Government loans, grants, and benefits are different

Government loans - money you borrow from the federal government and that you repay with interest. Government loans can help pay for:

• School
• Buying a house
• Starting or growing a business. 

Federal government grants - typically not given to people for personal expenses. Grants are for organizations that work with programs and projects funded by the government, including:

• Universities
• Research labs
• Nonprofit organizations
• State and local governments
• Law enforcement
• Businesses

Your organization can find federal grants on Grants.gov or contact your state or territory to find funding opportunities locally.

Government benefits - help people with food, health care, housing, and more. Each benefits program has its own eligibility rules, application process, and deadlines. Unlike government loans, government benefits usually do not need to be repaid. If you need financial help, use the USAGov benefit finder to search for government benefits you might qualify for.

Types of federal loans for individuals

You can find government loans for:

• Students who need help paying for school
• People who want to buy a home or make home repairs or improvements
• Small business owners interested in funding their business 
• People or businesses needing support after a disaster
• Farmers and ranchers

Applying for government loans

Each federal loan program has its own eligibility requirements, application process, and deadlines. To apply for a federal loan:

• Read about the program’s eligibility requirements, application process, and deadlines. Ask for help if you need it.
• Fill out the required forms and provide documentation. You might be asked to provide proof of income, identification, and information about what you need the loan for.

Be aware of government “free money” scams

Some people might try to trick you by offering fake government grants, loans, or benefits. If someone asks for your personal information or money to get a grant or loan, it is probably a scam. Learn how to recognize, avoid, and report “free money” scams.