How To Get Free Moving Services for Low Income Families

How Can I Apply For Free Moving Services for Low Income Families –  Moving is an expensive affair. Even if you’re not hiring a full-service moving company, you need to set aside some funds for things like transportation costs and packing supplies. Depending on your area of residence and circumstances, you may have to arrange additional funds for accommodating storage, the different cost of moving to a new apartment or house, and time-off of work.

Thankfully, there are low-income moving assistance programs in place for those who are on a tight budget. Emergency Moving Assistance programs are sponsored through government agencies, national charities, and local organizations. The moving assistance helps to bridge the economical gap of moving expenses. While a few programs may help you cover the whole cost of moving fees, some may help with grants to cover partial or full financial assistance. This guide will help you know how to qualify for free moving services for low-income families near you.

What Is The Cost of Moving In America?

No matter whether you are planning to move across different states or locally, the cost of moving may add up quickly. According to Forbes, the cost of moving may vary between $300 and $6900 whereas long-distance moving generally comes with a price tag in the range of $3200 to $17,000. Low-income families and individuals can apply for financial support and relocation assistance grants to reduce their financial burden of moving. Free moving assistance programs and grants are offered through government agencies, charities, and nonprofit organizations.

How To Qualify For Low-Income Moving Assistance Programs?

The specific eligibility criteria to get free moving assistance near me may vary depending on the organization or program providing the assistance. However, following are the common criteria that are included:

• Income: A few free moving assistance programs require applicants to have income at or below a specific percentage of the federal poverty level to qualify for moving assistance. This includes 100% to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• Citizenship or Residency: A few organizations or programs serve people in specific cities or regions. You need to be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident of the state from which you are applying for assistance.
• Proof of Financial Hardship: Individuals or families who can demonstrate a strong financial hardship through documents like tax returns, pay stubs or benefit statements can qualify for assistance.
• Moving Circumstances: If you are moving due to homelessness, health reasons or work, then you will get priority from organizations or programs that help with assistance. Senior citizens, victims of domestic abuse, people with disabilities, and those who have suffered the effects of natural disasters will be given special priority from free moving assistance programs.

Read our next guide if you are interested to know how to get free shoes for low-income families. 

How To Find Free Moving Services For Low-Income Families Near Me?

Moving expenses may vary significantly depending on the number of personal belongings and the number of bedrooms. If you’re purchasing a house and getting a mortgage, then you have to pay extra dollars to pay for movers. However, if you are moving to a less densely populated region from a densely populated state then the cost may vary. In the below section of the guide, we have provided a list of moving assistance programs that can be of great help for you.

Apply for Government Programs

Even though there is no specific program to help with moving expenses directly, your state, local, or county government is an excellent resource to help you get connected with housing programs that also include moving expenses. You just need to keep in mind to fulfill the eligibility criteria and documentation process to get the assistance that you need.

Contact Local Nonprofit Organizations and Charities

You can contact local nonprofit organizations in and around your local area that will help you in your search with free moving assistance near me. These programs are for those who are looking for temporary financial support in times of their need. You can contact your local nonprofit about their eligibility criteria, income limitations, and other details to apply for help. Some of these resources also help with free furniture for low-income families. 

Seek Assistance From Friends and Family Members

You can seek assistance from your close friends or family members who are living in your new city. They can provide you with some financial assistance. Do not hesitate to seek a helping hand from them.

Call Your Local Church or Religious Faith-Based Organization

A lot of churches, mosques, synagogues, or faith-based organizations set aside charitable funds to help needy sections of the community. Some of the notable names that can help you with free moving assistance are the Salvation Army, and Catholic charities USA, to name a few. These resources help with water bills for low-income families. 

Moving Company Discounts

A lot of moving companies, especially those that specialize in eviction services, may provide HR moving programs or public assistance to help people who are unable to curtail the cost themselves. In case you are going through an eviction or foreclosure, then these low-income moving assistance programs can help you get back on your feet. Some of the moving companies also help their customers get discounted services by as much as 50%.

Contact Your HR Department To Learn About The Available Job Relocation Package

Are you moving to a new place for your job? You can contact your HR department if your company provides a job relocation package. This typically includes the entire or some part of moving expenses early if you are moving for work-associated expenses. Your company or employer may reimburse you a part of moving expenses like living in temporary housing, the cost of hiring movers, or renting a storage unit.

Our next guide will help with home repairs for low-income families who are unable to afford the cost themselves.

Free Government Relocation Assistance Programs 

The federal government of the United States of America provides many benefits to low or moderate-income families. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has programs that help with rental assistance and relocation housing. Besides, there are many other resources through which low-income families can benefit, such as the following:

Veterans Affairs Relocation Assistance Program

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides comprehensive transition assistance to veterans, including assistance with relocation. The department works to provide a relocation plan depending on your circumstances. Veteran moving assistance is dispersed through a local branch agency. Besides, private moving companies also help with discounts for military members, veterans and their family members. Make sure to contact these organizations that can help you with veteran discounts while getting quotes from the moving companies.

How to Apply for the Veterans Affairs Relocation Assistance Program: You can visit the Department of Veterans Affairs home page and learn about eligibility criteria and how to apply. You need to provide a group of documents related to your surveys and proof of financial hardship.

Contact Details: Contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 prior to applying for a particular program. Homeless veterans can also contact (877) 4AID VET (877-424-3838) to get assistance.

USDA Rural Housing Service

The USDA Rural Housing Service has a plethora of programs, including relocation loans and grants, to help families and single individuals living in rural America. The moving agency has partnered with many agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide relocation services. The moving grants and loans will help you to offset moving costs.

The program provides grants, loan guarantees, and affordable loans for single and multifamily housing and housing for farm laborers with the objective of improving rural communities. USDA Rural Housing Services may not offer funding for hiring movers or renting moving trucks, but eligible applicants residing in designated rural places can access grants, loans, and subsidies for affordable housing.

How to Apply for USDA Rural Housing Service: To apply for free moving assistance for seniors, moving grants or loans, you need to contact your local agency office or center. The exact application process may differ depending on your household size and your financial circumstances.

Contact Details: You can use the program resource page to learn how to apply or contact 800-414-1266. You need to determine the eligibility criteria, get the application form, and find a nearby office in your state.

HUD Programs

HUD maintains an online database of home buying assistance programs in each state and local area. The US government provides benefits to low-income families, including relocation housing and rental assistance through HUD. Some of the programs that can help you are as follows:

Real Estate Acquisition and Relocation Program provides assistance to people who are affected by acquisitions, or Demolition of real property for federally funded or federal projects. You can find the program Regional Relocation Specialist near you to get started.

In addition, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program also helps those who are being forced to move out of their home as their housing unit is undergoing demolition or rehabilitation and can get their relocation expenses covered.

The Good Neighbor Next Door Program offers discounts up to 50% of the list price of the single-family homes that are located in revitalization areas and listed through the areas.

How to Apply for HUD Programs: For detailed information, it is best to navigate the website of HUD. The availability of the emergency moving assistance may, however, differ from one place to another.

Contact Details: For questions regarding FHA loans or programs, you can contact the HUD FHA Resource Center or dial 1-800-CALL-FHA (800-225-5342). To learn about HUD rental programs, you can call 800-955-2232 or contact the HUD public and Indian Housing PIH resource center.

The IRS Moving Expenses Reduction for Military Families

Those who are members of the armed forces on active duty and want to move following a military order can deduct the moving expenses from their source of income to save taxes. This also includes international moves.

How to Apply For The IRS Moving Expenses: To apply for an IRS Moving Expenses Deduction, you need not have additional paperwork. You can claim allowable expenses on your federal tax return. For this, you have to use Form 3903 Moving Expenses and figure out the moving expenses reduction.

Contact Details: To know more visit the IRS website. 

Administration for Community Living (ACL) Grants

Administration for Community Living provides grants to organizations and states that offer support and services to help those who are living with disabilities or senior citizens. The grants also provide subsidized housing and individual grants.

How to Apply For Administration for Community Living (ACL) Grants: There is no way to apply directly for ACL free moving assistance for disabled. However, the agency provides money to organizations, and you can contact these organizations to get help. Learn about the types of assistance available using USA.gov resources related to assistance programs and other services for people living with disabilities.

Contact Details: Visit the Administration for Community Living webpage or dial 1-202-401-4634.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program 

The Community Services Block Grant Program is provided by the Office of Community Services/An Office of the Administration for Children and Families. The administration is a part of the US Department of Health and Human Services that helps people pay for housing, health, rent, utilities, or buy a home. If you are looking for emergency moving assistance near me, then you can also consider applying to the Community Services Block Grant Program.

How to Apply and Contact: Head to the CSBG contact information page and find out the CSBG program official in your state or state CSBG program contact.

FEMA’s Federal Relocation Assistance Program

Individuals can get assistance to help with moving costs through the federal government in the form of the Federal Relocation Assistance Program from the Federal Emergency Management Administration. The program protects individuals who have been affected by the demolition or acquisition of the property.

The program offers funds for transportation costs as well as security deposits. If you had to move as your property was a presidential-declared disaster, then you can get free moving assistance and disaster-caused childcare needs, home repairs and replacement, disaster medical cleanups, temporary housing, and clean-ups from this program. Before you use the funds, a FEMA representative will conduct a home inspection to decide the amount of damage you can get.

How to Apply For FEMA’s Federal Relocation Assistance Program: Individuals need to apply for this grant by visiting the website of disasterassistance.gov, where they have to enter their city and zip code to see if they are qualified for assistance. You can also search the relocation claim form directory and complete the application process to get help with housing expenses or residential moving. Remember to keep all the receipts and paperwork as proof of evidence and upload the documents that FEMA asks.

Contact Details: You can apply by contacting FEMA at 800-621-3362. You can also use the FEMA mobile app to get help with emergency shelter due to a disaster.

Emergency Solution Grants (ESG) Program

Under the HUD’s umbrella, the federal government allocates funding to organizations and states to reduce homelessness. The Emergency Solution Grants Program offers assistance with rent, emergency shelter, house placement, house search, and other related causes. The program is funded by the federal government and provides assistance to both families and individuals who are at the imminent risk of going homeless.

How to Apply for the ESG Program: The exact application process to receive moving assistance from the Emergency Solution Grants Program may vary depending on your area of residence. To find detailed information, you must visit your state official Department website and find the eligibility criteria and online application checklist.

Contact Details: Check out the ESG resources web page on the hub exchange site and find out the list of grant recipients of the ESG program, including the contact details state-wise.

Relocation Due to Job Loss

Relocation allowances are provided by the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program to those who are affected by unemployment or job loss to the American Job Center. In order to receive the services, you need to use the AJC service locator and find the center near you. You can also use their service hotline to reach out to them.

How To Apply For The Trade Adjustment Assistance Program: A group of workers, one-step delivery system operators, partners, and a company official need to file a petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance. This can be filed by authorized representative workers or unions on their behalf. To get information on how to file a petition or to get petition forms, you need to visit the TAA application process web page.

Contact Details: Visit the US Department of Labor(.govt) website. 

Looking for free diapers and wipes for low-income families? Take a look at our next guide now.

Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations That Help With Low-Income Moving Assistance Programs Near Me 

There are many charities and nonprofit organizations that provide the much-needed financial support for low-income individuals and families in America. Most of these organizations provide short-term aid, while some help with long-term funding as well, depending on individual circumstances and the funding of the program. Here is the list of low-income moving assistance programs near me. 

YMCA

YMCA is a national nonprofit organization that strives to strengthen women’s civil rights and empowerment in the American government. The organization also helps with moving assistance and financial support for low-income individuals, especially women who are planning to buy a property. You need to locate your nearest YMCA program and reach out to know the type of low-income moving assistance available. The minority and women-focused organization has many housing-associated programs in place, including transitional services that help with moving expenses.

How to Apply for YMCA: In order to be eligible for moving assistance programs or financial support from YMCA, you need to contact your local YMCA office. You can search the location and navigate how to apply for moving services and housing resources that are available near you.

Contact Details: Visit Ymca.org to get additional information or contact the National Hotline number at 202-467-0801.

The Salvation Army

One of the largest and most notable nonprofit organizations across the country that helps with financial resources for families and individuals in need is the Salvation Army. The organization helps with the Housing Now Program that provides assistance for low-income individuals and families, including housing and rental assistance.

How To Apply For The Salvation Army Moving Assistance: You need to contact your local Salvation Army center to get help with emergency moving assistance. You need to fill out the application form and provide relevant details about your residence, income, relocation information, identification, and so on.

Contact Details: You can fill out the contact form on the official website of the Salvation Army or contact 800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769). You can put in your zip code on the housing page of Salvation Army to find out the local branch and their contact information.

Catholic Charities USA

Looking for free moving assistance for seniors near me? You can turn to Catholic Charities USA for assistance. Around 168 agencies in the Catholic charities USA network help with financial programs and grants for poor individuals and families. The charitable organization offers housing assistance through grants, rental assistance, counseling, and other programs.

In some circumstances, you can also get help with free moving assistance. Catholic Charities offer tons of need-based assistance programs for needy families and individuals, including emergency moving assistance for those who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming homelessness. If the cost of moving seems to be a barrier, then Catholic Charities may provide some help.

How to Apply for Catholic Charities USA: To apply for low-income moving assistance programs near me, you need to visit the official website of Catholic Charities and find out your local chapter. You also need to provide proof of documents to demonstrate your eligibility.

Contact Details: Dial (703) 549-1390 or Fax to: (703) 549-1656. Visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org to learn more.

Housing Industry Foundation (HIF)

The Housing Industry Foundation helps people who are looking for stable and secure housing. The foundation provides financial support to needy individuals and families through the Emergency Housing Fund. The organization helps families and individuals stay in their homes or find affordable and stable housing alternatives to different programs.

They provide emergency moving assistance to people and funds to renovate homeless shelters. Thanks to its affiliation with government agencies, communities, and community-based organizations, the partners have helped people to overcome all types of housing situations that generally result from death, medical emergencies, or employment issues. Grants up to $2500 are provided to those experiencing homelessness. Applicants need to be referred to HIF through a partner organization.

How to Apply for the Housing Industry Foundation: You need to visit the official website of the foundation to apply for their Emergency Housing Fund Grant. The foundation accepts online applications from the community members, and also collaborates with partner agencies to provide financial support to those in need.

Contact Details: Mail to [email protected] to apply for free moving assistance near me.

Modest Needs

Modest Needs is another notable non profit organization that offers financial support for individuals and families who are unable to receive assistance from other resources. The organization also helps with transportation grants, including moving assistance grants, for those who are not able to afford the cost of moving. Founded in 2002, the organization provides One-time Self-sufficiency grants that range between $750 and $1250 on an average for those who are earning above the poverty line. The grant can be used for any purpose since they are paid to vendors and service providers instead of families directly.

How to Apply for Modest Needs: You need to submit an online application through the official website of Modest Needs. You need to bring the recently filed tax return or bank statement along with proof of income to complete the application. Check out all the details on the type of grant available in the eligibility criteria at their official website.

Contact details: Dial (844) 667-3776 to know more about free moving services for low-income families.

Travelers Aid Society

Started in the 1880s in various U.S. states, Travelers Aid Society has expanded its services and outreach programs. The organization assists with housing, transportation, job training, food, and other programs to eliminate homelessness from the country. They provide permanent subsidized housing as well to those who qualify. The organization helps those who are going through financial hardship while traveling. They do not provide direct out of state relocation assistance, however, they may help to find temporary housing for those who qualify.

How to Apply to Travelers Aid Society: You can start by checking the member listing of the organization, click on your location, and obtain contact information as well as services that are provided in their state.

Contact Details: Dial (240) 505-4255 or (202) 878-9735.

United Way (211)

United Way (211) is not a funding organization but a free national hotline number that connects needy families and individuals with community services that can be of great help in times of need. If you’re looking for moving assistance or financial support to pay for your housing expenses, then you can contact this hotline number. An expert will help you get connected with the right emergency moving assistance programs.

How to Apply To United Way: There are no specific details on the application process. You just need to visit the official website of United Way in your state or contact 211.

Contact Details. Visit 211.org or call 211.

Read our next guide to know how to get free meal delivery for low-income families. 

How to Move When You Can’t Afford It? Tips and Tricks to Follow

Do you know how to get extra money to move? You can sell unwanted things, like selling a position online or holding a garage sale, to generate quick cash to cover your moving expenses. Similarly, ridesharing, freelancing and delivery services can help with supplemental income.

• Use Free Moving Boxes: There are several places that you can turn to for getting free packing boxes. These boxes can save you around $100 or more on your love. For instance you can check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, NextDoor and your neighbouring other retail stores.
• Spread Out The Moving Work: If you have flexibility then try moving your belongings gradually instead of all at once. This can be useful if you have a vehicle and can’t afford to rent a moving truck.
• Use Alternative Packing Supplies: You can use a lot of items around your household as packing supplies. For instance garbage bags, laundry hampers and drawers in lieu of boxes. Skip out on packing paper by using fragile items in towels, clothing and linens.

Read our next blog to know how to get free clothing for low-income families near you.

Conclusion

To sum up, the cost of moving can be a financial burden and require additional funds to cover packing materials, travel, storage, moving company services, and anything else associated with moving your personal belongings to your new home. You can take advantage of free moving services for low-income through government programs and nonprofit organizations to get help. This guide serves as a good starting point for those who are navigating complexities in moving due to a financial crisis. By applying for the aforementioned government programs and moving assistance grants funded by nonprofit organizations and charities, low-income families and individuals can reduce the financial stress of relocation and transition into their new homes to improve their overall quality of life.

Are you interested in learning more about assistance programs and grants that can help you improve your living situation? Then check out the rest of our blogs at GrantsBuddy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Moving Assistance Program In California?

The Moving Assistance (MA) Program helps CalWorks Welfare To Work Families who are navigating homelessness and provides them assistance of $2500 so that they can secure permanent housing.

Does Texas Have a Relocation Assistance Program?

The Resident Relocation Assistance Program in the city of San Antonio provides health assistance up to $6000 for relocation-associated expenses per 12-month period that includes moving expenses, fees and deposits.