Can you borrow money from the US government?

Asked by: Katarina Gleason  |  Last update: October 20, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (13 votes)

The government does not offer "free money" for individuals. Federal grants are typically only for states and organizations. But you may be able to get a federal loan for education, a small business, and more. If you need help with food, health care, or utilities, visit USA.gov's benefits page.

Can I borrow money from the government?

You can find government loans for: Students who need help paying for school. People who want to buy a home or make home repairs or improvements. Small business owners interested in funding their business.

Is there really a government debt relief program?

When it comes to credit card debt relief, it's important to dispel a common misconception: There are no government-sponsored programs specifically designed to eliminate credit card debt. So, you should be wary of any offers claiming to represent such government initiatives, as they may be misleading or fraudulent.

Does the US Constitution allow the government to borrow money?

Article I, Section 8, Clause 2: [The Congress shall have Power . . . ] To borrow Money on the credit of the United States; . . . Knox v. Lee (Legal Tender Cases), 79 U.S. (12 Wall.)

Are state governments allowed to borrow money?

Bonds are a way that governments borrow money. The state government uses bonds primarily to pay for infrastructure projects that have a long useful life, such as bridges, dams, prisons, parks, schools, and office buildings.

Who does the US Owe its $35 Trillion debt? (National Debt Explained)

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Can the U.S. government borrow money forever?

The US government's deficit-financed spending won't cause it to hit a brick wall. Because it issues debt in its own currency, there's no hard limit on its borrowing. Essentially, it can borrow forever, but it can't borrow forever without consequences.

How can I get money from the government?

Assistance for American Families and Workers
  1. Economic Impact Payments. ...
  2. Unemployment Compensation. ...
  3. Child Tax Credit. ...
  4. EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE.

Who lends the U.S. government money?

How the Federal Government Borrows Money. The federal government borrows money from the public by issuing securities—bills, notes, and bonds—through the Treasury. Treasury securities are attractive to investors because they are: Backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.

What did the 13th Amendment abolish?

Amendment Thirteen to the Constitution – the first of the three Reconstruction Amendments – was ratified on December 6, 1865. It forbids chattel slavery across the United States and in every territory under its control, except as a criminal punishment.

Which branch can declare war?

The Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to enact legislation and declare war, the right to confirm or reject many Presidential appointments, and substantial investigative powers.

Are there government grants to pay off debt?

Keep in mind that the government doesn't offer grants to help Americans pay off consumer debt from things like credit cards. It does, however, offer financial support for Americans struggling with a range of tough financial situations.

How to get free grant money?

The government does not offer "free money" for individuals. Federal grants are typically only for states and organizations. But you may be able to get a federal loan for education, a small business, and more. If you need help with food, health care, or utilities, visit USA.gov's benefits page.

Can credit card debt be forgiven?

Most credit card companies won't provide forgiveness for all of your credit card debt. But they will occasionally accept a smaller amount to settle the balance due and forgive the rest. Or the credit card company might write off your debt. But this step doesn't eliminate the debt—it's often sold to a collector.

How to get a hardship loan?

How to get a hardship loan
  1. Review your credit. Read your credit report to see what a lender will see when you apply. ...
  2. Calculate your monthly payment. ...
  3. Pre-qualify with multiple lenders. ...
  4. Prepare your documentation. ...
  5. Submit the application and get funded.

Can I borrow from my social security benefits?

Can You Borrow from Social Security? Not anymore. A provision that was discontinued in 2010 allowed you to collect benefits at 62, then repay the loan at 70 and re-file for the higher benefits you receive at that age.

Can you legally borrow money?

Yes, it is. It is legal to lend money, and when you do, the debt becomes the borrower's legal obligation to repay. For smaller loans, you can take legal action against your borrower if they do not pay by taking them to small claims court. This may seem harsh, but it's important to understand up front.

What is the 26th Amendment?

Constitutional Amendments – Amendment 26 – “Voting at the Age of Eighteen” Amendment Twenty-six to the Constitution was ratified on July 1, 1971. It lowered the voting age for all Americans to eighteen years, having previously been twenty-one years for the longest time.

What does the 14th Amendment do?

Passed by the Senate on June 8, 1866, and ratified two years later, on July 9, 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment granted citizenship to all persons "born or naturalized in the United States," including formerly enslaved people, and provided all citizens with “equal protection under the laws,” extending the provisions of ...

What is the 21st Amendment?

Constitutional Amendments – Amendment 21 – “Repeal of Prohibition” Amendment Twenty-one to the Constitution was ratified on December 5, 1933. It repealed the previous Eighteenth Amendment which had established a nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol.

Who owns most US debt?

  1. Japan. Japan held $1.13 trillion in Treasury securities as of November 2024, beating out China as the largest foreign holder of U.S. debt. ...
  2. China. China gets a lot of attention for holding a big chunk of the U.S. government's debt. ...
  3. United Kingdom. ...
  4. Cayman Islands. ...
  5. Luxembourg.

What country owns most of the United States?

Which countries own the most land in the U.S.?
  • CANADA. 31%
  • Other. 28%
  • NETHERLANDS. 12%
  • ITALY. 7%
  • UNITED KINGDOM. 6%
  • GERMANY. 6%
  • PORTUGAL. 3.6%
  • FRANCE. 3.2%

How much is the United States worth?

The financial position of the United States includes assets of at least $269 trillion (1576% of GDP) and debts of $145.8 trillion (852% of GDP) to produce a net worth of at least $123.8 trillion (723% of GDP).

Is there a way to borrow money from the government?

The main types of government loans are education loans, agricultural loans, business loans, housing loans, and veteran loans. The government also other types of loans that fulfill specific needs, such as disaster relief loans.

How can I get money right now legally?

How to get money fast
  1. Sell something. If you have unused items sitting around your house collecting dust, you could turn them into cash. ...
  2. Pawn something. ...
  3. Sell unused gift cards. ...
  4. Access your paycheck earlier. ...
  5. Take on a freelance gig. ...
  6. Try pet sitting and dog walking. ...
  7. Babysit. ...
  8. Ask for a loan from a family member or friend.

How to ask for grant money?

5 Steps on How to Ask for a Grant
  1. Find matching grant prospects. ...
  2. Visit the website of your targeted grantors from time to time. ...
  3. Call the person in charge to confirm your eligibility. ...
  4. Prepare a grant proposal or letter of intent. ...
  5. Follow the grantor's application process exactly.