Let’s be honest—when most people think of government assistance, they think of things like food stamps, housing help, or healthcare. But did you know the government also gives away some really weird (and surprisingly useful) free stuff? From trees to phones to presidential greetings, there are quite a few hidden gems out there if you know where to look.
Here are some of the most unusual free things you can get from the government—and how to find them.
Free Trees
Some states offer free tree giveaways through local conservation departments or utility companies. These programs are designed to promote energy efficiency, restore local ecosystems, and improve air quality. The Arbor Day Foundation is a major partner in many of these efforts, often teaming up with utility providers to distribute trees that can offer shade and help cut down on your electricity bills.
If you’re interested, check with your local city office, county programs, or utility company to see if they participate. Programs like Trees for Seattle are just one example—similar opportunities are available all over the country, including throughout the Midwest.
Free Land
Yes, free land is still a thing in some parts of the United States. Small rural towns in places like Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa occasionally offer free or low-cost lots to people who agree to build a home or start a business there. These towns are usually looking to attract new residents, so they provide land with the condition that you meet specific building requirements within a certain time frame.
To explore this opportunity, start by contacting the Chamber of Commerce in the town you’re interested in. You can also search online for “free land programs” to see what might be available in areas you’d be open to moving to.
Free Presidential Greetings
Did you know you can get a personalized greeting from the President of the United States for certain major life events? Eligible occasions include the birth of a child, milestone birthdays (like 80 and older for seniors or 70+ for veterans), retirement after at least 20 years of service, golden wedding anniversaries, and even your wedding day.
You can submit your request directly on the White House website. Just fill out the form with the required details to receive your greeting in the mail.
Free Phones
The federal Lifeline program offers discounted phone or internet service for qualifying individuals. If you choose the right provider, you might even be able to get a free smartphone included with your plan. Not all Lifeline providers offer free phones, so it’s important to check your options carefully.
You can find out which companies offer phones by visiting our guide to Lifeline providers.
Free National Park Access
Several groups qualify for free admission to national parks, including military members and their families, veterans, people with permanent disabilities, and fourth-grade students. Volunteers who contribute at least 250 service hours can also get free access.
Even if you don’t qualify for one of the free passes, seniors age 62 and older can purchase an annual pass for just $20 or a lifetime pass for $80. These passes cover entrance fees to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
Free Travel Guides
Many state tourism offices will send you free travel guides, maps, and vacation planners by mail. These packets can help you plan road trips, find scenic routes, and discover local attractions. For example, both Utah and Texas offer free guidebooks through their official tourism sites. Other states do the same—you can usually request them online, but sometimes you’ll need to call or email.
Free Tax Prep Help
If you’re struggling with your taxes, the IRS sponsors two helpful programs that provide free tax assistance: the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. VITA helps low income taxpayers, while TCE is geared toward seniors. Both programs are staffed by trained volunteers who are certified by the IRS.
You can use the IRS’s locator tools to find a free tax prep site near you.
Free Seeds
Local libraries and community gardens sometimes run seed libraries where you can “check out” seeds for free. These programs are especially common in areas that encourage home gardening and sustainability. The seeds are often heirloom or native varieties, and you’re usually encouraged (but not required) to return seeds at the end of the growing season to help keep the program going.
Check with your local library or a nearby gardening group to see if a seed library is available in your community.
Relief Recap
Government help doesn’t always come in the form of checks or food benefits—sometimes, it shows up in unexpected ways like a free tree for your yard, a congratulatory note from the President, or even a piece of land to build your future on. While some of these programs are a little off the beaten path, they’re very real and can offer practical value to those who take advantage of them.
If something caught your interest, be sure to follow up with local offices or use the tools we’ve shared to explore what’s available in your area. You never know what hidden gems you might uncover.
Burial/funeral benefits… I could not find them on your site???
You can find our full guide to funeral and burial assistance here: https://lowincomerelief.com/how-to-get-help-with-funeral-expenses/ — it includes programs and resources that may be able to help with costs.