Yes, significant government economic relief programs were real, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic aid like the CARES Act's Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks) (up to $1,200-$3,400 per family), but many online "free money" offers are scams, so always verify legitimate programs through official government sites like the Treasury or USA.gov and be wary of unsolicited offers.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (American Rescue Plan), enacted in early March 2021, provided Economic Impact Payments of up to $1,400 for eligible individuals or $2,800 for married couples filing jointly, plus $1,400 for each qualifying dependent, including adult dependents.
The program helps states and public transportation systems pay for protecting, repairing, and/or replacing equipment and facilities that may suffer or have suffered serious damage as a result of an emergency, including natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
The act included $300 billion in unemployment benefits scheduled to extend through Labor Day 2021, as well as an expanded child tax credit. In addition, the act called for the distribution of $50 billion to small businesses and another $25 billion for relief for small and mid-sized restaurants.
The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit includes up to an additional $1,400 for each qualifying dependent you claim on your 2021 tax return. A qualifying dependent is a dependent who has a valid Social Security number or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS.
Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds.
LOS ANGELES – After a year marked by devastating wildfires, displacement, and mounting financial pressures for Los Angeles County residents, the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) announced today that applications for the Emergency Rent Relief Program will open on Wednesday, December ...
The IRS Fresh Start Program is a set of tax relief options designed to help individuals and small businesses settle their IRS tax debt more easily. Launched in 2011 and updated till 2025, it aims to support taxpayers facing financial hardship by expanding access to affordable, legal solutions for resolving back taxes.
governments: The American Rescue Plan Act provides $362 billion in financial assistance to state and local governments to prevent the mass layoff of public sector workers. State and local governments now have 1.3 million fewer workers than before the pandemic.
If you're struggling financially, you can get free money through government programs (like SNAP, LIHEAP for utilities, TANF), charitable grants (via 211 or Turn2Us), local assistance (council schemes for rent/bills), or earning quick cash by selling unwanted items or doing gig work (delivery, babysitting). Focus on immediate needs with utility/rent help and long-term stability with benefits and job training.
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.
What: The EIDL advance grant is a form of small business relief providing $10,000 dollars in grants, i.e., completely free and non-repayable money, to select small businesses. The grant program was part of the initial CARES Act in 2020, but funds were exhausted within weeks.
The American Relief Act, 2025, provides more than $16 billion in disaster relief payments to producers who suffered revenue, quality or production losses to crops, trees, bushes, or vines due to qualifying disaster events in calendar years 2023 and 2024.
No, the IRS is not issuing new $1400 stimulus checks; the final pandemic-era payments for the Recovery Rebate Credit (the third stimulus) were sent out by early 2025 to eligible people who missed them by filing their 2021 return by the April 2025 deadline. While payments were made in late 2024 and early 2025, that was the final opportunity, and any current claims of new stimulus checks are likely scams or misinformation, as Congress has not approved any new federal stimulus programs.
Stimulus payments
Single taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 or below. Taxpayers filing as heads of household with AGIs of $112,500 or below. Married couples filing jointly with AGIs of $150,000 or below.
The IRS has issued all first, second and third Economic Impact Payments. You can no longer use the Get My Payment application to check your payment status. Most eligible people already received their Economic Impact Payments.