Low-income moving assistance programs

Moving isn’t cheap. The average cost of a move in 2025 is just over $3,000, and for larger homes, the price can be closer to $6,000, according to This Old House. Affording this expense can be challenging, which is why private organizations and government programs provide moving assistance for low-income people who need help extra help to move into their next home.

What is relocation assistance?

Relocation assistance may help low-income people manage common moving costs, such as renting a truck, packing supplies, or paying the security deposit on their next place.

In some cases, you could receive money up front to pay those costs as they come. In others, you may be reimbursed after you move.

Who qualifies for relocation assistance?

Eligibility usually depends on your income level, family size, and how far you're moving.

In some instances, aid may depend on circumstances such as whether you're moving to take a new job, you've been evicted, or you need to move out of an unsafe home.

If you’re preparing for a transition, checking out practical moving tips also can help you cut down on costs.

Moving assistance requirements also vary depending on the program and your location. For example, the Los Angeles Housing Department offers relocation assistance to renters who lose their housing and whose income is 80% or less of the Area Median Income.

Government moving assistance resources

If you're wondering how to get money to move, federal and state-funded programs are available to provide help for low-income households.

Below is a list of moving grants or loans available to help ease the financial burden.

• Rural Housing Service: This program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides grants and relocation loans for individuals and families living in rural areas. The agency partners with nonprofit organizations and agencies to provide grants and loans for moving costs, security deposits, and other related expenses.
• Veterans Affairs Relocation Assistance program: Provides relocation courses and resources for veterans returning to civilian life. In addition, the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program provides financial assistance for very low-income veterans and their families, including help with moving expenses, security deposits, rent, and utilities.
• Federal Relocation Assistance program: This program supports those who need to move because their home was acquired or demolished. Through the Uniform Relocation Assistance Act, the program helps with transportation costs, moving, and related expenses, such as packing, establishing utilities and security deposits. It also provides aid for replacement housing payments if you owned your home.
• Department of Housing and Urban Development programs: HUD maintains a database of federal and state home buying assistance programs, including down payment assistance, relocation help, and rental support.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency: FEMA offers moving assistance for people who have been affected by a federally declared disaster, such as a tornado.
• Emergency Solutions Grants: ESG is a federally funded program that helps with things like emergency shelter, house search, and house placement.

Charitable and nonprofit moving assistance programs

Government moving assistance programs aren’t the only sources of support. These groups often provide grants, counseling, or direct financial assistance.

• Catholic Charities USA: Provides housing support through counseling, grants for rent payment, and programs that help with moving costs or relocation. Local branches also may help with security deposits and housing stability case management to keep tenants from becoming homeless.
• The Salvation Army: Offers short-term rental assistance and other supportive services. For many families, this includes help with rent arrears, deposits, application fees, and – in some regions – moving costs.
• YWCA: Many local branches of the YWCA provide financial assistance for low-income people that can include security deposits, utility setup costs, and transportation assistance. In some regions, transitional services may also help with moving or relocation expenses.
• Housing Industry Foundation: Offers emergency housing support through its Emergency Housing Fund in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties in California. Grants up to $2,500 can help low-income individuals and households with back rent, security deposits, and utility costs during unexpected financial setbacks. Funds are distributed via local partner agencies, with payments made directly to landlords or utility providers.
• Modest Needs: A nonprofit helping low-income families and individuals who don’t qualify for other assistance. Their Self-Sufficiency or Bridge Grants can cover emergency expenses, including moving or relocation costs, when those are approved expenses. Grants are typically one-time, paid directly to landlords, moving companies, or other service providers. 

The bottom line: Assistance with moving expenses is available

Moving can be expensive, but programs exist to make it more affordable and easier to manage, especially for low-income households. There may even be tax-deductible moving expenses available, depending on your situation.

If you’re unsure where to start, government programs like HUD, FEMA, and ESG, as well as nonprofit organizations such as Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and Modest Needs, provide multiple ways to get help with moving costs and housing stability. Some programs even offer relocation grants or direct financial assistance, while others provide counseling and resources to guide you through the process.

This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any service mentioned will meet their needs.