Money I don't pay back
Money you don't pay back mostly comes from public benefits, college aid, veterans benefits and down-payment programs run by state housing agencies. Real programs never ask you to pay a fee to get a grant.
3FS will soon fill these out for you; for now, start here.
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USA.gov benefit finder
Answer a few questions and see federal benefits you may qualify for, with links to apply.
Find my benefits → usa.gov · official site; 3FS is not affiliated -
College aid: the FAFSA
The one form for federal student aid, including Pell Grants, which you do not pay back. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Start the FAFSA → studentaid.gov (U.S. Department of Education) · official site; 3FS is not affiliated -
Down-payment help from your state
State housing finance agencies run most down-payment and closing-cost programs for home buyers. This directory finds yours.
Find my state agency → ncsha.org (National Council of State Housing Agencies) · official site; 3FS is not affiliated -
Veterans benefits
Health care, education, disability compensation, housing help and more for veterans, service members and their families.
Open VA.gov → va.gov · official site; 3FS is not affiliated -
Grants.gov
Every federal grant opening. Most are for nonprofits, schools and local governments, not individuals; help for a person is usually in the benefit finder above.
Search grants → grants.gov · official site; 3FS is not affiliated -
Spot a grant scam
How to tell a real government grant from a scam that asks for a fee or your bank details.
Read the FTC guide → consumer.ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission) · official site; 3FS is not affiliated
Buying a home in the country?
USDA rural home loans are a loan, not a grant, but many need no down payment. Check your ZIP on Rural Home, or ask on the home page.
3FS is not USDA, not a lender and not a broker. The agency or lender makes every decision.