2. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a government program that’s federally funded and run directly by the individual states. Also known as welfare, this assistance program may have a bad reputation for some, but the cash assistance it offers could be a financial lifeline for many people and their children.

The amount you’ll receive depends on the state. In Washington, the maximum amount an adult and two kids can get via TANF cash assistance is $654 a month. A family of three in Oklahoma can claim $292 per month, provided they have no other income.

In order to get free money, you have to apply for the program through your state’s administering agency, and you must have a low income to qualify. States define that differently, but in most cases, you must be really struggling financially.