Government Grants Programs Article

Free Cash Grants

With many news stories these days concentrating on the plight of the elderly and how their pensions are not enough to cover the rising cost of living, governments in various countries are now taking action to help, with the introduction of free cash grants. These financial aid packages can be a Godsend for senior citizens, offering them the freedom and independence to pay any utility bills and remain living in their own property.

One such incentive that was put in place is the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption, or SCRIE. This is a guarantee that any rent an old-age pensioner pays will not be increased, by making up any difference that normal increases may accrue. However, you can only qualify for this free cash grant if you're at least 62 years old and not have any income totalling over $20,000. You should also be the person in charge of the dwelling in question, and pay at least a third of the rent costs. This grant, should you be successful, needs to be applied for every second year.

Another program that helps with household costs, specifically heating expenses, is the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP. This is aimed more at families who have a lower income than other similar free cash grant set-ups, and also has a lower age limit, with you only needing to be 60 or over to qualify. Although they are on a first come / first served basis, they can offer aid in such difficult areas as your electricity or other utility being shut off through lack of payment. There is also an emergency loan available for this type of problem via the Emergency Assistance for Adults, or EAA. As Well as helping to stave off power being cut from your home, these grants can aid with normal household repairs too.

If you reside in New York, there is another type of free cash grant that you can apply for. This is for the value of $375 towards the cost of your previous year's property taxes or rent. However, as well as being a resident of New York, there are numerous other guidelines that you must fall within to qualify - you must have been in the same property for at least 6 months; your average monthly earning must be less than $450; you cannot be a dependent on someone else's tax forms; and the value of the property must be less than $85,000. Although this is a particularly stringent qualification process, it does ensure that those that need it most are the ones that will benefit from the extra cash, no matter how little the amount.