Moving Assistance Programs And Resources

What Is Relocation Assistance?

Whether you’re planning to move locally or across several states, moving costs can really add up. According to Forbes, local moves can cost between $300 and $6,900, while a long-distance move can cost anywhere between $3,200 and $17,000.

Lower-income individuals and families can use relocation assistance grants to partially relieve some of the financial burden of moving. These grants may be offered through private nonprofit organizations as well as through federally funded programs. The programs may differ depending on your destination.

Moving Assistance Resources

Moving expenses can vary significantly depending on the number of bedrooms and the amount of personal belongings. If you’re buying a house and getting a mortgage, you probably don’t have much extra cash to pay for movers. But if you’re moving from a densely populated state to a less densely populated one, or changing employers, help might be available.

State And Local Government Incentive Programs

Some states, counties and cities offer relocation assistance in a variety of ways to encourage population growth within their borders or to help low-income families relocate when necessary. Check with the state or city where you’d like to move to see what’s available.

Relocation Due To Job Loss

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Program (TAA) offers relocation allowances to those affected by job loss through the American Job Center. To receive these services, search through the AJC service locator to find a center near you or contact their service hotline.

How to apply: A petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance may be filed by a group of workers, by a company official, by one-stop delivery system operators or by partners (including state employment security agencies and dislocated worker units). It can also be filed by a union or other duly authorized representative of such workers on their behalf. For petition forms and information on how to file a petition, visit the TAA Application Process page.

Modest Needs Grants

Modest Needs is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance for families and individuals who aren’t eligible for conventional social assistance. The organization can provide transportation grants for those who are unable to afford moving assistance.

How to apply: Submit an application through their official website. You’ll need your most recently filed tax return or bank statement and income documentation to complete the application.

Emergency Solutions Grants

The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program is supported by federal funds that are used to provide aid to those who need rental assistance, emergency shelter, house search, house placement and other related services. ESG also provides services for both individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness.

Charitable Organizations And Nonprofits That Help With Moving Expenses

Many charities offer financial assistance for low-income families and individuals. Some of these charities offer short-term aid, while others provide more long-term funding, depending on the program and individual circumstances.

Catholic Charities USA

There are currently 168 agencies in the Catholic Charities USA network, which provides grants and financial programs for low-income individuals. Catholic Charities USA provides housing support through counseling, rent payment grants, and other programs.

How to apply: Start by searching for a Catholic Charities USA agency in your local area to find one that works for your financial needs, either by state or county.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the country and provides short-term financial resources for those in need. Its Housing Now program specifically offers home assistance for low-income families, including rental and housing assistance.

How to apply: To apply, check which Salvation Army center near you offers moving assistance. You’ll need to set up an appointment at that specific center to complete the application process. For the application, you’ll need photo identification, relocation information, low-income status and proof of residence such as a security deposit document.

YWCA

YWCA works to strengthen women’s empowerment and civil rights in the United States. The organization offers financial moving assistance for low-income individuals, especially for women who plan to buy a home.

How to apply: To be eligible for financial moving assistance, you must live close to a YWCA office. Search your location and, from there, you’ll be able to navigate to the office’s website to view the housing resources and moving services available to you.

Housing Industry Foundation

The Housing Industry Foundation provides help to those in need of stable housing. The foundation offers financial assistance for low-income families and individuals through its Emergency Housing Fund.

The Bottom Line: Assistance With Moving Expenses Is Available

Moving can definitely require additional funds to cover travel, moving company services, packing materials, storage and anything else related to moving your personal items to a new home. If you’re a moderate- or low-income wage-earner, or you’re able to take advantage of state or local incentive programs, you may be able to get some additional help.