October is shaping up to be an incredible month for freebies, financial relief, and grant opportunities—especially for low income families looking to make every dollar count. From free Halloween candy to major class action settlements and business grants, there’s a lot happening. Let’s break it all down so you don’t miss a thing.
Free Christmas Help
It may seem early, but if you want help for Christmas this year, now is the time to act. Most Christmas assistance programs open their applications in early October and close by the end of the month. If you’re looking for help with gifts, meals, or holiday essentials for children or seniors, waiting could mean missing out.
We’ve compiled a full list of Christmas assistance programs, organized by state and county, to help you find support near you. You can find that information on our Christmas assistance page.
Halloween Freebies and Events
Halloween isn’t just for costumes and candy—it’s full of freebie opportunities if you know where to look. Mars is bringing back its M&M’s Halloween Rescue Squad on October 31. If you run out of candy while handing it out, you can request a free refill delivered straight to your door through GoPuff—while supplies last.
Many local charities and thrift stores also offer free Halloween costumes. These opportunities vary by location, so check with your nearest clothing closet, community center, or family services agency for availability.
Free Food Deals in October
October is loaded with food freebies if you’re signed up for the right apps.
Cinnabon will celebrate National Cinnamon Roll Day on October 4 by offering $1 classic rolls to Rewards members. Schlotzsky’s will give away a free MiniBon from October 2 to October 4 if you’re signed up for their rewards program. Kroger is offering a free Private Selection cinnamon roll until October 18—just clip the digital coupon through their app or website.
National Taco Day is on October 7, and multiple restaurants are jumping in. Taco Bell will release limited batches of $1 taco coupons through its app throughout the day. Other chains are giving away freebies for customers who dress up like tacos. Check with your local spots to see who’s participating.
Grants and Application Opportunities
October is a prime time to apply for financial support programs, especially as heating bills begin to rise. Many states open their Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) applications on October 1. This program helps cover the cost of heating, cooling, and even emergency repairs. You can apply through your state energy office or your local community action agency. If you’re unsure where to start, your utility provider can point you in the right direction.
There are also several grant opportunities worth checking out this month. The $10,000 Growth Grant for U.S. business owners is accepting applications until October 14. The Toast Changemakers Program is offering funding for restaurants addressing food insecurity, with applications due October 17. Breva Thrive is awarding $5,000 to businesses making a positive community impact, and you can apply through October 31.
Students and families can benefit from current educational aid programs. FAFSA is still open for the 2025 school year, and the Every Kid Outdoors pass gives fourth graders and their families free access to national parks through August 2026. Small Steps in Speech is offering up to $1,000 for children in need of speech therapy tools or services. Applications for that grant are due by November 1.
Class Action Settlements with October Deadlines
There are dozens of active class action settlements this month, and some offer hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in cash payments. These opportunities are often time-sensitive, and many expire in October.
If you’re legally blind and live in California, and you tried to access the Fashion Nova website using a screen reader anytime since February 2018, you may qualify for up to $4,000. Claims for that settlement must be filed by October 20.
Illinois residents recorded by a driver-facing camera in a Lily Transportation truck between July 2019 and May 2025 may be eligible for a $463 payment. The deadline to submit a claim is October 16.
There are also smaller settlements for people who received unwanted text messages from Zales, used a Google account in an Illinois school, or applied for jobs at Edward Jones in Washington without seeing a posted wage scale. Payouts for these range from about $30 to more than $1,000 depending on the case and number of claims filed.
If you want help tracking deadlines or checking eligibility for these offers, check the Get Cash Now page to see the open settlements.
Freebies for Kids
If you have young kids, be sure to take advantage of Netflix Family Magazine. It’s full of games, crafts, stickers, and stories—and it’s completely free. You can sign up at the Netflix Family site. Registration may be required by October 14 to receive the next issue.
And don’t forget the Every Kid Outdoors pass, which offers free national park access to fourth graders and their families. You can apply for the pass online and use it as often as you’d like through August 2026.
Relief Recap
October is jam-packed with opportunities to ease financial stress and enjoy some fun perks. From heating assistance and business grants to Halloween treats and cinnamon rolls, there’s something for everyone this month. Many of these programs close soon, so take action quickly to make sure you don’t miss out.
I am 74, support my son w/ cancer & myself on my Soc.Securiity . I need a tablet , to pay bills , and stay connected for Dr.s , hospitals and his tests . Any idea how I can qualify for one ?
Thank you for reaching out—caring for your son while managing everything on a fixed income takes incredible strength. You might find some helpful options here: https://lowincomerelief.com/free-computers-for-low-income-families/. We’re wishing you and your son support and comfort through it all.