Solutions For Financial Difficulties

There are many reasons people need additional funds. Some need assistance with paying off mortgages, loans, and debt.


Others need financial backing to pursue their dream whether that be having a family, maintaining a business, or going to school. If this sounds like your situation, you’re in luck because through government and private organizations there are definitely funds available to be distributed. What it really comes down to is finding the right opportunities that align with your goals and applying for them. As the saying goes, you have to be in it to win it. The challenging part is finding the resources. There are so many out there, but only a few reliable ones that can help you. Take a look at the resources below, they are known and trusted programs that may be the assistance you’ve been looking for.

Covid-19 Financial Assistance - Small Business

The pandemic has left many businesses struggling to stay afloat. Small businesses have had an especially hard time trying to make ends meet and don’t know where to turn for relief. This list: https://www.zenefits.com/workest/the-big-list-of-covid-19-financial-assistance-programs-for-small-businesses-by-state/ is here to help you find Covid-19 relief programs in your state. Begin by filtering your search by state, country, or city. You will then see programs available in your area ranging from grants, loans to other relief programs. Once you see a program that meets your company's needs, select the program’s link. You will be directed to instructions on how to apply. Each state varies by program and requirements. Make sure to read through the eligibility factors before applying.

The Herbert Lehman Scholarship

This opportunity provides undergraduate students with financial need the funding to stay in school and successfully complete their bachelor’s degree. The total amount awarded is $8,000. This is distributed in increments of $2,000 every year for four years. It is available to everyone in the United States and its territories. The application is open from November to April. To be eligible for this program you must:

  • Have a family income of $65,000 or less
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be a graduating high school senior, a first-year student in an accredited four-year college, or a student transferring into an accredited four-year college
  • Must have a demonstrated commitment to public service
  • Show academic achievement

Click here to be directed to the online application. Before applying, make sure you have all the required documentation ready. You will need:

  • A copy of the acceptance letter from the college you will be attending
  • Two recommendation letters
  • A resume
  • A copy of your transcript
  • A personal statement and essay
  • A copy of your SAT/ACT score and FAFSA information
  • Finalists will also need to include a professional photo

If you are chosen for this opportunity, you will be notified by email around August. It is important to note that to keep the funding, you must remain in good academic standing with the university and remain a full-time student.

Gift Card Bank

This program is available to individuals and families nationwide. The purpose of it is to provide financial assistance for people in need via a gift card. These gift cards range from$50 to $200. The gift card will be used for essentials like food, clothing, and housing. They are most often gift cards to Walmart or Amazon. To apply click here. When filling out the application, you will need proper identification and to show proof of need. To show you are in need, the application will require one of the following:

  • EBT Card Number and SUID
  • Notice of layoff
  • Unemployment Insurance
  • Letter of approval from the local public housing agency
  • Verification of aid for the TANF program
  • Medicaid Card

If you have other proof that you require financial assistance that will work as well. The organization decides who is issued the gift cards. They base it off of each circumstance and how much need you have. The individuals and families who have more financial burdens will take precedent. If you are selected, you will be notified by email. The recipients will receive the gift card as quickly as 3 days which will be distributed via email. If you have more questions about this program, your eligibility, or the status of your application you can email: support@giftcardbank.org.

Covid-19 Mortgage Forbearance

This program is for all homeowners in the United States who have mortgages owned by Fannie Mae. The purpose is to provide individuals facing financial hardship due to Covid-19 some relief. These relief options consist of:

  • Forbearance for up to 12 months
  • Foreclosure sales and evictions of borrowers being suspended for 60 days
  • Suspending reporting to credit bureaus of past-due payments of borrowers who are in a forbearance plan
  • Offering loan modification options to provide mortgage payment relief or keep those payments the same after the forbearance period

To be eligible for these relief opportunities you must be a homeowner with a mortgage owned by Fannie Mae and experiencing financial hardship due to Covid-19. Financial hardship could be losing your job, a decrease in salary, or having a Covid-related illness. To get started with this assistance you will need to make sure your mortgage is eligible; you can do so here. If your mortgage is accepted, you should contact your mortgage servicer. A mortgage servicer is the individual you send your mortgage payments to. This person already knows about all the mortgage help Fannie Mae offers. Calling them will be to request assistance and to discuss which option is best for you. Your mortgage servicer will then provide you a written agreement that indicates the new terms and conditions of the plan. This will happen within 30 days of your phone call. This relief program is intended to pause or lower your payments to reduce financial stress. You will have to pay it off in the future, but with a repayment plan that fits your situation.  You do not have to wait until you miss a payment to seek relief. If you are experiencing financial hardship it is important to act sooner than later. This will prevent you from late fees and negative impacts on your credit score. There are many sites that will try to scam you. To learn more about red flags and what to look out for click here.

CORE Grant

This program provides financial assistance to food and beverage service employees throughout the United States. The funding can be applied to rent or mortgage payments, utilities, medical bills and supplies, therapy, hospital expenses, transportation, child need, and funeral expenses. To be eligible for these funds you must:

  • Have at least one legal guardian working in the food & beverage service industry (full or part-time)
  • Have at least one child 18 or younger living at home. Children up to 22 are accepted if they are enrolled in college. Adult children with disabilities are also accepted
  • Have experienced one of the following within 6 months of applying: significant medical diagnosis or injury of a parent or child, death of parent or child, loss of home due to natural disaster, house fire, domestic violence, positive personally tested positive for Covid-19 or family member in the same household

If you meet these requirements you can submit an online application here. The application will ask you a few questions regarding where you work, your position, your family’s situation, why you are seeking financial help, annual household income, and the rates of monthly bills. You will need to have documentation ready to upload. You will need a pay stub from your employer, proof of legal guardianship, and supporting medical and bill documents. After submitting the application, it will take about 3 to 4 weeks to hear a decision. You will be contacted by phone. The amount of grant money awarded will vary based on your situation and need. The funds must be used for the purpose stated in the application. If you have any other specific questions or concerns, you can email CORE at info@coregives.org or call at (404) 655-4690.

These programs and resources only provide reliable information so you can easily apply. By applying to these opportunities you will have a higher chance of receiving the financial assistance you and your family needs.

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