10 Ways to Get Extra Money for Low Income Americans

We’ve found 10 honest, tested ways to get extra money for low income Americans! You may be able to score some extra cash. No scams; just real opportunities.

Everyone wants extra cash, and we’ll share ways to find it.  While there’s no magic ‘get rich quick’ solution, you might be surprised by what’s available. Just remember that you may be able to get more money faster if you’re looking for help with a specific need like utilities, rent or car payments. We have other posts that can help you find those resources.

But for now, let’s dive into some ways that you can score some extra money for low income budgets. 

Claim Your Missing Money

Did you know there might be money out there with your name on it? It’s true! Each state has a department that is tasked with holding onto forgotten money from old bank accounts, uncashed checks, utility deposit refunds and other sources.

It’s totally free to search and claim your missing money. However, there are a lot of scam sites out there that will try to trick you into paying for this service. Don’t fall for the scams. Use MissingMoney.com or your state’s unclaimed property website to stay safe. You can find your state website by searching for your state name and the phrase “unclaimed property.”

It sounds crazy but it really works. It only took a few moments for me to find around $400 that my husband and I lost out on somewhere along the way. Go check it out!

Get Paid from Class Actions

Another way to possibly find unexpected money is through class action settlements.  Here’s the thing: big companies get sued sometimes for doing something that harms customers, even in small ways. These lawsuits often become class action suits, meaning if you were affected, you might be entitled to a payout.

It’s easy to see if you’re eligible for any payouts. It only takes a few minutes, and you might be surprised by how much you can get back. I recently claimed $125 from two different settlements and it only took two minutes to file my claims!

Want to check for yourself? Check this list of class action settlements with upcoming deadlines.

Seek Injury Compensation

You may be entitled to significant financial compensation if you’ve been seriously injured due to someone else’s actions. That’s where our sponsor, Injury Claims, can help. They specialize in connecting people with lawyers handling cases ranging from car accidents to medical malpractice to defective and dangerous products like blenders or talcum powder.

If you have a potential claim, their services can help you understand your rights and seek the financial compensation you deserve. Browse their open cases to see what you’re eligible for and request a claim review.

Apply for Disability Benefits

If you’re struggling to work due to a disability, our sponsor Injury Claims can also help you file for Social Security and VA Disability Benefits. They can also assist with appeals if you’ve been denied.

Getting disability benefits approved can be frustrating, as even small errors can lead to rejection. Having an experienced team on your side makes a huge difference in getting the benefits you deserve.

Request a free disability claim or disability appeal review to start your journey toward sustainable monthly financial relief today!

Earn from Apps

Looking for a way to make money during your downtime? There are apps that pay you for simple tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, or even playing games right on your phone.  Now, these won’t make you rich, but they’re a fun way to earn a little extra money.

My personal favorite is Swagbucks. I’ve used it for years. They offer lots of ways to earn: surveys, games, online shopping, even submitting receipts! Those points, called Swagbucks, add up, and you can redeem them for all sorts of goodies. I once used Swagbucks to completely cover Christmas for my five kids! It was awesome. If you want to try it out, you can claim a $10 sign-up bonus when you sign up for Swagbucks.

Of course, this isn’t the only app like this. You can also try Inbox Dollars or My Points, which both offer $5 sign up bonuses when you sign up.

Score Cashback Bonuses

If you receive SNAP benefits, there’s a clever way to get some extra money back! There’s an app called Ibotta that rewards you with cashback on groceries – and yes, it works with your EBT card. With some smart shopping techniques, you can spend all your SNAP benefits and get a little extra cash back, too. 

What makes Ibotta extra cool is their “100% cashback” offers.  Basically, you buy select items using your EBT and they refund the whole cost back to your Ibotta account, which you can withdraw straight to your bank account when you reach the minimum balance. It’s like getting those items for free!

Want to give it a try? Download the Ibotta app to get started and snag a sign-up bonus.

Find Help with Hardship Grants

Sometimes, unexpected expenses or a sudden drop in income can create a major financial crisis. That’s where hardship grants can be a lifesaver. These grants are designed to provide immediate relief when you’re facing things like eviction, utility shut-offs, or essential car repairs. 

The good news is there are lots of organizations offering these grants. I know that navigating these programs can feel overwhelming but we have a list of hardship grants to help you get started.

Sell Unwanted Items

If you’ve got stuff you don’t use or need anymore, you may be able to turn those unwanted items into cash! While it might not seem glamorous, selling things around your house is a tried-and-true way to make money when you need it.

I used to flip thrift store finds for extra money when my family was struggling, and I was able to fully support my family this way.

Here’s the trick: you have to think beyond the traditional yard sale.  Nowadays, online marketplaces and apps make it incredibly easy to sell almost anything.

• Websites like Poshmark or ThredUp specialize in fashion, making it easy to list and ship clothing.
• Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or even Craigslist are great for everything from furniture to electronics to collectibles.
• If you want to build a reliable side hustle, thrift stores and discount markets like Temu are treasure troves of items you can flip for a profit.

Don’t underestimate what people will buy!  Old toys, books, even used kitchenware can find a new home and put some extra money in your pocket. Grab our free How to Sell Stuff Guide to get started.

Hustle with Side Gigs

And speaking of side gigs, there are a lot of ways that you can earn some extra money on the side.  If you have a car and are able to get around easily, gig economy apps can be a flexible option:

• Apps like DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats, and others let you set your own hours delivering food or groceries.
• If you enjoy driving and meeting new people, Uber and Lyft can pay you to give people rides.
• For those with marketable online skills, sites like Upwork and Fiverr connect you with clients needing anything from writing to website design.

While these might not be perfect for everyone, they offer flexibility and the potential for quick earnings.

Raise Funds with GoFundMe

We’ve covered a lot of great ways to find or earn extra money for low income Americans! But let’s be honest, sometimes unexpected expenses hit when you’re at your most vulnerable.  If you’ve exhausted all other options, platforms like GoFundMe can be a way to raise funds from friends, family, and even kind strangers.

This is definitely the riskiest option on our list.  Sadly, around 90% of GoFundMe campaigns don’t reach their goals. That’s why it’s crucial to make yours stand out so go check out our recent video where we break down exactly what it takes to create a successful campaign, from writing a compelling story to getting it seen by the right people so that you actually get those donations.

Relief Recap

You deserve a break! By trying even a few of the ideas we covered, you can put extra money in your pocket. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a lot – every little bit makes a difference. We’re here to help, so if you need more information on any of these options, check out our other articles and videos.

Low Income Relief Team

This article is the product of a team effort! Multiple authors from the Low Income Relief team have contributed to this post. We have also used AI tools to organize data and refine the writing in accordance with our Responsible AI Use Policy. All articles on our website are reviewed by our founder and resident poverty expert, Nicole Thelin, prior to publication.