Moving Assistance: 6 Ways to Find Help with Relocation Costs

If you’re having trouble paying for your move, you may be able to find help through federal government programs, charities, nonprofits, state and local programs, religious organizations or your employer.

Here are a few resources that might help pay your moving expenses.

1. HUD Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Emergency Solutions Grants program (ESG) is designed to help the unhoused secure stable housing, providing grants to individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

ESG funds can be used to cover moving costs under two of the program’s components: homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing assistance.

To qualify for funds to cover moving expenses, you must be at risk of homelessness, as defined in 24 CFR § 576.103 ^[0]

. Among other requirements, you’ll need an annual income of less than 30 percent of the median family income for your area, as determined by HUD ^[0].

2. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA)

FEMA helps support citizens and first responders in the aftermath of disasters. Among the many types of disaster assistance it provides, it can also cover moving expenses if a disaster has rendered your home unlivable.

Covered expenses can include:

• Commercial moving labor costs.

• Moving truck rental fees.

• Costs for moving supplies like tape and boxes.

• Commercial storage unit fees, including self-storage.

You may be eligible for help with moving costs (and other assistance) through FEMA if a disaster made your home unlivable and you had to move your belongings to another location (such as a home or storage facility) to prevent further damage. The damaged home must be your primary residence, and what you’re moving must be considered essential household property.

Funds from FEMA are typically grants that don’t have to be repaid. However, in some cases, if your insurance ends up paying the expense at a later date, you’ll need to pay that money back to FEMA.

3. Military OneSource Relocation Assistance Program

Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, Military OneSource provides support and guidance to military families, which may include assistance with moving expenses.

Members of all military branches and their families or survivors may be eligible for this benefit.

4. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rural Relocation Benefit

The Rural Relocation Benefit offers a $500 grant to cover moving expenses for qualified veterans pursuing an education.

To be eligible for the VA’s Rural Relocation Benefit, you need to live in a county with less than seven people per square mile and either:

• Be relocating at least 500 miles away to pursue an education under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

• Be traveling by air to physically pursue a program of higher education at an institution of higher learning under the Post-9/11 GI Bill if no other land-based method of transportation is available because proper roads or other infrastructure aren’t available. 

You’ll need the following documentation to apply for the Rural Relocation Benefit:

2. Proof of rural residence. Acceptable proof may include any of the following:

• Form DD 214, Certification of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. 

• Your most recent federal income tax return.

• Your most recent state income tax return.

• Rental or lease agreement.

• Current real property assessment.

3. Proof of air travel.  If you’re traveling by air, you must submit an airline receipt with a departure and destination airport within a reasonable distance from your residence and the institution of higher learning you’ll be attending.

The Salvation Army provides up to $150 in moving costs assistance to individuals and families who can’t afford this expense.

Each Salvation Army location handles its own applications, so eligibility can vary. Those seeking assistance can enter their zip code here to be directed to their local Salvation Army location and apply online. A case manager may contact you if additional information is required and notify you by mail if your case is approved.

The Salvation Army offers many other kinds of financial help in addition to moving expenses, including:

• Assistance with deposit and application fees.

• Homeless prevention assistance.

• Bedroom, bathroom and kitchen supplies, including beds.

• Emergency gift cards for food or gas.

Modest Needs gives grants to working individuals and families whose income puts them just above the poverty line, disqualifying them from most other types of social assistance. These grants can help pay for emergency expenses or ongoing monthly bills, including moving costs.

The average grant is typically between $750 and $1,250.

Low-income families where at least one member is employed may qualify for a Modest Needs grant to help pay for moving costs or other approved expenses. Special consideration is given to people living alone, first responders, teachers and recently returned veterans.

You’ll need to pass income and eligibility tests, as well as meet these additional eligibility requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Be a legal resident of the United States or Canada.

• Be applying for assistance either for yourself or for a person living with you.

• Have at least one active bank account, or have filed a federal tax return within the past two years.

• Have access to an internet-capable computer for checking email and the Modest Needs website daily during the active period of your application.

• Have access to a scanner or a fax machine for long enough to scan and upload or fax your supporting documentation.

• For renters: a legal lease that has been signed by both your landlord and a member of your household. This lease must show the amount of your monthly rent and whether or not you pay the whole amount yourself.

Modest Needs grants pay for only a specific bill for an approved expense. They’re paid directly to the provider of the service or goods needed (such as your moving company), rather than to the individual recipient.

To apply for a Modest Needs grant, register with the organization here. Once you have an account, you’ll be able to fill out a grant application by logging in and clicking “Apply for help now.”

If none of the above options are a good fit for you, you may also be able to find help with moving costs through local houses of worship, or state and local programs. If your move is job-related, your employer may even foot the bill.

If you still can’t find the help you need, two organizations that may be able to connect you with help for moving costs: