If you’re facing a financial emergency or an expense you can’t afford, Modest Needs may be able to help.
What is Modest Needs?
Modest Needs has been helping people with short-term financial assistance since 2002. This organization focuses on people who are experiencing a temporary financial crisis.
This organization operates somewhat like GoFundMe. They match people in need with donors who want to help.
However, ModestNeeds is different. They support people who generally don’t qualify for assistance from other agencies and they never distribute the cash directly to the person asking for help. The payments will always be made directly to an organization or vendor, such as a landlord or utility company.
Who can get help from Modest Needs?
Modest Needs serves people who are working and live just above the poverty line, so they don’t qualify for assistance elsewhere.
In order to qualify for assistance, you MUST meet both of these crtieria:
- At least one adult member of the household must be employed at the time of the application. Documentation of employment is required.
- The primary source of income for each applicant’s household must be either earned from employment, child support payments, Veteran’s Benefits or retirement income (including Social Security retirement).
According to their website, they give special consideration to:
- Single persons with no dependent children
- Veterans who are transitioning from the military to civilian life
- Teachers
- First Responders
Please be aware that documentation is required for these grants. You will need to provide documents that prove your identity, income, employment, and the expenses you need help with.
What can these grants help with?
There are many reasons that you may need help from Modest Needs. They can assist you with rent payments, unexpected medical/dental bills, car repairs and other financial emergencies.
However, they cannot help you with any of the following expenses:
- They cannot pay your taxes, including property tax payments.
- They cannot pay past-due child support payments.
- They cannot pay fines or legal fees.
- They cannot assist with bankruptcies.
- They cannot assist with credit card payments.
- They cannot assist with luxury goods or services (such as a vacation or video game console).
They also cannot assist you with any needs that would require them to send money or gift cards directly to you. For example, they cannot assist with the cost of groceries, gas, overdraft fees, or payday loans. They cannot assist with utility deposits (because those funds are returned to you at the end of your tenancy) and they cannot pay your rent if you are renting from a family member.
If you need help with groceries, it would be better to ask for help with rent or another large bill. They can alleviate that cost, which will enable you to use your own funds for groceries.
How does it work?
Donors provide funds to Modest Needs, which uses the money to award these grants. Many donors prefer to give to Modest Needs instead of an unrestricted site like GoFundMe, because they know that those needs have been documented and proven.
What documentation does Modest Needs require?
You will have to answer a lot of questions and submit some documentation as part of your application process. The organization suggests that the application takes around 30-45 minutes to complete. You will need either your most recent tax return or the most recent bank statement for all the adults in your household.
Alicia Gaudin
Sunday 19th of June 2022
I am a substitute teacher with the board of education. I fell behind on my rent and am short 5000 dollars. Need help because I applied for summer teaching but have not heard from them yet. Substitutes are not hired by schools. We are paid per-diem.
Isaac
Monday 20th of June 2022
Low Income Relief is an information service and does not provide cash or items directly. You will need to search our website for information about organizations that can help you meet those needs. Chat with Lira, she might be able to help! https://lowincomerelief.com/chat/
Debbie
Sunday 15th of May 2022
Thank You! For all that you do.
Isaac
Saturday 21st of May 2022
Thanks for letting us know! I’m glad we were able to help.
Regina Gregory
Friday 22nd of April 2022
I used to be the one that would try to help seems like a million year's ago, my husband passed then I lost everything else to my house burning and I am disabled I thought I had things covered but been robed was in hospital and my van was destroyed mom and dad died both in June and the trailer and the land of Grand parents . Where I had atrailor that was just about turned in to a house I was suppose to get back if if my Mom passed but she didn't do what she said, now I'm basically home less because even moter home that I thought was ok had been destroyed they took everything and now the roof walls are totem but when my van was destroyed well I need 2000 to 5000 to get decent transportation be cause I'm camp out ( homeless ) on the old home place, and beening abused I'm on a fixed income but I'm robbed and abused,. I want to get away start anew but I can't get a no loan with credit I runt trying to get my husband well, he was out of network On insurance, so I really need a car , I'm stranded can't get to doctor or supplies, and I'm sick, I just keep praying, I know Jesus will come through, I'm a child of God belong ing to Jesus Christ Thanks for your time and I hope you can help me with Getting a car,
Isaac
Tuesday 26th of April 2022
Low Income Relief is an information service and does not provide cash or items directly. You will need to search our website for information about organizations that can help you meet those needs. Chat with Lira, she might be able to help! https://lowincomerelief.com/chat/
Matt
Friday 11th of March 2022
Im a 62 year old disabled person in Oklahoma, almost every day the media reports about the gov has money but no one is applying. But when we do you dont get a response or in my case i received help with utilities it was almost two months before i got the but by then my bill was more so what they sent covered the amount first applied for but not the months that got tack on later. now they are saying i can only apply once, dont get me wrong im very thankful for the help they have provided but im back in the same situation and cant get caught up, i had heart surgery is the reason i got behind in the first place, i have never asked for help before because mostly due to self pride but now i need it i cant seem to find it. And to top it off now my car needs repair i need my car for doctors appts, but when i contact some of these agencys they are so rude they talk to me like im a child. Im afraid when the weather gets better my electric will be turn off and if i keep driving my care it will lead to more serious problems my case mgr is no help i feel our state gov is holding this money for what ever reason but i dont know what to do, i sent washington a complaint have yet to hear back. There are so many people getting help that dont need it and the ones that do is having a hard time, i hoping some one see this and will help me with my concerns which is legit if any one have any suggestions pease contact me. Thank you
Isaac
Thursday 31st of March 2022
Low Income Relief is an information service and does not provide cash or items directly. You will need to search our website for information about organizations that can help you meet those needs. Chat with Lira, she might be able to help! https://lowincomerelief.com/chat/
Elizabeth A Russell
Friday 25th of February 2022
I have been in a flood my home has holes in the floor I need appliances the were in flood I lost everything but my home an it has so much damage I only live on my ssd 800 month I pay lot rent an monthly bills.i am behind on all trying to buy what needed to fix it an pay people to do the work is taking me under. Psychological an mentally j have had a stroke an stay calm in one room for this long 9 months it's causing me to give I need help please help
Isaac
Thursday 3rd of March 2022
Low Income Relief is an information service and does not provide cash or items directly. You will need to search our website for information about organizations that can help you meet those needs. Chat with Lira, she might be able to help! https://lowincomerelief.com/chat/