.  Specifically, these grants are provided to help the organizations provide low income individuals and their families for building homes in rual areas through self-help.

Individual Water and Waste Water Grants provide Government funds to households residing in an area recognized as a Colonia before October 1, 1989.  The money is supposed to help individuals in connecting to local water supplies.

Technical and Supervisory Assistance Grants are granted by the USDA to help low income rural families in receiving housing that will meet their family’s needs and the guidance necessary to help them keep the home.  These grants can be to individuals or to organizations that plan on giving this sort of help to these kinds of families.

For more information on these and other USDA grants for low income families, see:  http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HSF_SFH.html