Moving can be a long and exhausting process. Aside from the large amount of time you have to spend on tasks like boxing, unboxing, and categorizing belongings, there are often many expense items that can easily add up to become a heavy financial burden.
From hiring movers to packing supplies and transportation costs, the money you need to pay can quickly add up. Moreover, the emotional toll of leaving familiar surroundings may add a sense of sorrow and complicate your feelings.
One way to help reduce the cost and streamline the entire process is decluttering your home before the move. You may want to consider selling or donating unwanted items, with these having the added benefit of generating extra funds or potential tax deductions. Also, make sure you do thorough research and comparison of moving companies to help you find the most affordable option.
If you still find the moving process difficult to manage, it is important to know that there are financial assistance programs or grants specifically designed to cover moving expenses for individuals or families facing financial challenges.
These programs can help with moving expenses, security deposits, or temporary housing, providing you the much-needed relief. In this blog, we’ll walk you through such financial assistance you may get from local organizations, charitable organizations, or government agencies.
Government Assistance Programs
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other relevant government agencies administer many low income moving assistance programs or relocation assistance programs for specific group of people. These programs provide financial assistance to help with moving costs, affordable housing
Federal Relocation Assistance Program Grant
The Federal Relocation Assistance Program, managed by the Federal Emergency Management Administration, offers temporary housing and resources to help with moving expenses and home repairs when your home is affected by a natural disaster.
To apply for the grant, you first need to verify if your home is in a presidentially declared disaster area. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov and enter your city and zip code to confirm. Once confirmed, select the applicable disaster and describe the damage you’ve suffered.
Real Estate Acquisition and Relocation Program
The Real Estate Acquisition and Relocation Program offers financial or housing assistance to those who are displaced due to the acquisition, rehabilitation or demolition of a federally-assisted project. The program is managed by the HUD.
An eligible tenant is entitled to a range of assistance, including advisory on replacement homes, payment for moving expenses and rental or purchase assistance. Contact the HUD to verify your eligibility or wait for the written notice from HUD stating your eligibility for the grant before moving.
Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND) Program
Good Neighbor Next Door is a HUD program specifically for law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. Eligible participants can receive a 50% discount off the list price when purchasing a home in revitalization areas. You may find a list of eligible Single Family homes through the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales program.
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
The Housing Choice Voucher program (or Section 8) offers rental assistance to low-income families. Recipients has the flexibility to choose their own housing. If the house meets requirements, the local public housing agency will pay the subsidy directly to the landlord.
Eligible participants for Section 8 may qualify for relocation assistance benefits from other agencies or organizations.
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
HUD also oversees another program that offers relocation assistance— the Emergency Solutions Grant. The program provides funding to local government programs that are designed to improve or operate emergency shelters, assist homeless individuals and families, prevent and re-house those experiencing homeless. Contact the state or local government agency responsible for distributing the fund to find out more details and whether you are eligible for it.
Individuals and Households Program (IHP)
The Individuals and Household Program provides financial assistance to renters or homeowners affected by a natural disaster, including assistance for home repairs, temporary housing and other related expenses.
U.S. Military Relocation Assistance Program
The U.S. military offers a relocation assistance program for service members and their families during times of transition, which helps arrange moving services and make referrals for housing options, including reimbursement and allowance for moving expenses.
Local Charities and Nonprofits
Many nonprofit and religious organizations across the national also provide relocation assistance to those in need. Compared to federal government-funded programs, these support services tend to be more flexible and diverse in their forms of assistance.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army’s Housing Now program offers short-term rental and financial assistance, case management, permanent supportive housing and other forms of support for homeless low-income families live in the Denver metro area.
To apply for the benefit, you must complete a ViSPDAT so the program can match you with the right housing resource. You may call 303-295-3366 to get more details.
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA offers different forms of housing assistance for the most vulnerable group of people, including seniors, low-income and disabled individuals. Catholic Charities USA provides affordable housing and financial assistance such as emergency rent payments and other supports.
Modest Needs
Modest Needs offers Self-Sufficiency Grants for anyone who is facing financial challenges, with special consideration given to first responders, teachers, and veterans. It helps qualified individuals or families with two types of expenses: unexpected or emergency expenses and monthly bills.
YWCA
The YWCA works to empower women, providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and long-term housing for domestic violence survivors. Visit its website or contact YMCA to get more information about applying for a moving grant.
Housing Industry Foundation
The Housing Industry Foundation (HIF) provides assistance for those facing housing instability due to a temporary financial hardship. It provides three types of assistance: affordable housing, emergency housing fund and renovation support.
Other Moving Assistance
Employer Assistance
Employers may include relocation assistance as part of their benefits package for employees. This assistance aims to help employees with the costs and logistics associated with moving to a new location for work. Relocation assistance can vary depending on the company and the specific circumstances, but it may include financial support for moving expenses, such as packing and transportation of belongings, temporary housing, and assistance with finding accommodation in the new location.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Lifeline Program
As you prepare to move to a new location, it’s also important to have your mobile and internet services planned ahead to stay connected with family and friends.
By taking times to explore different plans and pricing options, you can identify the most suitable and affordable plan. This is especially important after spending a significant amount of money on moving, as it allows you to alleviate your financial burdens.
The good news is if you meet the eligibility requirements of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or the Lifeline Program, the expenses on communications will be significantly lower! These two programs provide discounted mobile and internet services to eligible low income individuals and families.
If you qualify for the ACP or Lifeline or both, you can enjoy extra benefits by signing up directly with providers such as EASY Wireless. Residents living in specific states may even score a FREE smartphone! Here’s what the EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan includes:
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