Government Grant Search

Government Benefits Spending At Peak Levels

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:49:17 -0700

The recession has made people rely more on government aid like healthcare benefits and the food stamps program. This has caused benefits spending to reach historic highs, as one out of every six dollars of peoples' income is now coming in the form of federal or state checks and vouchers.

What's causing the sudden surge?

Social Security (SSA programs) - Our poor economy has induced a 10%-15% increase in early retirements. A 5.8% increase in SSA benefits took effect January 1. Total new cost is at $55 billion.
Unemployment Insurance - One-fourth of the added government spending covers job benefits, a program that began in the Great Depression. The stimulus law passed last February increased these benefits.
Food Stamps - The increase in food stamp program funding went up due to the stimulus law boosting the size of the benefit. Program enrollment hit a record high of 32.2 million people in March, an increase of 5.2 million from the previous year. Average benefits for March was at $114 per person.

Not to worry

"The increase in social spending is still relatively modest given the severity of the downturn," says Dean Baker, economist of the Center for Economic and Policy Research.

In fact, many advocates say that these safety net programs are doing their job and doing it well. Jennifer Lange, Florida food stamp director, believes that the Food Stamps Program is doing what it's supposed to do, which is why we're not seeing and experiencing the hunger experienced by many during the Great Depression.

Learn how you can save hundreds of dollars in bills and expenses through government grants like the Food Stamps Program and SSA benefits! Subscribe now to receive updates, tips, and crucial information on how you can be the first to benefit from various federal programs available to you.

Reimburse Your Child’s Summer Camp Fees

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:38:12 -0700

Are you thinking of sending your kids to a summer day camp? If so, you can get a child tax credit for it. A stimulus tax credit reduces the amount of tax you pay dollar for dollar, unlike an itemized deduction where your tax bill is based on your tax rate. All you have to do is qualify for the child tax deduction, then file a Form 2441 (Child and Dependent Care Expenses) document.

Who qualifies for child tax deduction?

In order to qualify for child tax benefit:

On your tax return, report the name, address, and taxpayer identification number (TIN) of the child care provider. If the care provider is a tax-exempt organization, the TIN is not required.
You must file your tax return jointly if married, unless separation rules apply.
You must have qualifying expenses over and above any tax-free reimbursements from your employer.
You must pay more than 50% of the household maintenance costs for a qualifying dependent.
You must have paid for care expenses in order to earn taxable income and qualify for child tax credit. If you are married, both spouses must work either full or part time. Spouses who are full time students or incapacitated are exempt.

What kind of day camps can I enroll my child in?

In order to qualify for child tax benefits, you must send your child to a summer day camp. These summer camps may also include:

Fine arts camp (for music, drama, and art)
Sports camp (that focuses on a single activity/sport)
Academic camps (to learn about computers & other areas of study)

Learn how you can save hundreds of dollars in bills and expenses through government grants such as the stimulus tax credit for children! Subscribe now to receive updates, tips, and crucial information on how you can be the first to benefit from various federal programs available to you.

Food Stamp Stimulus Gets Boost throughout Nation

Thu, 28 May 2009 03:23:58 -0700

To meet the ever-increasing number food stamps application and recipients, states boosted the funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp program). The Food Stamp increase began arriving through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards last month. Each recipient now gets about a 14% increase or more in food stamp money - that's $20 to $24 a month in food stamp increase.

How will a food stamp increase help families?

According to John Quinterno, a research associate of the nonprofit N.C. Budget & Tax Center, the SNAP program allows low-income families and households to "cope with dramatic drops in income to make ends meet."

Quinterno also stated that given the seriousness of the economic crisis, more and more households are filing a food stamps application to help purchase basic groceries.

Food Stamp program as a stimulus?

Experts say aside from helping struggling families get enough to eat, the extra funding will give life back to the declining economy.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and Mark Zandi of Moody's Economy.com support the idea that the Food Stamp program is an effective economic stimulus. Zandi, the site's chief economist, stated that for every $1 spent on the Food Stamp program puts $1.73 back into local economies -- consumer spending increases and related jobs are created in the process.

"People who receive these benefits are hard-pressed and will spend any financial aid they receive very quickly," he said.

"Nobody holds onto food stamps. They spend it right away," Matt Habash, president of the Mid-Ohio Foodbank said.

Improvement in food stamps application to help more Americans

A recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report shows that at least 35 states give automatic Food Stamps application approval to people who get public assistance through other state programs. Seventeen states automatically send SNAP benefits to elderly and handicapped people that receive aid for the disabled, while 21 states allow people to sign up for a Food Stamp stimulus online rather than in person.

Learn how you can save hundreds of dollars in bills and expenses through government grants such as the Food Stamp stimulus! Subscribe now to receive updates, tips, and crucial information on how you can be the first to benefit from thousands of federal programs available to you.

Tips on Budget Cooking and Preparing Weekly Food Budget

Tue, 19 May 2009 04:46:56 -0700

Creating a weekly food budget may seem difficult as it is. If you add the challenge of keeping yourself healthy, then it becomes a serious challenge. However, perceptive shoppers know exactly how to some more dollars in their weekly food budget without compromising their health.

Here are some budget food shopping tips in order to help you plan your healthy recipes:

Buy in bulk - Buying food by the dozen, pound, case, etc. especially when they're on sale is a great way to budget cooking necessities. Just be sure to check the expiry dates, so you won't end up wasting food and money.
Use coupons - There are plenty of coupons that give great deals (2 + 1 free, buy this and get that free, etc.) depending on your needs. Coupons can be found in various locations: magazines, the internet, the back of product boxes, newspapers, and even on TV and radio (in the form of promo codes). Just make sure that these deals are bargains for you and your family, instead of a useless purchase.
Sign up for rewards programs - If you frequent a certain market or shop, budget cooking is very easy. More often than not, these groceries and markets give "frequent shopper" deals and rewards programs. Sometimes, rebates and discounts are given, and, sometimes, special bargain deals are given exclusively. This can do wonders for your weekly food budget.
Let the government help you - There are many ways Uncle Sam can aid you in budgeting your food. Healthy recipes are scattered all over the internet, and you can use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to purchase those healthy ingredients. Get a food stamp application form online or from a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food budget aid office near you.

More about the SNAP program

The SNAP program, formerly known as the Food Stamp program, helps 28 million people all over the country each month. Through this food assistance program, low-income people and families are able to purchase nutritious food they need for good health at an accessible price.

With the help of nutrition education partners, SNAP program participants can learn more about budget cooking, healthy eating and active lifestyle choices.

Learn how you can save hundreds of dollars in bills and expenses through SNAP and other USDA food programs. Fill in the box above to receive up-to-date information on more Recovery programs you can benefit from.

Health Care Industry to Hold Down Costs Voluntarily

Tue, 12 May 2009 21:21:55 -0700

Leading health care groups made a pledge to President Barack Obama yesterday to reduce health care plan costs by as much as $2 trillion over the next 10 years.

Six healthcare leaders (Advanced Medical Technology Association, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, America's Health Insurance Plans, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and the Service Employees International Union) have sent a unified letter that said, "We will do our part to achieve your administration's goal of decreasing by 1.5 percentage points the annual health care spending growth rate, saving $2 trillion or more. This represents more than a 20 percent reduction in the projected rate of growth."

Health insurance reform: reduce costs and save families money

Under the health reform plan, a family of four can save up to $2,500 a year for five years, and up to $2 trillion within a decade for the national government.

The following are some of the healthcare and health insurance reforms the healthcare leaders committed to:

Standardizing the health care system, including medical forms
Simplifying procedures, including the removal of unnecessary tests
Investing in effective treatment and prevention, including the elimination of obesity
Utilizing I.T. and implementing regulatory reforms to cut costs

Learn how you can save hundreds of dollars in bills and expenses through government grants such as the Obama health plan! Fill in the box above to receive up-to-date information on Recovery programs you can benefit from.

You Can Now Apply for Food Stamps over the Phone

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:22:01 -0700

Many people who have been laid off but have money in their bank accounts, think they don't have a share in the food stamp stimulus. However, the Food Stamp Program (now called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP), is for people who are struggling to make ends meet and today, more working families are relying on food stamp assistance given our country's situation.

Food stamp application

Normally, applying for the Food Stamp Program is done either online or in person. However, food stamps application may now be done over the phone. This convenient service is in addition to other changes in the Food Stamp Program.

Here are other recent changes thanks to the food stamp stimulus:

The welfare caseworker may interview you over the phone, instead of in person
The Food Stamp Program will now subtract all childcare costs from income in order to determine your benefit amount. This is good news for families with high childcare costs: they can now get more food stamp benefits.
Savings are no longer considered in your food stamps application. If your income is low enough, you may get food stamp assistance even if you have money in your bank or retirement accounts.
Thanks to the economic stimulus package, food stamp participants have also started receiving a temporary increase of around 13% in their benefits.

Remember, you have a right to know if your food stamps application is being processed, and this can be done over the phone as well.

Want to know how you can get your share of food stamp assistance from the stimulus package? Fill in the box above to get more information about the Food Stamp Program and other government grants.

Red Cross 9/11 Recovery Grants Still Available

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:28:40 -0700

The American Red Cross created the September 11 Recovery Program (SRP) to provide long-term services to people directly affected by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The SRP recovery grants began in December 2003 and will end in December this year. Here are the available recovery grants:

1. Access to recovery services

These one-year grants support organizations and programs focusing on hard-to-reach survivors of the 9/11 attacks. They mainly serve immigrant and low-income families whose culture and/or language has separated them from mainstream social help services. At present, 22 related organizations are receiving recovery grants.

2. Health diagnosis and treatment

These two-year grants pay for the diagnosis and treatment of rescue, recovery and cleanup workers of Ground Zero, who are experiencing physical and respiratory problems related to the 9/11 attacks. 7 organizations are receiving grants from this funding.

3. Lower Manhattan community recovery

There are 8 organizations receiving these one-year grants, which are helping lower Manhattan neighborhoods recover from the World Trade Center collapse. They keep residents informed of various development activities and strengthening procedures which allow them to provide their input on the improvisation and stability of their neighborhoods.

4. Mental health and wellness

These grants, currently supporting 51 organizations, provide a wide range of programs regarding mental health and wellness to survivors of the 9/11 attacks, as well as special training for the professionals who help them.

5. Youth recovery and resilience

These grants help children and adolescents recover from the trauma of the 9/11 attacks, and build resilience in specialized programs where they live, play and learn. Some of the programs use mental health approaches to those in need, while others use a variety of proven techniques to support emotional development such as art, drama and music therapy. There are 41 organizations benefiting from these grants.

6. Strategic opportunities

There are grants which do not fall under the designated areas of funding, but still respond directly to the evolving needs of 9/11 survivors. There are 7 organizations receiving these grants.

As of June 2006, 118 non-profit partners awarded $89.9 million in grants. To know how these grants can help you, visit your local Red Cross chapter or go to www.redcross.org.

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Offbeat Government Grants for the Taking

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:26:15 -0700

While government grants such as the WIC Program or the Pell Grant are very popular, other initiatives like the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program don't receive as much publicity or as many applicants. But who would have thought that some public and private grants actually exist to provide free money for musicians, or that seniors can actually get discounted hunting and fishing licenses? Read on to see what the deal is for these unusual grants -- you never know if you actually qualify for one of them.

Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Less: Is grandpa raring to head off for the great outdoors to catch some good ol' trout or take home a few ducks? Well, here's some good news for you! Nearly all senior citizens qualify for fishing and hunting licenses at specially-lowered rates, and in some states like Alaska, Alabama, Kansas, and Georgia, seniors who are over 65 won't even need a license to hunt or fish. Just go to any outlet that sells these licenses, and you'll get the information you need to qualify for the program.

Bagby Foundation for the Musical Arts: When classical musicians or opera singers in New York fall into hard times, the Bagby Foundation comes to the rescue and pitches them some relief. Qualified individuals can receive monetary assistance, which can rise to the tune of around $5000. The Bagby Foundation even helps up-and-coming students who need training and money to break through the classical music scene in New York.

Free Audiobooks, Magazines and a Whole Lot More: Grandma's failing eyesight shouldn't stop her from enjoying her romances! The National Library Service (NLS) keeps a literal storehouse of free audiobooks, magazines, or materials in Braille to help those with permanent or temporary vision loss. Worried about how cassette tape recorders are getting scarce? The NLS will happily provide the necessary playback equipment to help make it easier for qualified individuals. Just contact your nearest public library to find out what their available materials are, and how you can claim them.

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Get Delicious, Healthy Lunches at School for Free

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:26:53 -0700

As the Beijing Olympics kicks into high gear this month, the rest of the world can't wait to see which athletes will eventually come out victorious. But people like Michael Phelps didn't just get to the Beijing Olympics by accident -- it took him years of hard work, training, and proper conditioning to be one of the world's best swimmers. And even though your kids don't plan to become world-class athletes, they still need as much nutrition to stay active and smart, especially now that school is back.

If you're worried about how you can afford to give your kids all the healthful lunches they'll need in school, fret no more. That's exactly what the National School Lunch Program is for, and the best thing about it is that it provides children from low-income families with nutritious, tasty lunches for free or at discounted prices. The program serves over 30 million children in public and private non-profit schools across the country, whether they're in primary school, grade school, or even in high school.

Your child is eligible for free lunches from the National School Lunch Program if your household earns an annual income that's below 130 percent of the poverty level. Other kids who come from higher-earning households are still covered by the NSLP, but they get discounted meals instead of free ones.

Get in touch with school officials to find out if they're part of the program, or contact your local USDA office to find out if your child qualifies for free meals. After all, athletes aren't the only ones who require good nutrition, and your kid deserves the best when it comes to his health.

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Seniors' Food Aid Suffers from Soaring Gas and Food Costs

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:57:37 -0700

If gas and food prices these days are making you nervous, think about how the current economic slump could hit the nation's elderly. Just last month, the Associated Press reported that higher gas and food costs have pushed senior food aid programs to yield to cost-cutting measures, a move that might result in less hot meals to the people who need the help the most.

Although a lot of the services are still reaching out to the elderly, some organizations in New York and California warn that the year's skyrocketing fuel and food prices will make it hard for the aid programs to go on. Besides the cost of preparing and delivering the food, advocates also pin the blame on reduced government funding and a decrease in donations. "We're in a crisis and it's just getting worse and worse," lamented Meals and Wheels CEO Enid Borden.

Some states are already facing some sizable budget cuts. In California, senior food aid programs might have 10 percent of their funding shaved off this year, while West Virginia tries to cope by doling out an extra $1 million to help the county's agencies afford gas and food. In New York, Citymeals on Wheels are starting to drop some names from their list of meal recipients. "We have no choice," said Marcia Stein, the organization's director. "It’s like trying to take a size 10 foot and putting it into a size 7 shoe."

You can learn more about qualification guidelines or getting your free online grant applications for senior food programs by browsing through the rest of GGS.

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Pay for tuition with gov't supported part-time work!

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:42:06 -0700

As students all over prepare themselves eagerly for the beginning of the fall term, others are riddled with a lot of anxiety about what a college education might mean for their finances. Tuition fees seem to rise more and more every year, and for many young Americans, the choice of pursuing a college degree is becoming a harder one. How can low-income students satisfy their need for quality postsecondary education while making sure that they can keep up with the tuition fees?

One interesting solution that needy students might want to look into is the FWS Program, also known as the Federal Work-Study Program. This government grant offers financial aid to low-income college students by offering them part-time work, which they can secure through 3,400 participating institutions across the country. The part-time jobs are usually community-service oriented, where students might be employed as tutors for kids in reading, literacy, or mathematics.

Check with your school's guidance or admissions office to get your free online grant application or to find out if you are eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program. Why put your education on hold when solutions abound? Sign up for the FWS Program and let the government help you pay your way through college.

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Boost Your Home's Energy Efficiency for the Winter

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 03:57:28 -0700

You might think it's all a big joke, but it's true: the price of heating oil has shot up so much that residents of Durham, Maine have resorted to drastic measures to cut down on heating costs. According to an Associated Press article, the state's residents have begun to stock up on good ol' firewood to provide enough heat for this year's winter without breaking the bank.

But there's another less radical way to save on your electricity bills, one that doesn't involve any wood chopping. It's called the Weatherization Assistance Program, and it helps low-income families bring down their electricity bills by boosting the energy efficiency of their homes. The program has been around for around 30 years, and has been serving at least 5.6 million households since its inception.

Homes with seniors, disabled individuals, and children often get prioritized, although other households are frequently given the opportunity to participate in the program. In the end, weatherizing your home can lop off an average of $360 every year you’re your energy bill. Also, the best thing about the Weatherization Assistance Program is that it doesn't just dispense aid. Instead, it creates a permanent solution for American homes by making them more energy efficient and economical in the long run.

Don't wait until winter finally comes blowing in. Find out if you're eligible for weatherization assistance by contacting your local state office or inquiring at the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C.

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Government Grants Create Jobs for Unemployed

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 04:45:33 -0700

The papers seem to be screaming nothing but bad news these days. Just recently, Newsweek reported that inflation around the globe had shot up to problematic levels, with prices going up at a dizzying rate and people all over struggling to make ends meet. Last week, the Associated Press pointed out that the unemployment rate had soared to 5.7 percent in July, and that employers across the country had shaved off a staggering 463,000 jobs this year.

But despite the current trend of disillusionment in the country, low-income families and individuals still have a good reason to keep their hopes up. Late last month, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao announced that a government grant worth $10 million will be allocated to 11 different projects that will open up jobs and training opportunities for the country's skilled workers. " These grants awarded under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative will help equip workers with skills and certifications that are in demand in the energy sector," Chao said.

Because of the shortage of skilled workers in the energy industry, the government hopes that these federal grants will not only carve out new jobs for the country's unemployed, but will also provide them with stable, long term careers. Eleven states have already won the grant money, with each state receiving an amount between $390,000 to $1.1 million. Find out if your state has received federal money to create jobs for you! Contact your local state office, or forward your questions to the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.

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Tax Rebate Scam Alert, Part 3

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:45:12 -0700

Now that you have some knowledge about the most common IRS rebate check scams, you can begin to arm yourself better against fraud, whether the danger of it comes through the phone or right into your harmless inbox. But you must also know that scammers will never stop, not for as long as they can find a way to dupe you. Besides knowing which common forms of rebate check scams are out there, you might want to look into the less unusual styles that con artists can use to hoodwink you.

One scam you should be cautious about, for example, takes the form of an e-mail that informs taxpayers about some significant changes to the current tax law. These e-mails are often addressed to accountants or small businesses, and will contain a good number of links that the law-abiding citizen should click on. Whatever these links are, do not click on them. In a news release by the IRS some time ago, the agency said that the links are suspected of leaching malware into the victim's PC and squirreling away important passwords or credit card information.

Finally, be watchful of more callers who pose as IRS agents. In another new scam that's been unveiled, con artists have been calling up various households in the country to ask if the taxpayer plans to cash his rebate check. Because the check has gone uncashed, the "IRS guy" would like to "help you" by asking for your bank account number for verification purposes. A likely story! The moment they pounce on you with this question, hang up right away. If the caller persists, inform them that you will call up the local police department if they do not stop pestering you.

In the end, it's best to keep a few basic points in mind. For one, the IRS will never send you an e-mail asking for highly personal information, which include – but aren't limited to – bank account and Social Security numbers, credit card information, or passwords for your financial accounts. If you do receive an e-mail that claims to be from the IRS, do not open any attachments or click any links. Instead, forward the e-mail to the IRS, preferably to their department that handles phishing and scams. Don't think twice about fighting these scammers. After all, you're only a victim for as long as you choose to be one.

Tax Rebate Scam Alert, Part 2

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 07:33:08 -0700

Earlier this year, a CNN news report warned against identity thieves posing as IRS employees over the phone and asking taxpayers for their bank account, credit card, and Social Security numbers. If you think the threat stops when the phone calls do, think again. According to the IRS, rebate check scams are now preying on the average taxpayer through something as innocent as a message in his own inbox. Over the last couple of months, e-mail scams have popped up in inboxes all over the country, coaxing people to divulge important information and making them prime targets for identity theft. Here's what you should look out for the next time you check your mail:

Tax Refund E-mail
An e-mail supposedly from the IRS surfaces in your inbox and tells you that you qualify for a huge amount of money as your tax refund. The message goes on to say that you can only claim your rebate check once you fill up a refund claim form, which will require your Social Security, bank account, and credit card numbers. Sometimes, the scammers will go to great lengths to make the e-mail look "official", complete with the IRS logo and a signature of the agency's "representative".

IRS Audit E-Mail
A fairly new spin-off of the tax refund e-mail, the audit e-mail scam lures you in by sounding genuine right off the bat. To begin with, the audit e-mail may address you by name (e.g., Dear Mr. John Smith), reassuring you that the message isn't automated. The e-mail proceeds by informing you that your tax return will be audited, and that you must click on some links to "fill up a form" that will permit them to do the audit.

Despite all appearances, these e-mails are not from the IRS, but from identity thieves who want to get their hands on your bank account or credit card numbers. Remember that the IRS will never ask for this sort of information over the phone or through e-mail, since your important numbers are already detailed in your tax return. You don't need to fill up anything else to claim your IRS rebate check. Keep these basic facts in mind, and you can outwit the very same scammers who are trying to cheat you of your money.

Up next on GGS: Other rebate scams that could fool you, and what you can do to fight scammers.

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Tax Rebate Scam Alert, Part 1

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:32:16 -0700

You pick up the ringing phone, and the voice on the other end of the line greets you nicely and introduces himself as an IRS employee. There isn't a problem, he reassures you, but he just needs your Social Security and bank account numbers just so he can process your tax rebate just in time. You decide that he sounds trustworthy and official, so you release your information and hope that you get your tax rebates soon enough.

A smart move? Definitely not. Last April, the IRS issued a news release that warned taxpayers of e-mail and telephone scams, especially if they deal with advance stimulus payments. Most of these tax rebate scams pop up towards the tail-end of the tax return filing season, but con artists can remain active with their schemes even after that period.

Tax Rebate Phone Calls: One of the most common schemes being used today, this involves a scammer calling you up and claiming that he or she is an employee or an official representative of the IRS. The caller will then inform you that you have qualified for a huge tax refund, and that your bank account number will be needed so that the IRS can make a direct deposit of the funds to you.

If you refuse to disclose your bank account information, the caller will tell you that you won't be able to receive your tax refund. Watch out for these calls. The IRS never asks for information like this over the phone, since they need only refer to your tax return sheet to get your private information. If you give your bank account number to the caller, you can easily be a victim of identity theft, where the scammer flushes your bank account of your money and inflicts a lot of damage on your credit record.

Up next on GGS: The Rebate E-mail Scam and the Tax Law E-Mail Scam

Learn how you can save hundreds of dollars in bills and expenses through government grants! Be one of our subscribers now to receive updates, tips, and crucial information on how you can be the first to benefit from thousands of federal programs available to you.

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Get Job Training and a Monthly Allowance For Free

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:41:01 -0700

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, your income will likely be just as high as your educational attainment. Those who hold doctoral degrees, for example, will often be the nation's top earners, while those who hadn't graduated from High School will generally be paid the least for their work. In so many ways, your sure ticket to a comfortable future is still through a solid education that gives you all the necessary training for your dream career.

But what if you don't have enough money to get past High School, or what if training opportunities are scarce for you? If you feel like your low-income background is limiting you from reaching your full potential, then Job Corps is for you! Job Corps is the government's biggest education and vocational training program that offers low-income individuals the right kind of training for their chosen careers, as well as the opportunity to receive a High School Diploma or GED, all at no cost.

And it doesn't stop there: the Job Corps even gives students a monthly allowance, career counseling, and assistance in finding a good job after completing the program. Applicants need to be between the ages of 16 and 24 to qualify, and they must pass certain income requirements. Joining the Job Corps also means that you will find yourself in an education environment that will need your cooperation and participation.

Take charge of your future now. Sign up for the Job Corps and be a step nearer to the life you've always wanted for yourself and your family. To find out if you're eligible for the program, contact your local state office or check with the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.

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Government has money for almost any worthwhile need.
Bargain prices on government auctions
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Financial Aid Boost for Homeless Vets

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:18:59 -0700

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) announced that 55 new awards would be given to various organizations from the public and private sectors to provide aid for homeless veterans all over the country. "It's important that VA continue to help our nation's homeless veterans, many of whom are still dealing with the effects of past conflicts," said VA Secretary Dr. James Peake. "These awards provide needed resources to hard working, caring and compassionate people who provide one-on-one care and services to our veterans every day in their own communities."

The awards from the Veterans Administration will provide a much-needed boost for the improvement and expansion of services that are currently being offered to homeless vets in 24 states. Through these government grants, award recipients will be able to offer at least 1,000 transitional housing beds, a hefty addition to the 9,400 beds that are already being offered to former servicemen who don't have a roof over their heads.

Presently, the Veterans Administration boasts of the largest integrated network of services for homeless veterans, all of whom can receive free clinical assessments, medical care and treatment, alcohol and drug abuse counseling and employment assistance from different public and private non-profit groups. Just last year, the VA outdid itself by allocating around $26 million in fresh funding to pay for 2,000 new transitional housing beds and reserving $12 for ailing vets, senior veterans, and women and children.

Find out how you can receive assistance from the Veterans Administration. Contact your VA state office for more information about how the government can help former servicemen and their families in need. (PR Newswire)

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To Do List: - Suggested Links:

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Student Loans - Credit Card Debts - Refinance Home
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Help for Unemployed Flood Victims

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:45:31 -0700

After severe flooding caused extensive damage to homes and property in affected states in the Midwest, residents are still trying to reassemble their lives and come to terms with what the disaster has cost them. And in cases like these, survivors don't just lose their homes or their loved ones – they also stand to lose the very things that support their livelihoods. Businesses in hard-hit areas have stalled or shut down, forcing workers out of their jobs and into unemployment.

In Iowa alone, flood-related unemployment rates have gone up, with around 100 people filing their claims each day. That's a huge jump, considering that the Iowa Workforce Development used to receive an average of only 10 unemployment claims daily. To help those whose jobs have been swept away by the floods, a program called Disaster Unemployment Assistance can extend financial aid to flood victims and help them make ends meet until they can be financially self-sufficient again.

The state-administered program offers unemployment benefits to all citizens and qualified aliens who are unable to continue working because of a severe disaster, particularly if their place of employment was destroyed by the flood, or if they sustained flood-related injuries that prevent them from going back to work sooner. You are also eligible to receive financial aid if you've suddenly become the breadwinner of your household because of flood-related deaths.

Some restrictions still apply, however. You can't qualify for the program if you're already eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits, and the loss of property or crops doesn't automatically make you a candidate for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Take action as soon as you can: file your unemployment claim and find out more about how the government can help you by visiting your State Unemployment Insurance Agency.

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To Do List: - Suggested Links:

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Student Loans - Credit Card Debts - Refinance Home
Reward Yourself:
Get a new computer for free.
Get some cash you don’t have to pay back:
Government has money for almost any worthwhile need.
Bargain prices on government auctions
Discounts on foreclosed property, liquidations, surplus items

Free Food For Kids In The Summer

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:41:58 -0700

Nobody's happier about summer than kids themselves, and it's easy to see why! With school still out for another month or so, children have all the free time to do whatever they please, whether it be playing with the other neighborhood kids or vegging out in front of the TV the whole day. But summer is also one of the most challenging times for providing the right kind of nutrition to your kids, since they usually will favor "summer" foods, including hotdogs, mounds of greasy french fries, ice cream, and gallons of soda. And if your family isn't well-off, the problem isn't just a question of poor food choices – some households just don't have the money to feed the kids enough healthy meals that will keep them active throughout the summer.

Thanks to a government program, however, you won't have to worry about your kids going hungry or getting enough nutrition during the summer. The Summer Food Service Program serves free, nutritious food at around 31,000 sites all over the country, where children from low-income families can get their meals or snacks for free or at reduced prices. Most of the kids who benefit from this government program are elementary school children, while others are pre-school tots or older kids. In 2006 alone, the Summer Food Service Program served free meals in low-income areas to around 1.9 million children all over the country, with a hefty budget of $271 million. That's a lot of free meals!

The program's local sites often provide a range of fun, exciting activities for participating children, such as games, sports, arts and crafts, and a lot of time to play with other kids in the site. To find out if your child is eligible for meals from the Summer Food Service Program, simply contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture or inquire at your local Food and Nutrition Service office to get more information about how your kid can get free meals from the government. Don't delay! This program lasts only as long as the summer does, so make sure your child gets all the nutrition he needs by the time school starts.

Learn how you can save hundreds of dollars in bills and expenses through government grants! Be one of our subscribers now to receive updates, tips, and crucial information on how you can be the first to benefit from thousands of federal programs available to you.

To Do List: - Suggested Links:

Increase Your Income:
Get an online degree with financial aid from the government.
Consolidate Your Bills:
Student Loans - Credit Card Debts - Refinance Home
Reward Yourself:
Get a new computer for free.
Get some cash you don’t have to pay back:
Government has money for almost any worthwhile need.
Bargain prices on government auctions
Discounts on foreclosed property, liquidations, surplus items