Low Income Relief is a free information service that helps low income people across America save money and get free stuff. We connect people with benefits, programs and resources in their local communities (such as food banks and homeless shelters). We also research and report on helpful nationwide, state and local programs that help alleviate poverty (such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Section 8, and more).
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How did Low Income Relief begin?
The idea for Low Income Relief began in 2007, when Nicole Thelin’s young family was two weeks away from being homeless. She started spending hours and hours every day at the library with her young son, trying to figure out how they were going to survive.
In Nicole’s own words:
I was desperately searching the Internet for anyone and anything that could help us. It was the first time I encountered words like section 8 and low income apartments. I discovered an abundant number of resources and organizations that would help us get through this time of desperate need. They weren’t always easy to find but they were definitely there.
Nicole’s family secured a low income apartment in Issaquah, Washington, within two weeks. Since they didn’t have money for move-in expenses, they gathered donations and pledges from many local churches and organizations that help with housing expenses.
These included HopeLink, Catholic Community Services, St. Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army. Together, these agencies helped the family move into the apartment, fill their pantry with life-giving food and more.
In the years that followed, Nicole helped friends and family find help with their needs, too. Whether it’s housing, food, medical coverage, dental care, veterinary expenses, transportation or whatever else, she knew how to help them find what they needed… so she spent a lot of time working up individual resource lists for my friends and family.
Eventually, she realized that she could use my experience as a researcher and writer to help a much larger audience. That’s how Low Income Relief came to be.
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Who owns Low Income Relief?
Low Income Relief is still owned by the site’s original creator, Nicole Thelin. She operates this website, as well as many others, under a Utah-based company called The Lighthouse Information Network LLC.
Before registering Low Income Relief in 2013, Nicole worked as a freelancer, a professional researcher and a journalist. Her work has been featured in USA Today, The Daily Herald (Provo, Utah), The Chronicle (Centralia, WA) and other newspapers with major circulation. She has also been featured in eHow.com, Livestrong.com and numerous other online publications. You can learn more about Nicole Thelin’s career on her Linkedin profile.
Who contributes to Low Income Relief?
Low Income Relief is owned and operated by Nicole Thelin. She works with a team of freelancers who contribute research and articles for the website.
The vast majority of people who write content for Low Income Relief have personal experience volunteering with churches, organizations and causes that alleviate poverty in the United States.
Why should I trust Low Income Relief?
Our first and primary goal is to help others. Everyone who submits content for Low Income Relief follows a strict set of guidelines and best practices to ensure that our information is accurate. We also have a dedicated fact-checker who reviews our older content to ensure that it’s accurate and up-to-date.
Who (and how) does Low Income Relief help?
We help by providing factual information about low income benefits, programs and resources around the United States. Our audience is very diverse, and includes seniors, young families, single mothers, disabled veterans and more.
You don’t have to take our word for it, though! Our readers will tell you how much we’ve helped them in their own words. Check out our review page for details.
How does Low Income Relief make money?
This is a question that we’re often asked. Low Income Relief makes money through the use of display advertising and affiliate programs. We partner with some excellent brands, such as Ibotta and Amazon, who offer products and discounts that benefit with low income families.
Got other questions?
If you have other questions about our service, please ask them in the comments below. We’re happy to answer!
evelyn
Glad I found your site.
Nicole
Me too, Evelyn! Thanks for visiting!
Alan walker
Hi, looking for help finding another place to live. I’m disabled and lost my job at my apartment complex, have a week to get out ?
Hannah Benge
What area are you in? I can check to see what resources we have available in your area -Hannah
Faith Peterson
I need help with why do these people like resources 4 relief at some of these other American benefit alliance. My benefit .link I don’t know how to access their benefits when text me or email me it’s like I can’t get the money that they say that I qualify for I don’t know how to get it and I’ve been trying to do this for months please help thank you Faith Peterson
Hannah Benge
I’m sorry, I’m not sure what your issue is. Can you expound? -Hannah
Darvoid
Hi, I just called a Vet that I found on your site. They were not helpful at all and never heard of AVMF or any assistance programs for people and pets in need. You might want to remove them from the list.
Hannah Benge
Which resource did you call? Let us know! -Hannah
Faith Peterson
I need to find a place to move too and I need to help doing it I have to have a hip replacement and it’s so bad I can hardly walk we’re mad it’s not a good place for me anymore every time I needed my boyfriend my mom died I had to have surgery in my hands which I haven’t had yet he go to jail or prison the last time was last year and he beat me up that was very good for my hip I’m living with my grandson’s other grandma and he’s 350 lb and I can’t take care of her no more and we haven’t had water since January my baby boy when Dani I went to the hospital I got a $200 trespassing ticket for being my own room but this trailer park I’ve lived here for two years and have my mail here and everything but me and my animal are not allowed in the community and I told her when I moved into 2 years ago that I was not going to get any better it’s just going to keep getting worse I have a bad knee too and arthritis that and I have been sciatic and carpal tunnel on both my hands and use my social security number to file the taxes on I made $5,000 they made $145,000 I just need to find someplace safe for me to have my surgery and heal I’m not used to being handicapped I’m taking care of everybody my ex-boyfriend’s daughter lives in Milwaukee wants me to come down there I can’t even drive we can’t live together though because she’s got two dogs and they’re bigger males than mine is but at least I’d have somebody to help me and me and my dog really been away from each other maybe three nights since I got when he was a puppy this year he’ll be four he does help me though when I can’t get up he helps me get up I know I’m sorry
Hannah Benge
We are so sorry :/ we have moving costs on our lists of things to continue researching. -Hannah
Vicky Chen
To Whom it May Concern,
I am the administrator at Children Fairyland who manages the subsidized family membership program. Could you please update the content on your website regarding our subsidized membership? The language is misleading and I have encountered a few visitors who thought they can just show their EBT card to receive a discounted admission.
The link on your website that has the incorrect info is (under Oakland): https://lowincomerelief.com/california-ebt/
Please replace what you have with:
Fairyland’s Community Outreach Program offers a limited number of subsidized family memberships to qualifying low-income families through a direct application process.
The membership is good for one year and the benefits include park admission for each member (up to 2 adults and 3 children), a Magic Key for each child, and discounts to gift shop, café, birthday parties, and summer camp. To submit an application, please download and complete this form. Application may be mailed or dropped off in person.
Thank you,
Vicky Chen
Director of Community Outreach and Education
510-452-2259
Nicole
Hi, Vicky!
Thank you for taking the time to reach out and help us correct our content. We always want this site to be as accurate as possible. I certainly didn’t mean for it to be misleading, which is why I made sure that people who receive EBT *may* qualify. I didn’t want it to sound like a guarantee.
I’ve updated the text to include the information you’ve provided here. I really appreciate that you took the time to craft such a helpful response!
Have a very wonderful day!
-Nicole
Rebecca
Hey Nicole! I couldn’t figure out how to contact you, buy I wanted to let you know about a company in Seattle called interconnection. They sell basic computer s to low-income people (any state benefits, ebt, cash assistance, medical,others I think) for $59 including cords, monitor, the whole shebang!
Chloe Skupnick
Hi Rebecca!
This information is SO SO helpful. Thank you!!! 🙂
I’m going to pass it along to Nicole!
-Chloe
Ru
Hi Nicole,
Thank you for starting this wonderful website and sharing information that not many low-income people are aware of. I want to share with you some of the services I have used to help save money.
1. Amazon Warehouse – open box deals (like new, very good, etc)
2. Camelcamelcamel – Amazon price tracker that provides price drop alerts and price history charts for products sold by Amazon
3. SeatGeek – Ticket search engine that aggregates ticket listings for live sports, concerts, and theater events
4. Honey – browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout with a single click
Michelle B
I am a Project Manager for a community college district in Orange County. We have a fairly large non-credit program that has no-charge Basic Skills High School completion options (Diploma, Equivalency), ESL, Citizenship, Career Technical Education, etc. Can you share our information with your readers?
Riley Thomson
Michelle,
Do you have a link to the information that I could review?
-Riley
ROSIE QUALLS
I’m a SENIOR, ON A LOW INCOME. I have a recuse Cardigan Welch Corgi, she is 10 yrs old & weights 52 lbs. July of this year. She tore her ligament in her knee called cranial crucial ligament. They suggested that she have knee surgery at a cost of $ 5,000.00. Or I can try to put her on BLUE BUFFALO VETERINARY DIET dog food for weight lost & joint & hip mobility which you must have a Veterinary Rx for. Which cost $95.00 for a 22 lbs. bag of dog food. Well that was cheaper than the $ 5,000.00 for surgery. That visit was $180.00. That is not including the other Viet visit for all of her shots for $ 93.00. I would like to see if I could get any financial assistance with the cost to help with her SPECIAL DOG FOOD.
Thank you & God Bless
Hannah Benge
You can look up resources in your state using the search on our site. We have a few different options available in a few states. I will also add this to the research list. Thank you!-Hannah
Victoria Lee Cieri
Dear Nicole,
Finding your name as a resource after joining a group COPD group has given me a glimmer of hope to find help to survive and not lose my battle to living on the street. I am 63 and battling 3 debilitating chronic diseases. My heart and mind are 21 but my body cries 100, which has exacerbated my condition and added anxiety and depression. I own a row home in Allentown PA literally falling down around me and in a less than desirable neighborhood largely due to medical bills and way below poverty level income. I have no close family or other support system in near proximity. Just a few challenges are roof leaks, mold, ceiling cave in, plumbing leaks, broken stairs and stair navigation. Neighbors on both sides smoke which are deadly for my condition. Also I am unable to care properly for my personal needs at times including house cleaning. I would be forever grateful if we could discuss my issues further and investigate opportunities to help me stick around this world a bit longer!
Hannah Benge
We are so sorry to hear about your struggles! We don’t have the resources to give one on one help, but please use our website and YouTube channel to search for particular help you might need. We have a lot of resources. You can search by area, or type of help needed. We also have a Facebook page and a Facebook group that may help. If you have any questions, or can’t find something, let us know. -Hannah
Cheryl Knowlden
I am interested in a Go Fund Me for my daughter. I came upon your website and followed your suggestions on what and how to include in my story about her. Then, it led me to this website whereby you give 23 more tips to use. I have written so far over 750 words. You also mentioned that 400 words is OK, but 800 is better, and 1000 words are ideal. I’ve been searching this website but so far I haven’t found those 23 additional tips. Would you direct me on how to do that?
Hannah Benge
This link just has the 23 additional tips – each one is listed as a header and the description is beneath. https://lowincomerelief.com/how-to-make-money-on-gofundme-23-tips/. We hope this helps! -Hannah
Luis Rivera
Hi my name is Luis trying to find help for my family. I just purchased a home but the roof is not going to last. Just wandering if their is any help for me being a low income family. I live in Buffalo, NY, trying to take my family of 7 ahead during difficult times. If you can contact me I’ll appreciate it. Thanks
Hannah Benge
We recommend checking here! https://lowincomerelief.com/free-home-repair-grants/. We know how expensive roof replacement can be. We hope this helps! -Hannah
Michael Anderson
Hi! Who can I contact to add an organization/museum to the list of benefits?
Hannah Benge
You can just let us know here! Thank you! -Hannah
james clark
your website is a life saver for people that have to master the system in their area but i thought i might share a few tips i used of my own in my area there are few programs for everybody i m 57 and male ,no children ,not old enough to be a senior so im inbetween and not a veteran ,to save on my utilties i cut my hot water off during day or when i dont need it cut on about 30 min to an hour before i need it this has cut my bill in half from what it was ,next i haven t shopped retail in 35 years thanks to this sercet i live in a very middle class collage town goodwill here is really out standing every shop with in a 5 mile radius donates there and wealthier residents live within that 5 mile radius as well donate there ,4 to 5 times a year a white trailer with no markings back to the loading dock at the back of the mall every store puts brand name things on that truck this takes about 3 months when it full it is then back up to the loading dock at goodwill a priced at below whole sale prices ,target even sends their stuff there mostly left over stuff and the collage students before leaving town after gradution every year send all their stuff there ,and we have a lot of both small dollar tree stores and large dollar tree store that groceries and frozen foods which use my ebt at now regular grocery store are a better buy on some things as far as portions and quality go buy when food shortage happen dollar tree restocks faster than walmart so you can all ways get some thing thats my post for now
Tawnya Horn
I’m confused how much does it cost to go to the Oregon Zoo? $5 bucks or $9 it says both, one in the title and different one in the content paragraph…Thanks for all the great info tho I appreciate what you do!
Hannah Benge
We will check our facts on this and get it fixed. Thank you! -Hannah
Rachael
Hi there,
I work at the Humane Society of Utah in Murray and wanted to let you know that the clinic is open for vaccinations and more. The clinic is also offering a low cost spay and neuter program for outdoor cats called the CATNIP program. https://www.utahhumane.org/catnip
We also created a few programs for low income individuals: https://www.utahhumane.org/programs This includes free behavior consultations, an online rehoming website that doesn’t cost anything and then our Pet Retention program. Pet Retention was created for pet owners experiencing a temporary hardship, where we look at each submission/case to see if it is something we can help with by providing the medical solution at our shelter at a highly reduced rate. We are not able to assist with chronic illnesses, orthopedic repairs, organ failures and other multifaceted conditions. Each case is subject to an approval process and we cannot attend to emergency conditions since we typically run on 48 hour response time. https://www.utahhumane.org/petretention
As well, we now have a spay/neuter and vaccination clinic in St. George! https://www.utahhumane.org/stgclinic
Let me know if you have more questions or need clarification!
Thank you,
Rachael
lisa soderstrom
I want to address your letter to representatives in my state – when i look at site there are so many – which specific government representatives do I address to? I am located in Florida where it is only offered in one county = want to address for entire state. Do I address it to the representatives that oversees one specific area? I tried to address last April with the starting of covid for grab and go restaurants be allowed to participate but heard nothing back. I addressed to representatives that sent emails asking how they could help small businesses.
Thank you!
Hannah Benge
It depends on the state. But most of them are separated by department or by county (or both). Normally your state will have a website that will have all the different contacts. It might be under DHS or Public Health etc. I hope this helps! -Hannah
Tamanna L Badlani
Hi,
I just got P-EBT card in the mail for one of my kids. I have 5 kids. I have no idea why i got it? And why only one?
Hannah Benge
Do all of your kids attend the same school? -Hannah
Linda Karenson
Hello,
I read your article, “Where to Get Moving Boxes: 6 Free and Cheap Options”, and wanted to add that BoxGiver.com is also another place to find free moving boxes.
Linda
Diana Cook
The link for the AVMF’s Veterinary Charitable Care Fund looks broken. Can you point to this page please? https://www.vccfund.org/ Thank you!
Hannah Benge
I will let Nikki know so we can get it fixed! Thank you! -Hannah
Cynda
I have PTSD so frightening it is hard to get out of bed, and it makes me ill for several days at a time, if not more. I need an ESA very badly, but can’t begin to afford one. How would I get an ESA for a very low cost?
Hannah Benge
This is everything we have on emotional support animals https://lowincomerelief.com/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-animal/ We hope this helps -Hannah