January Cash Boost: Apply Now for Cash, Freebies & More

There are some incredible new cash programs opening up in January 2025! From exciting tax rebates to new guaranteed income programs and everything in between, we’ve got the scoop on the programs you don’t want to miss this year.

Tax Rebates & Stimulus Checks

First up, we need to talk about taxes – and wait! Don’t skip this just because you don’t typically have to file your taxes!

I know that a lot of our readers are seniors or people with disabilities who typically don’t have to file taxes, but this still applies to you because I found some really incredible opportunities that you may be eligible for.

$1,400 Stimulus Checks

I know I mentioned this recently, but many of the comments we received made it clear that people didn’t understand that they could be eligible for this even if they don’t usually file their taxes. You could still be able to claim this, even if you didn’t have an income in 2021. 

So here’s the deal: the IRS recently announced that they’re sending $1,400 stimulus payments to one million taxpayers who didn’t claim the credit correctly.

However, in the same press release, the IRS also said that there is still time to file your 2021 taxes and claim that payment if you haven’t already. The IRS press release specifically says you may be eligible “even if their income from a job, business or other source was minimal or non-existent.” 

In other words, even if you did not have a taxable income in 2021, you may still be able to get this payment if you file that tax return. You just need to file your tax return before April 15, 2025, in order to claim it.

If filing taxes is overwhelming to you or you’re not sure how to claim it without an income, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways you can file for free, even if you need help. Here are some options:

• VITA: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is a nationwide program that connects seniors and low income people with experts who can help file their taxes.
• TCE: Tax Counseling for the Elderly can also help. This program helps everyone but specializes in helping those who are at least 60 years old. All volunteers are IRS certified and they can also answer questions about pensions and retirement. Most TCE locations are operated by the AARP Foundation, so you can take a look at the AARP Tax Help site to find a location near you. 

While you’re getting help claiming your stimulus check, don’t forget to check out the other incredible state-specific tax rebates that may be available to you!

$120 Idaho Grocery Credit

For example, if you’re an Idaho resident, you may be eligible for an annual $120 Grocery Rebate Credit even if you usually don’t file taxes. If you have more than one person in your household, you can get $120 per person.

This is usually a credit you can file for on your taxes, but if you don’t have to file taxes, then you can just send in a special form to claim that money. All the details are on tax.idaho.gov, so don’t miss out. 

$1,000 Pennsylvania PTRR Rebate

Pennsylvania has an amazing program that opens up this month as well. Starting January 21st, older adults and people with disabilities can apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax & Rent Rebate Program. This program offers up to $1,000 to help cover property taxes or rent.

And if you live in places like Philadelphia, Scranton, or Pittsburgh, you might even qualify for a higher rebate of up to $1,500!

Now, let’s talk about who’s eligible:

• Your income must be $46,520 or less per year.
• You’ll also need to meet ONE of these criteria:
  • You must be at least 65 years old; OR
  • A widow or widower aged 50 or older; OR
  • A person with a disability who is at least 18 years old.

The deadline to apply is in June, but don’t wait—this is an excellent way to ease your financial burden, so mark your calendars for January 21st and get ready to apply as soon as the program opens!

Other States

Now, if I haven’t mentioned your state yet, don’t get discouraged. Many states offer similar programs and the Low Income Relief team is finding more all the time. It’s always worth checking your state’s tax website to see what’s available. You might be surprised at what you find!

Freebies & Deals

Now let’s take a look at some programs that are opening up for applications in January. 

Free Service Dogs

If you need a service dog, Paws with a Cause is opening up their applications this month. This organization provides free service dogs to people with disabilities.

Starting Monday, January 6th, they’ll begin accepting new applications. However, it’s important to note that this year, eligibility is limited due to high demand last year. Only individuals who use a manual wheelchair, power wheelchair, or power scooter full-time can apply this time.

If you meet these criteria, visit PawsWithaCause.org to submit your application. There is a $50 fee to process your application, but they do not charge you for the cost of the dog if you’re selected. 

Kesem Cancer Camps for Kids

Applications are also open for Club Kesem now. This organization coordinates free day camps, summer camps and virtual meetups for children of cancer patients.

Their events are hosted at 130 colleges around the country. In order to be eligible, your child must be between 6 to 18 years old. The child must have a parent who has been diagnosed with cancer. The child can attend camp, even if the parent is in recovery or has been tragically lost to cancer.

Applications for Kesem camps open in January of each year. The applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. You can find an application online at Kesem.org. 

Claim Your Settlement

But before we get into our list of class action settlements with upcoming deadlines, I want to take a moment to thank our sponsor, Injury Claims. They’re helping people access significant financial compensation for harm caused by certain products or experiences.

If you or your child have faced negative side effects, like ADHD or depression linked to video game addiction, you may qualify for one of their claims. They’re also accepting cases for injuries caused by chemical hair straighteners, Depo-Provera, hernia mesh, or even auto accidents.

To explore their full list of open cases, visit the Injury Claims website. It only takes a few clicks to claim your free eligibility review and see if you qualify for compensation!

Now let’s talk about those class actions:

• Clif Bars: You may be eligible for up to $50 if you bought Clif Bars or Clif Kid ZBars between April 2014 and March 2023. It looks like you can get up to $15 from this settlement, even if you no longer have proof of your purchase. You just need to file a claim at barsclassaction.com by February 1st. 
• Unreimbursed ATM Fees: You may be eligible for some money if you have paid unreimbursed ATM fees to banks using the Visa or Mastercard ATM network between October 2007 and July 2024. They aren’t sure how much money you’ll be able to get yet but it only took a few minutes to submit the form. You can submit yours at atmclassaction.com, but you have to file it before January 22nd. 
• Unwanted calls from PillPack: You may be able to get up to $1,500 from a recent settlement if you received unwanted calls from PillPack between March 2018 and June 2019. You need to file your claim at PillPackTCPAClassAction.com by January 20th if you think you qualify.

State Specific Cash Programs

We have a ton of state-specific opportunities for cash and freebies as well. Let’s really quickly go down the list. 

Alabama

In Alabama, the CHOOSE Act applications are officially open! This program provides Education Savings Accounts to support K-12 students.

• If you have an eligible student in your household, you can get up to $7,000 per student for tuition and fees at a participating school.
• If you homeschool, you can get up to $2,000 per student for up to two students. Families are capped at getting $4,000 from this program if they’re homeschooling.

To qualify, your student must be an Alabama resident, and your 2024 household income cannot exceed 300% of the federal poverty level. Applications are open now through April 7, 2025, so don’t wait! For details and to apply, visit the CHOOSE Act website.

California

If you’re a low income resident of California, applications open on January 10th for the 2025 Golden Bear Pass.

You may qualify if you get SSI benefits, CalWORKS benefits, Tribal TANF benefits, or if you’re a low income resident over age 62. This pass provides access to most California State Parks. It costs just $20 or less depending on how you qualify. You can apply online. 

Kentucky

In Kentucky, applications are open for Kentucky Power’s HEART Program that can pay up to $115 per month toward your utility bills. Applications are also open for THAW, which is a separate program that provides up to $175 for those who can demonstrate financial hardship. You’ll need to apply with your local Community Action Agency. 

Minnesota

If you’re planning to attend college in Minnesota, you should know that applications are now open for the Modern Woodmen of America Scholarship Fund. This program provides up to $1,000 to students who qualify. You must attend University of Minnesota Duluth, the College of St. Scholastica, or Lake Superior College.

To qualify, you’ll need to be at least 22 years old and a single head of household, primary caregiver to one or more children under age 18, and have completed at least half of your course. There are other requirements as well.

You can see if you’re eligible by completing the Universal Application at DSACommunityFoundation.org. Applications are due by February 13th. 

North Carolina

We’ve got two exciting updates for North Carolina today! Starting this month, the state’s new medical debt rules are starting to go into effect. All the major hospitals in the state have to automatically offer charity care to people who receive WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, or if they are homeless. They also have to make sure that income-based charity care rules are also in effect. 

If you’re in Durham County, you won’t want to miss this! The county is launching a new Guaranteed Income Program this month to support families in need.

Here’s how it works: 125 families will be selected to receive $750 a month for an entire year. On top of that, participants can earn an extra $100 a month by completing surveys to help researchers study the program’s impact.

Additionally, another 125 individuals will be chosen to receive $100 a month for completing surveys, serving as a comparison group for the research.

Applications are expected to open in January, and eligibility is limited to adults with at least one child under 18. To qualify, your household income must be less than 30% of the area’s median income. This is a fantastic opportunity to get financial support—so keep an eye out for updates and be ready to apply!

Washington

Washington is launching another guaranteed income program, this time on the North Olympic Peninsula! Starting next month, 25 families in need will receive $500 a month for a full year as part of Olympic Community Action Programs’ second pilot project.

This program focuses on families enrolled in OlyCAP’s early childhood services and provides the funds on a refillable debit card. This is why it’s so important to get and stay connected with the programs in your area – a lot of these guaranteed income programs are only being offered to existing agency clients lately. 

Also in Washington, Chelan PUD customers may be able to get a Public Power Benefit Day Use Pass from their utility provider. The Day Use Pass is valid from now to the end of December at Daroga, Lincoln Rock and Wenatchee Confluence State Parks. Any Chelan PUD residential electric customer can apply. There is one pass per family available. You just need to apply at ChelanPUD.org. 

Relief Recap

January 2025 is packed with powerful opportunities to put cash in your pocket, ease financial stress, and access life-changing support. Don’t wait—subscribe now for ongoing updates and tips, and download our monthly cash guide (it’s in the banner at the top of this page) for even more ways to save and succeed this year!