With the cost of living rising, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.

That's why it is so important to scout out options that can help with expense relief.

Fortunately, from grants to debt relief, there are a variety of options available for those seeking some breathing room from their overwhelming expenses.

 

Federal and State Assistance Programs

For individuals living in the United States, there are a variety of federal and state assistance programs that could help with expenses.

Many states offer financial assistance for medical expenses, rent, emergency assistance, and even food.

For those living on a fixed income, Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI, can provide assistance in the form of monthly financial benefits.

SSI is a federal program for people with a limited income that cannot provide for their own needs.

Eligibility for SSI is based on the income and resources of the individual.

At the federal level, there are tax credits available.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low-wage workers keep more of their hard-earned money as families may be eligible for up to a $6,000 refund credit.

The Child Tax Credit helps families lower the cost of raising children with a credit of up to $2,000 per child.

 

Debt Relief and Consolidation Plans

Debt can accumulate quickly and become a source of worry for many individuals.

Fortunately, there are reputable organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) that can help individuals get on a path to debt relief.

Debt consolidation plans allow individuals to combine multiple debts into one monthly payment.

This can help save money on interest which can have a positive effect on the financial stability of the individual.

 

Government Grants

Government grants can provide individuals with the opportunity to pursue their educational and business goals without worrying as much about financial hardship.

Many grants can be found at the national, state, and local levels with a variety of eligibility requirements.

To apply for federal grants, individuals can visit grants.gov for more information.

It's always beneficial to take the time to read the requirements and start the application process early.

State grants can vary from state to state, but many are focused on supporting areas such as:

• agriculture
• health
• education
• art
• research

For those interested in state grants, it is important to research any local and state grants available.

These grants are often smaller, more targeted, and have fewer competitors.

For entrepreneurs, there are a variety of grants available to individuals who have qualified businesses. These grants can be used for a variety of activities such as research and development, marketing costs, product design, and more.

Small business grants can sometimes be found at the local level, and for businesses with strong ties to the local area, these grants can be a great way to invest in the business and help ensure its growth.

 

Additional Options

When looking for additional options for expense relief, there are a number of other resources and ideas to consider.

Many local churches or other houses of worship also have charity programs that can assist people with expense relief.

For those who are not members of such organizations, there may be other local organizations that have similar programs such as food banks or homeless shelters.

Additionally, there are many national programs designed to provide assistance with everyday expenses to those in need.

Finally, those with disabilities may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits or various state benefits.

Social Security disability benefits can provide financial support in the form of monthly benefits.

Some states even offer additional support in the form of medical assistance or housing allowances.

 

Finding Expense Relief

With the cost of living continuing to increase, individuals need to continuously review their budgets and see what options are available for them to manage their finances and maintain their expenses.

Whether it is through federal and state assistance, grants, relief plans or other options, it's always important to explore the options available in order to avoid further financial hardships.