Moving Grant for Low-Income Households: Who Actually Pays Deposits and Moving Costs

Is there a federal moving grant for low-income people?

No. The phrase “moving grant for low income” is a search term that fee-charging sites exploit. The federal government funds housing and welfare programs through states and local agencies rather than paying individuals; HHS says plainly that “the federal government does not provide TANF cash assistance directly to the public,” on its TANF overview. The money that does pay moving costs sits in the local programs below, and the pandemic Emergency Rental Assistance that sometimes covered deposits has ended; the U.S. Treasury states that the ERA2 period of performance closed September 30, 2025, on its ERA page.

How do HUD-funded programs pay moving and move-in costs?

HUD’s Emergency Solutions Grants program funds five things locally: street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing, and data systems, with states, cities, and counties passing the money to nonprofits, according to HUD Exchange. Two of those are moving programs in practice: rapid re-housing moves people out of shelters or the street into apartments by paying deposits, move-in costs, and short-term rent with a case manager’s help, and homelessness prevention keeps or secures housing for households about to lose it. You reach both through your area’s coordinated entry assessment; 211 can tell you where to go. HUD also funds Housing Choice Vouchers, and voucher holders can generally take their voucher to a new area under portability rules; ask your housing authority whether it offers deposit help.

Which state programs pay deposits and moving expenses?

• California: CalWORKs Homeless Assistance. Permanent HA pays a security deposit and last month’s rent to secure housing, or up to two months of rent arrearages to prevent eviction, for CalWORKs recipients or apparently eligible applicants, generally once every 12 months, according to the California Department of Social Services. Temporary HA pays up to 16 days of shelter while you look.
• Michigan: State Emergency Relief. MDHHS lists relocation assistance for rent, rent arrearage, security deposits, and moving expenses when one of its qualifying circumstances applies, on its Emergency Relief page; apply through MI Bridges.
• Minnesota: Emergency Assistance. County-run grants can pay a deposit or first month’s rent for households facing eviction or homelessness, generally once in 12 months, per the Minnesota DHS.
• Texas: One-Time TANF. A once-a-year crisis payment for families with children, usable for housing costs, per Texas HHS.
• Other states: ask your TANF or human services office whether it offers emergency assistance, a diversion payment, or relocation help; many do under different names.

Which charities help with moving costs?

Charities rarely hand out cash for a move, but many pay a deposit or first month’s rent directly to a landlord when a move ends an emergency, and some provide a truck, boxes, or furniture:

• The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities: deposit and rent help after an in-person interview with a lease and proof of need.
• St. Vincent de Paul: small grants and, in many areas, free furniture and household goods through its thrift stores.
• Community action agencies: emergency funds and homelessness prevention.
• Churches and mutual aid groups: volunteers, trucks, and small amounts.

Dial 211 to find which of these has funds this month; availability changes constantly.

What if I am moving for a job, after a disaster, or to escape abuse?

• For a job: state workforce agencies and TANF employment programs sometimes fund relocation or transportation tied to a job offer; ask your workforce center.
• After a disaster: FEMA Individual Assistance can cover temporary housing and some relocation needs after a federal declaration; see our disaster relief guide.
• Escaping domestic violence: advocates through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) can arrange relocation funds, confidential housing, and deposit help outside the normal system.
• Veterans: the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program pays deposits and move-in costs; call 1-877-424-3838.

How do I apply, step by step?

1. Dial 211 and describe your situation: whether you are homeless, facing eviction, or need to move for safety or work. Ask for coordinated entry, state emergency assistance, and charities with deposit funds.
2. Apply for your state’s emergency assistance (CalWORKs HA, Michigan SER, Minnesota EA, Texas One-Time TANF, or your state’s equivalent) with the lease or landlord letter for the new unit.
3. Get a written offer from the new landlord stating the deposit and rent; every program needs it to pay.
4. Ask your housing authority about voucher portability and deposit help if you have a voucher.
5. Stack benefits that free up cash: SNAP (estimate with our SNAP calculator), LIHEAP, and Medicaid.

For more specifics, see our guides on emergency rent relief by state and low-income housing with no waiting list.

Related guides

• Hardship grants for individuals
• Immediate hotel vouchers for people who are homeless
• Housing help: vouchers, affordable housing, and paths to owning
• Free bus tickets home for people who are homeless

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice, and not an application. Program rules change by state and county; confirm with the agency that runs the program. National Relief Program is an independent website, not a government agency.