With the holiday season fast approaching, there’s all sorts of low income news that you need to know. From free donuts for customers in costume to millions of dollars in LIHEAP funds, we’ve scoured the internet to find all the resources, grants, programs and freebies that can help you this week.
Don’t forget that we try not to repeat topics from one week to the next, so be sure to check all of our recent resource roundups for more ways that you can save money and get free stuff!
Nationwide Low Income News
From holiday giveaways to cash help for your bills, we’ve got a lot of topics to cover today. The information in this section is relevant nationwide.
Get Free Stuff on Halloween
Halloween is coming up this week and that means there are some spooktacular freebies and deals available nationwide!
Here are some freebies you can enjoy:
- Krispy Kreme is offering a free donut of your choice to anyone who shows up in costume! No purchase necessary.
- Insomnia Cookies will provide a free classic cookie to anyone in costume on Halloween. No purchase necessary!
- Jeremiah’s Italian Ice will provide a free small ice or gelato to anyone in costume after 5pm.
- Tombstone Pizza is offering 500 people named Jason, Pamela or Crystal the chance to win a free pizza. One lucky winner will receive a $5,000 check!
If you’re willing to make a purchase, you can also save money with these deals:
- Denny’s offers free meals for children at most locations on Tuesdays between 4pm – 10pm! However, there is a limit of two free kids entrees per paid adult entree.
- Elevation Burger is offering a free cookie with any purchase. Just use the code TRICKORTREAT at checkout.
- Fatburger is offering a free cookie with any purchase when you use the code TRICKORTREAT.
- Wendy’s is offering a free 6-piece nugget with any purchase. The offer is available in the mobile app.
Don’t forget to look for free Trunk-or-Treat events in your area as well! These community gatherings make it easy for families to enjoy the holidays. Many churches and community centers nationwide host these events. Just search Google or social media for “Trunk or Treat” to see what’s available in your area!
LIHEAP Funds Dispersed to States
The federal government has dispersed $3.7 billion dollars to the states to help offset home energy costs for low income consumers. This money will be made available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
All of the states received different amounts. For example, New York received more than $360 million while Maine received only $38 million.
Along with this money, the government has also launched a new LIHEAP Eligibility Tool to help you figure out if you qualify for these benefits. The tool can help customers in all states. You just need to visit the website, answer a few quick questions about your location, household size and monthly income, and then receive your results.
Adult Abuse on the Rise
Thousands of seniors are being robbed through financial exploitation. Many government agencies, from Adult Protective Services to even the FBI, have warned about increasing rates of fraud and abuse affecting seniors around America.
Financial exploitation happens when someone like a relative or caregiver wrongly uses someone else’s money for their own benefit. This could involve stealing money or coercing someone to pay for something.
According to a representative from Adult Protective Services in Texas, you can give money away if you want to but if you feel pressured, then it’s a crime. If someone threatens you, such as by saying that they won’t come visit you any more unless you give it to them, that’s exploitation.
Anyone can report financial exploitation to Adult Protective Services. These agencies are also working with banks and other financial institutions to help identify and intervene when exploitation is suspected.
Annual Household Food Security Report
The USDA has released the annual Household Food Security report. According to the definition, someone who is food secure has consistent access to enough food for active, healthy living.
The report revealed some interesting findings:
- 87.2% of American households were food secure throughout 2022.
- 12.8% of American households were not.
- 17 million households were food insecure at some point during the year.
- 6.8 million households experienced very low food security.
- Food insecurity increased significantly year-over-year.
Free Tuition for Two Years Proposed
A new bill called “America’s College Promise Act of 2023” would make it possible for eligible low income students to attend two-year community colleges and technical schools for free! This bill would waive tuition for eligible students who start classes next year.
The money from this bill would only cover tuition and fees. Students would have to attend a public community college, technical school, or eligible tribal college or university. Eligible students would need to meet income limits but the bill does not establish any age restrictions.
Expanded Water Systems Program Funding Proposed
Homeowners in rural areas may soon have access to expanded funding through the Rural Decentralized Water Systems Program. This program provides financial assistance to install or repair household systems.
The program will now provide up to $15,000 to help construct, refurbish or service a well system or wastewater system. The funds can be provided as loans or grants to homeowners in rural areas.
Claim Your Check!
When companies make mistakes, they often have to pay the consumers who have been affected. Whether it’s a defective product, a misleading ad or a dishonest business practice, there are many reasons why companies find themselves forking over cash in class action settlements.
It’s usually really simple to claim your portion of these settlements. You just need to visit the official settlement website and fill out a form. Most of them don’t require you to gather any paperwork or anything like that.
Here’s a list of upcoming class action settlements so that you can snag your check!
| Settlement | Due |
|---|---|
| WSE Property Management If you rented a property that was managed by WSE Property Management between September 17, 2000 and November 30, 2023, then you may be eligible for this payout. | Oct 30, 2023 |
| GHP Management (California) If you paid a late fee while renting a property from GHP Management in California between December 10, 2014 and May 16, 2022, then you may be owed money from this! | Oct 30, 2023 |
| Cash Express – Data Breach If you got a letter about a Cash Express data breach from January 29 to February 6, 2022, this settlement might include you. | Nov 1, 2023 |
| OnePlus 9 Smartphone Did you buy a OnePlus 9 or OnePlus 9 Pro Smartphone? If you bought it in the United States between March 23, 2021, and January 23, 2022, then you may be eligible for some money. | Nov 8, 2023 |
| Dude Wipes “Flushable” False Advertising – $2.50 value (estimated) If you bought Dude “flushable” wipes between February 5, 2015 and August 8, 2023, then you may be eligible for this check. | Nov 11, 2023 |
| Nationstar Mortgage If you have a mortgage serviced by Nationstar and you had an incorrect payment withdrawn on April 23, 2021, then you may be eligible! | Nov 13, 2023 |
| Batiste Dry Shampoo If you bought Batiste or Bare Dry Shampoo before May 30, 2023, you may be eligible for a settlement check! | Nov 15, 2023 |
| 90 Degree Benefits – $50+ value (estimated) If your data was compromised in a data breach that took place in either February or December 2022, you may be eligible for $50 or more from this settlement! | Nov 16, 2023 |
| CVS Lidocaine Products If you purchased a CVS maximum strength lidocaine product like a patch, cream, roll-on, or spray between December 11, 2017 and July 18, 2023, you might be part of this settlement. | Nov 20, 2023 |
| Navient Solutions If you are a borrower or coborrower of a Navient-owned private student loan AND you filed for bankruptcy protection on or after October 17, 2005, then you may be eligible for this. | Nov 20, 2023 |
Get Grants to Launch or Expand a Business
If you’ve ever wanted to start your own business, now is the time! Our sponsor Skip makes it easy to find and apply for grants that can help you start or grow your very own business.
Whether you want to expand your side-hustle or start something entirely new, it’s always worth taking a look at what Skip has to offer!
| Open Entrepreneur Grants |
|---|
| October Skip Grants – $1,000 Every month, Skip gives away $1,000 to a US-based small business owner! To enter to win October’s grant, you need to apply by October 30. |
| Marketing Grant for Growth – $20,000 This in-kind grant offers $20,000 in services to help your business grow. In order to be eligible, you must have owned a business in the United States for at least two years, have a website and at least one social media account. Applications are due October 31. |
| “No” Grant – $2,000 This grant is open to US-based moms over age 18. Applications are due October 31, 2023. |
| Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program – $5,000 Every year, this organization selects 50 women to participate in a yearlong program to grow their businesses. Winners even get a trip to New York City! Apply by November 2. |
| Common Future Accelerator – $50,000 Common Future is looking for 50 BIPOC women or non-binary entrepreneurs that want to strengthen their communities and eliminate economic inequality. You must be available for an online meeting on January 30 and 31, as well as in-person meetings in April and July. Apply by November 3. |
| Southern California Job Creators Grant – $4,000 The SoCal Founders First Fund is looking for 25 diverse businesses in Southern California. In order to receive a grant, the founder of the company must identify as Latinx, Black, Asian, LGBTQIA+, female, or a military veteran. The business must be located in a low or moderate income area. Apply by November 13. |
Want to know more? Sign up for a free Skip account today to get all the details.
Local Low Income News
We’ve found low income news updates for Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin!
Alabama
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Dec 1: Sierra Newman Memorial Scholarship applications open
California
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Nov 4: Special Needs Resource Fair in Tehachapi
- Nov 9: Veterans Business Resource Fair in Fairfield
- Nov 11: Alzheimers Community Resource Fair in El Centro
Colorado
Denver Human Services has launched a new E-Locker system to help people get their SNAP benefits faster! Instead of having to wait for an EBT card to be delivered through the mail, eligible Denver residents can simply pick their card up from an e-locker outside the welcome center. The cards are available the day after benefits are approved!
This is expected to help people who are homeless, don’t have access to traditional mail services, or who can’t afford to wait days for the card to arrive. The lockers are available outside of regular business hours to make it even more convenient.
When you pick up a card from the locker, you will have to sign for it and a photo will be taken. This is intended to deter theft.
Connecticut
Fair Haven is building six new apartments for seniors! These will be 420 square foot apartments with only one bedroom. They will be subsidized for the state and used to help move seniors out of nursing homes and back into the community. The new homes will be built on Ferry Street.
Florida
Florida has received $106 million to help low income people pay their energy bills through the LIHEAP program! If you need help paying your utility costs, make sure that you contact your local LIHEAP provider to apply.
In Tallahassee, there’s a free food box available inside The Plant. The Plant is a community art center. The food in the box is available on a first-come, first-serve basis since it’s all provided by donations.
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Nov 1: St. Petersburg’s new free public transportation program begins
- Nov 2: Veterans Resource Fair at CareerSource Tampa Bay
Georgia
If you are a parent and a student at Georgia Southern University, then you may be able to get help with child care! The new Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program will give eligible parents around $150 per week for childcare services. More than 30 parents per year are expected to benefit from this program. You must be eligible for Pell Grant assistance in order to qualify.
Hawaii
More families qualify for child care assistance under new temporary rules adopted by the Hawai’i Department of Human Services! This new waiver will allow more people to get help.
In order to be eligible, your family must have at least one child under age 13 and you must have been impacted by the wildfires on Maui. If you were on Maui or recently relocated due to the fires, then you may be able to get help. There are no income, work or school requirements under the new guidelines and the copayments will be waived. You could get up to a full year of financial assistance if you qualify!
You can apply online or call (855) 643-1643 for assistance.
In addition, caregivers who are helping to provide for Alzheimer’s patients may also be able to receive financial assistance. The caregiver respite program can cover up to $2,500 in caregiving services per family. These services could be respite care, in-home care, adult day care or other services. You need to contact the Maui County Office of Aging at 808-270-7774 for details.
Idaho
Shockingly, 60% of Idahoans who qualify for WIC are not receiving those benefits! A recent report found that only 4 in 10 eligible Idaho families are enrolled. This program pays about $64 in food benefits on average, so it’s a great savings for those who qualify!
The state is trying to get the word out about this essential nutrition program. In order to be eligible for this, you must have a child under age 5 or a pregnant, recently pregnant or breastfeeding woman in your household. You must also meet income limits, but those income limits are higher than people tend to expect.
Illinois
A new low-cost legal clinic has opened! The Vineyard Justice Center will be open to clients on the third Saturday of each month. For just $30, you can get a 45-minute session with an attorney. They can helpp you with divorce, custody, landlord issues, debt or collections, estate planning, immigration, criminal records and more. You can even schedule an appointment online!
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Oct 31: Homeowners Assistance Fund application deadline
- Nov 2: Crisis LIHEAP open
- Dec 1: LIHEAP open for everyone
Indiana
In Marion County, Neighborlink Indianapolis is providing free home repairs for seniors! You must be a low income person who is at least 62 years old or disabled to qualify. They are currently seeking volunteers to help with these projects.
Iowa
In Cedar Rapids, the Home Repair and Accessibility Program is looking for more volunteers. This program helps low income seniors in Eastern Iowa maintain their homes. They can shovel snow, change lightbulbs and perform other basic tasks. Anyone who is interested in volunteering is encouraged to call (319) 398-3644 to inquire.
Maine
The United Way of Maine recently revealed that almost half of Maine households are struggling financially. According to the new report, 42% of Maine households are having a hard time keeping up with their expenses.
SoPo Age Friendly Rides is a new program that will help people in South Portland get to doctor visits. If you’re 65 or older with low income, or can’t see well at any age, you may be able to get help through this program. However, they are only onboarding 20 residents for the temporary pilot test.
Michigan
Oakland University is offering free tuition for families who earn $70,000 or less! This program launched in fall 2024 to help more people expand their education tuition-free.
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Oct 30: Business Resource Fair in Jackson
Minnesota
The Winona Family YMCA has some free events coming up! They also have financial assistance programs available for low income individuals and families.
Missouri
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Nov 1: Applications due for the St. Louis Guaranteed Income Program
- Nov 6: Winners Selected for the St. Louis Guaranteed Income Program
Montana
Parents can expect to receive P-EBT in Montana for the 2024 Summer! Charlie Brereton, the DPHHS Director, has announced that the state will apply in January to get those benefits.
New Mexico
Watch out for a turquoise envelope! The state is urging residents who receive SNAP or Medicaid to watch out for official state paperwork.
Government agencies are attempting to update everyone’s information so that they can process renewals for benefits. This is apparently the first in a three-step process to renew those benefits.
New York
Many social service agencies are holding clinics to help EBT users in New York file for replacement benefits. One of these organizations is Red De Pueblos Transnacionales. If you need help filing for replacement benefits, please contact them or another organization in your area for guidance.
Go!Healthy gives cheap, quality fruits and veggies to eligible families in some NYC areas. For $10 or $5 with EBT, you get a bag worth $20. You need to pay a week early in order to reserve your bag. Contact for details!
If you’re looking for cheaper housing in New York City, don’t miss the deadlines for these affordable housing lotteries!
| Deadline | Borough | Address | Units Available |
| Oct 31 | Brooklyn | The Hub | 150 |
| Oct 31 | Brooklyn | 1430 Fulton St. | 40 |
| Oct 31 | Bronx | 40 Bruckner Blvd | 110 |
| Nov 1 | Brooklyn | 2454 E 15th St | 3 |
| Nov 1 | Bronx | 883 Bryant Ave | 40 |
| Nov 1 | Bronx | 1042 Longfellow Ave | 4 |
| Nov 1 | Bronx | 2097 Davidson Ave | 3 |
| Nov 1 | Bronx | 3525 Bruckner Blvd | 3 |
| Nov 1 | Queens | 97-01 55th Ave | 3 |
| Nov 2 | Brooklyn | 219 Lenox Rd | 15 |
| Nov 3 | Bronx | 2150 Clinton Ave | 19 |
| Nov 3 | Queens | 25-15 36th St | 3 |
| Nov 3 | Brooklyn | 2715 Fulton St. | 15 |
| Nov 3 | Manhattan | 336 E 112th St | 8 |
| Nov 6 | Bronx | 1073 Tiffany St | 13 |
| Nov 6 | Queens | The Yellow Stone Apts | 50 |
| Nov 7 | Brooklyn | 227 Throop Ave | 3 |
You can get more information about these housing opportunities on the Housing Connect website.
Don’t forget to keep tabs on these upcoming dates, too!
- Nov 1: Lansing Central School District starts providing free meals to all students
- Nov 4: Community Resource Fair at Ballston Spa
North Carolina
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Dec 1: Medicaid expansion begins
Ohio
The state of Ohio has received $153.6 million in federal money to help low income seniors and families with their energy bills this season. If you need help, you can contact your local LIHEAP agency or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 866-674-6327 for details.
In Columbus, Ohio, 76 new affordable homes for seniors recently opened. The apartments are available at the Salem Village, a property managed by the National Church Residences.
Oklahoma
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Nov 3: Military and Veteran Resource Fair in Seminole
Oregon
Oregon is really struggling with their Medicaid drawdown. Many people have been removed even though they still qualify and others have been promised benefits they don’t qualify for. It’s a bit of a mess.
Last week, the Oregon Health Authority reported that more than 3,400 people have been incorrectly removed in the last two months.
If you are notified that you will lose your Medicaid benefits and you think you are still eligible, please reapply or communicate with the Medicaid office.
Pennsylvania
A new bag fee went into effect in Pittsburgh this month. You’ll have to pay 10 cents in order to get a recycled paper bag when you shop in the city. However, if you are shopping with WIC or EBT benefits, then you are exempt from that fee.
In Philadelphia, customers are encouraged to apply for assistance with their water bills. The city has announced that collection efforts have resumed and they are sending past-due bills to collections. However, there are a number of grants and assistance programs available that can help pay those bills.
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Nov 1: LIHEAP applications open
- Nov 1: Applications open for the Emergency Fuel Assistance Program in Northampton County
- Nov 1: Mental Health & Wellness Resource Fair in Lansdale
- Nov 1: Deadline to register for the Veterans Day Dinner and Resource Fair in Penn’s Peak on Nov 10 (free for veterans and one guest)
South Dakota
A new federal pilot program will provide the tribes in South Dakota with more locally-raised bison meat! The meat will be made available through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, which is a replacement for the SNAP program in areas that don’t have convenient access to federal offices or food stores.
Texas
El Paso is considering a guaranteed income program that would provide $500 per month to families! The checks would continue for 18 months. If enacted, the program is expected to help 80 families.
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates!
- Nov 11: Fresh Start Resource Fair in Crosby
Utah
Free tattoo removal is available for former gang members in Salt Lake City. This service can remove your gang-related tattoos. This service is offered through a partnership with the University of Utah Medical Center, Ink Doubt, and the Salt Lake Area Gang Project.
In order to be eligible for the Tattoo Removal Program, you need to meet these requirements:
- You must have lived in Utah for at least one year.
- You must not have been involved with any gang members for at least one year.
- You must not have been arrested in the last year.
- You must not have had any criminal activity in the last year.
- You must not have an unresolved issues with the courts.
If you’d like to apply, you can all (385) 468-9771 for an application. You’ll need to submit a letter explaining your future goals and why tattoo removal will help.
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Nov 4: Multicultural Resource Fair in Price
Vermont
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Nov 8: Deadline for Emergency Forest Restoration Program
Virginia
If you live in Hampton Roads and earn less than $65,000 per year, then you will soon be eligible for a new toll relief program! This program will provide a 50% discount on trips through the Downtown and Midtown tunnels, as long as you have an E-ZPass transponder and apply for the toll relief program. The discount goes into effect on October 30th.
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Nov 10: Deadline for LIHEAP
Washington
Olympia is trying to develop a new program to help low income people buy homes.
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Nov 1: Employment Fair in Tacoma
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Well Woman Program helps women who are at least 40 years old get access to free breast exams, mammograms and other diagnostic tests. The services are available to those ages 40-65. If you are over 35 and have symptoms, then you may also be able to get help. You can call (608) 242-6385 to enroll.
In Jefferson County, the Jefferson County Christmas Neighbors Program will start processing applications on October 30. The application period will remain open until December 6. You need to call (920) 664-4499 during business hours to apply.
Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:
- Nov 1: Winter Moratorium for utilities begins
- Dec 6: Deadline to apply for Jefferson County Christmas Neighbors
- Jan 31: Wisconsin Fund application deadline
Summary
Whether you’re looking for extra money to pay your bills, grow a business, or just make your Halloween a little more special, this week’s low income news update can help! Our team has looked at hundreds of headlines from around the country this week to bring you the news you need to know.
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.
Lisa
Monday 30th of October 2023
Thank you for another incredibly helpful newsletter!
KCGriffin
Saturday 28th of October 2023
Hi Nicole I searched for Go! Healthy NYC and a lot of health insurance came up. Do you have a website link to the exact program you are speaking of or a link to wherever info came from? TY!
Catherine Marucci
Sunday 29th of October 2023
Hi. Here's their website: https://www.childrensaidnyc.org/programs/gohealthy - Cat