Seniors Over 65 Losing Health Care Benefits

A new ruling could mean less health care benefits for retirees over the age of 65. The policy, set forth in a new regulation, allows employers to establish two classes of retirees, with more comprehensive benefits for those under 65 and more limited benefits (or none at all) for those older. The reasoning being that the older employees should be eligible for Medicare, thus companies are relying more and more on government programs to cover what they feel they can no longer offer. This comes after premiums for employer-offered benefits rose 6.1% in the last year. However, almost 10 million seniors could be affected by this rule. To learn more, see: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/27/washington/27retire.html?th&emc=th

Seniors seeking alternative health options through government and other programs have several options to choose from. In many situations, people and even doctors don’t know what is covered:

Free Preventive Health Services For Seniors
A report for the U.S. Congress estimates that over 29 million seniors don't take advantage of free preventive health services like flu shots, tetanus shots, pap smear, mammography, vaginal cancer, colorectal cancer - colonoscopy, osteoporosis - bone mass measurement, prostate cancer test, and glaucoma test. They are all covered under the Medicare To find health care services, information and other resources:

See Club Table Of Contents Under Health Care
Under Health Care Services see...

• Finding Free Health Care
• How To Get Better Health Services For Free
• Free And Low Cost Dental Care
• Respite Care Services For Caregivers
• Fighting The Health Care System
• Health Care Services in YOUR STATE
• Health Programs for Seniors In YOUR STATE
• Free Drug Treatment and Counseling
• Free Dentures
• Free Eye Care
• Emergency Rooms Have To Treat You
• Free Hearing Aids

Good News: Bush Signs Bill to Protect Homeowners from Higher Taxes

On December 20, 2007, President Bush signed the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, which will help Americans avoid foreclosure by protecting families from higher taxes when they refinance their home mortgages. This Act will create a three-year window for homeowners to refinance their mortgage and pay no taxes on any debt forgiveness that they receive. Under current law, if the value of your house declines, and your bank or lender forgives a portion of your mortgage, the tax code treats the amount forgiven as income that can be taxed. Read the full press realease here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071220-3.html and learn more facts about the Act here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071220-6.html

Taxpayers May Save Money for 2007 Tax Season

Middle-class taxpayers may be spared higher tax bills for the 2007 tax season. This is due to a plan recently passed by Congress that fixes the Alternative Minimum Tax, which is a tax created in 1969 to prevent the wealthy investors that try to avoid paying taxes all together. Due to a failure to take into account inflation, this tax has been hitting middle-class taxpayers the hardest. Without the fix by Congress, some 25 million filers would have had to pay the tax on their 2007 income, up from four million who paid it on 2006 income. The measure would increase slightly the amount of income that is exempt from the alternative tax. For individuals, that means the exempt amount increases to $44,350 in 2007 from $42,500 in 2006. For married couples, the exemption amount climbs to $66,250 from $62,550. Lawmakers were late passing this plan, and this late action may create delays in refunds for almost 38 million taxpayers. To read more, got to http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=176605,00.html

Free Access to Health Research

As a taxpayer, you've paid for the research, and now Congress has passed a bill that has a provision that would allow you to have FREE scientific health research. Under the bill's terms, scientists getting grant money from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would now have to submit a final copy of their research for publication in a journal. An NIH database would then post those papers, free to the public, within 12 months after publication. The NIH will now start working out how to implement the legislation, a process that could take six months. You can read more about this provision here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/20/AR2007122002115.html or keep track of it here: http://www.taxpayeraccess.org/

100 Christmas and Children's Tales- $1!!!!!!

Toinette and the Elves - Susan Coolidge
The Voyage of the Wee Red Cap. By Ruth Sawyer Durand
A Story of the Christ-Child (a German Legend for Christmas Eve) - Elizabeth Harrison
Jimmy Scarecrow's Christmas - Mary E. Wilkins Freeman
Why the Chimes Rang - Raymond McAlden
The Birds'Christmas (founded on fact) - F.E. Mann
The Little Sister's Vacation - Winifred M. Kirkland
Little Wolff's Wooden Shoes - Francois Coppee, adapted and translated by Alma J. Foster
Christmas in the Alley - Olive Thorne Miller
A Christmas Star - Katherine Pyle
The Queerest Christmas - Grace Margaret Gallaher
Old Father Christmas - J.H. Ewing
A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
How Christmas Came to the Santa Maria Flats - Elia W. Peattie
The Legend of Babouscka - From the Russian Folk Tale
Christmas in the Barn - F. Arnstein
The Philanthropist's Christmas - James Weber Linn
The First Christmas-Tree - Lucy Wheelock
The First New England Christmas - G.L. Stone and M.G. Fickett
The Cratchits' Christmas Dinner - Charles Dickens
Christmas in Seventeen Seventy-Six - Anne Hollingsworth Wharton
Christmas Under the Snow - Olive Thorne Miller
Mr. Bluff's Experience of Holidays - Oliver Bell Bunce
Master Sandy's Snapdragon - Elbridge S. Brooks
A Christmas Fairy - John Strange Winter
The Greatest of These - Joseph Mills Hanson
Little Gretchen and the Wooden Shoe - Elizabeth Harrison
Big Rattle - Theodore Goodridge Roberts

AND

50 Children’s Christian Stories-that teach values from the Bible

Daddy the Superhero
Sharks
The Window in Time
Bad Imaginary Friend
The Rumor with Furry Feet
Fat Wally and the Piggies

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Programs To Help Pay Your Student Loans

Wouldn't it be great if someone offered you free money to help pay off your student loans? Well guess what? There is money and it's waiting for you!!! Amazingly, there are numerous programs offered by employers, non-profit organizations, universities, and state and federal governments that will give you money, solely to pay off your student loans.

Loan forgiveness programs may be the answer to your loan worries. Here's how they work: You provide a public service that helps those in need--teaching underprivileged children, building homes for low-income families, giving health care or legal services to the disadvantaged--and, in return, the program cancels all or part of your educational loan debt.

We have identified over 350 student loan forgiveness programs as of the date of this writing, and we still continue to find them. Because of space limitations we have only listed of sample of these programs below. To find additional programs search the web using terms like “forgivable loan”, contact your elected official, or go to www.MyAmericanBenfitsPlan.com

$4,725 To $7,400 To Help Pay Off Student Loans
Americorps will reward you with $4,725 to spend on your college debts, and a stipend of up to $7,400 just for joining their volunteer program for one year. For more information, contact the Corporation for National and Community Service Headquarters, 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20525; 202-606-5000; 800-942-2677; www.americorps.org/

Teach For America
Teach for America recruits recent college graduates and professionals to teach school using an alternative certification program. The program makes sure teachers have access to training and resources, and in some cases agreements have been made to allow teachers to work on their Masters at local universities. There are 26 urban and rural placement areas. You get paid a starting teaching salary and earn $4725 for two years to pay back loans or to use for future college expenses. For more information contact Teach For America, 315 W. 36^th St., 7^th Floor, New York, NY 10018; 800-832-1230; 212-279-2080; www.teachforamerica.org

Receive $5000 To Help Pay Off Student Loans While Making A Difference
The Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program offers individuals who teach full-time for five consecutive complete academic years, in certain elementary and secondary schools serving low-income families, forgiveness of up to a combined total of $5,000 in principal and interest of their Direct Loan and/or Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFELP) loans. For more information contact Federal Student Aid Information Center; 800-4-FED-AID; http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/cancelstaff.jsp

$6000 Of Student Loan Forgiveness!!
Teachers for New Hampshire^SM provides financial assistance in the form of a variable-interest rate, forgivable loan, covering up to 50 percent of the direct costs (tuition and fees) and the cost of books for the program, not to exceed a cumulative maximum of $6,000. Repayment of this loan will be forgiven for individuals who are employed as full-time teachers for three years following completion of their teacher preparation program. Contact New Hampshire Higher Education Loan Corporation, P.O. Box 2111, Concord, NH 03301; 800-330-0787; www.teachersforNH.org

$8,000 Per Year For Fordham University Law School Graduates
The Fordham Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) is available to JD alumni, who are working full-time in law-related positions in non-profit organizations and have qualifying incomes. Repayment assistance will be up to $8,700 per year for five years. The amount of an individual loan will depend on income and actual annual loan payments. To be eligible must make less than $54,000. Contact: Fordham University School of Law, Office of Financial Aid, 33 West 60^th Street, New York, NY 10023-7485; 212-636-6815; http://law.fordham.edu/ihtml/fa-2GradStu_LRA.ihtml?id=502

Student Loan Repayment - Stanford University
Stanford University helps attorneys who are pursuing a public interest career. After they meet the income and employment qualifications for three years, participants become eligible for cancellation of 25 percent of their LRAP loans; after four years, 50 percent; and after five to ten years, 100 percent!! Associate Director of Financial Aid, Stanford Law School, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, CA 94305-8610; 650-723-9247; Fax: 650-723-0838; http://www.law.stanford.edu/program/tuition/assistance/

$3,500 Loan Forgiveness - Franklin Pierce Law Center
This program is for eligible law school graduates of the Franklin Pierce Law Center. Applicants are eligible to receive up to an annual maximum of $3,500 for up to five years after graduation if they remain in qualifying public interest employment. Contact The Franklin Pierce Law Center, Two White Street, Concord, NH 03301; 603-228-1541; http://www.piercelaw.edu/finan/Lrap.htm

50% Of Your Loans Paid Off!!!
If you are a female graduate or undergraduate student attending an accredited engineering school and majoring in the metallurgy, minerals, or materials science fields then you may be eligible to receive loan forgiveness of half your student loans through the WAAIME Scholarship Loan Fund Program. Contact WAAIME, 345 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017; 212-705-7692; www.metsoc.org/Students/\tmscomp.asp#waaime

Work In Alaska And Have Your Loans Forgiven!!!!
The Michael Murphy Loan is available to individuals who wish to study law enforcement, law, probation and parole, penology, or other related fields are eligible to work off one-fifth per year or 100% of their loans. Applicant must work as a State Trooper (or related law enforcement official) in Alaska. Contact Lt. of Recruitment, Alaska State Troopers, 5700 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507; 907-269-5511; http://alaskadvantage.state.ak.us/page/255

Agricultural Graduates $10,000 Of Loan Forgiveness Is Waiting For You!!
If you are an agriculture or veterinary medicine graduate who helps operate a family farm or practice veterinary medicine that includes agricultural animals in Pennsylvania, you are eligible for a maximum award of $10,000 in loan forgiveness payments. Contact the Agriculture Education Loan Forgiveness Program, P.O. Box 8114, Harrisburg, PA 17105; 717-720-2800; www.pheaa.org/loanforgiveness/Agriculture_Education_Loan_Forgiveness_Program.shtml

$$$ For Workforce Shortage Jobs In Maryland
Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program offers scholarships for those studying in the areas of: Child care provider, developmental disabilities, mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, teacher, nursing, physical and occupational therapists, and more. You can receive up to $4,000 per year. You must work in the field for one year for each year of your scholarship. Contact Maryland Higher Education Commission, 839 Bestgate Rd., Suite 400, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-260-4500; 800-974-0203; http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_WSSAG.asp;

Free $$$$$ To Pay Off Federally Insured Student Loans
The Federal Government has a student loan repayment program which authorizes agencies to repay certain types of federally insured student loans as a recruitment or retention incentive for highly qualified personnel. Lawyers, accountants, criminal investigators, engineers, office workers, and more qualify. You can receive up to $10,000 per year for six years. Contact The Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Streets NW, Washington, DC 20415-1000; 202-606-1800; www.opm.gov/oca/PAY/StudentLoan/index.asp

Pennsylvania Nurses Receive $12,500 To Pay Off Nursing School Loans!!
To help recruit and retain qualified nurses in Pennsylvania, the "Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures" program helps struggling nurses repay their student loans. By working for a participating Pennsylvania health care organization, you may receive student loan forgiveness for up to 25 percent (a maximum of $12,500) of your eligible debt. Contact the American Education Services, Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures Program, Lender School Team, PO Box 2461, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2461; 800-859-5442; www.pheaa.org/loanforgiveness/healthier_futures.shtml

$20,000 Loan Forgiveness!!!!!
This program is for Health worker participants who will enter into a service contract for two years with the Indian Health Service. All health professions are eligible to apply to the Loan Repayment Program; however, special consideration is given to nurses, nurse practitioners, mental health and physician priority medical specialties. Contact The Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program, Twin brook Metro Plaza -- Suite 100A, 12300 Twin Brook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852; 301-443-3396; www.ihs.gov/GeneralWeb/HelpCenter/CustomerServices/loan.asp

Up To $21,250 Medical School Loan Forgiveness
This program offers the University of Arizona Medical Students loan forgiveness of up to $21,250 per year with a maximum of four years. Each participant is required to a two year service commitment at a board approved location. Contact Maggie Gumble, U. of Arizona College of Medicine, Financial Aid Office, PO Box 245026 Tucson, AZ 85724-5026; 520-626-7145; www.medicine.arizona.edu/financial_aid/amslp.html

Health Professionals Receive Up To $70,000 Loan Forgiveness
Colorado health professionals with college debt and employed by a public or private non-profit agency in a HPSA area can qualify for the Colorado Health Professions Loan Repayment Program. Contact UCHSH, Colorado AHEC Program, P.O. Box 6508, Mail Stop F433, Aurora, CO 80045-0508; 303-724-0030, Fax: 303-315-0891; http://www2.uchsc.edu/ahec/lrp/index.asp?cat=healthCareers http://www.uchsc.edu/ahec/lrp/lrp.htm

Up To $20,000/Year For D.D.S
If you are a Dentist and work two years of full-time primary care clinical services in a public or non-profit entity located in a Federally-designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) in Iowa, you can receive up to $20,000 of loan forgiveness. Contact Bureau of Health Care Access, Attn: Patricia Kehoe, PRIMECARRE Coordinator, 321 E. 12th Street, 5th Floor, Des Moines, IA 50319; 515-281-7689, 800-308-5986; http://www.idph.state.ia.us/hpcdp/primecarre.asp

Up to $30,000 Loan Repayment for Rural Health Care Professionals
The Primary Care Recruitment and Retention Endeavor (PRIMECARRE) supports the Iowa Loan Repayment Program, which offers two-year grants to primary care medical practitioners for use in repayment of educational loans. The program requires a two-year practice commitment in a public or non-profit hospital or clinic located in a health professional shortage area. Up to $30,000 per year is available. Contact PRIMECARRE Coordinator, Bureau of Health Care Access, Iowa Department of Public Health, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319; 515-281-5069; 800-308-5986; http://www.idph.state.ia.us/hpcdp/primecarre.asp

Knock $25,000 Off Your School Loans For Healthcare Profession
Fully trained health professionals who commit to work in a community of great need are eligible to compete for repayment of their loans. In addition to loan repayment, these clinicians receive a competitive salary, some tax relief benefits, and a chance to have a significant impact on a community. Professions needed include: primary care physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, certified nurse midwife, dentist, dental hygienist, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Contact NHSC, 5600 Fishers Lane, Park lawn Building, Rockville, MD 20857; 800-221-9393; http://nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov/join_us/lrp.asp

Rural Physicians Obtain $17,000 Per Year Of Loan Forgiveness
The Rural Physician Loan Forgiveness Program is offered to primary care medical residents who plan to practice full-time in a designated rural area in Minnesota. During each year that a participant serves as a physician in a designated rural area for a minimum of 30 hours per week for up to four years, the ORHPC will pay directly to the participant an annual lump sum (approximately $17,000). Contact Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, Attn: Loan Forgiveness Program Officer, P.O. Box 64975, St. Paul, MN 55164-0975; 651-201-3870; http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/cfh/orhpc/loan/ruralphys.htm

$60,000 Repayment to Doctors for Education Loans
The Connecticut State Loan Repayment Program (CSLRP) offers repayment of educational loans in exchange for a period of employment as a significant incentive for eligible clinicians to work in Community Health Centers. Contact: Public Health Initiatives Branch, 410 Capitol Ave, MS#11BCH, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134; 860-509-7655; http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3137&q=388042

$105,000 for Health Professionals to Pay Off School Loans
The Delaware State Loan Repayment Program offers help with student loan repayment to health professionals who sign a contract to practice in an underserved area of the state for a minimum of two years. Contact Loan Repayment Coordinator, Delaware Health Care Commission, Haslet Armory, Suite 202, 122 William Penn Street, Dover, DE 19901; 302-672-5187; http://dhcc.delaware.gov/information/dimer.shtml

Get Your Loans Repaid
Loan repayment and loan forgiveness programs to help ensure a stable and adequate supply of health care professionals to meet the health care needs of Vermonters. The loan repayment program includes support for primary care physicians, primary care non-physician providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants and dentists. Contact Denis Barton, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, Vermont 05402-0070; 802-951-4006; http://healthvermont.gov/local/rural/rural_health.aspx

85% of Your Nursing Students Loans Gone!
The Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program repays 60% of the qualifying loan balance of registered nurses selected for funding in exchange for two years of service at a critical shortage facility. Contact: Health Resources & Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857; 877-464-4772; http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/loanrepay.htm

Career Changing Opportunity
The Transition to Teaching program supports the recruitment and retention of highly qualified mid-career professionals, including qualified paraprofessionals, and recent college graduates who have not majored in education to teach in high-need schools and districts through the development of new or enhanced alternative routes to certification. Transition to Teaching encourages the development and expansion of alternative routes to certification that enable individuals to be eligible for teacher certification within a reduced period of time. To find a program near you contact your Board of Education, State Board of Education (which can be found at www.govengine.com), or U.S. Department of Education, OII, Teacher Quality Programs, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Room 4W302, FB-6, Washington, DC 20202-5960; 202-260-0223; http://www.ed.gov/programs/transitionteach/index.html

Need To Teach Now?
The National Center for Alternative Certification is a one-stop comprehensive clearinghouse for information on just this topic! They can tell you where programs are located, what you need to have to qualify, what your state’s requirements are, and more. Contact National Center for Alternative Certification, 1901 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 201, Washington, DC 20006; 202-822-8280; www.teach-now.org

Do You Want To Teach In DC?
If you have your teaching certificate, they have loan deferments and cancellation benefits, housing assistance for those that want to be homeowners (up to $10,000!), and more. If you don’t have your certificate, you can get it for free at Howard University with a service commitment to teach in DC. If you have your Bachelor’s degree and no teaching certificate, you can get a provisional license or you can join the DC Teaching Fellows program which allows for an alternative certification. Contact District of Columbia Public Schools, 825 North Capitol Street, NE - 6th Floor, OHR, Washington, DC 20002; 202-442-5411 or 202-442-5384; http://www.teachdc.org/

$5,000 Forgivable Loan $$$$$$
This program offers forgivable loans to assist and encourage promising engineering graduate students to pursue careers in teaching at the college level. Upon completion of the doctoral degree, one year’s loan will be forgiven for each year the recipient teaches. Contact SAE Washington Office, 1828 L Street NW, Suite 905, Washington, DC 20036; 202-463-7318; http://students.sae.org/awdscholar/loans/doctoral/

100% Student Loan Forgiveness!!
If you are a teacher and have served full-time in a public or non-profit elementary or secondary school system as a teacher in a school serving students from low-income families; or special-education teacher, including teachers of infants, toddlers, children, or youth with disabilities; or teacher in the fields of mathematics, science, foreign languages, or bilingual education, or in any other field determined to have a shortage, you may qualify for cancellation of up to 100 percent of a Federal Perkins Loan. Contact The Office of Federal Student Aid, Federal Perkins Loan Teacher Cancellation Program, Union Center Plaza, 8 31st Street, Washington D.C. 20202; 800-433-3243; http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/cancelperk.jsp?tab=repaying

$5,000 Student Loan Forgiveness
Up to $5,000 of your Stafford Loans cancelled if you are teaching in a low-income school and you are a new borrower. You must work as a full-time teacher for five consecutive years in an elementary or secondary school that has been designated as a “low-income” school. Contact The Office of Federal Student Aid Federal Perkins Loan Teacher Cancellation Program, Union Center Plaza, 8 31st Street, Washington D.C. 20202; 800-433-3243; http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/cancelstaff.jsp?tab=repaying

$5,000 For Minority Teachers!!!
Receive up to $5,000 annually if you are an African-American, Asian-American, Native American, or Hispanic college junior or senior working toward teacher certification. Participants must teach 3 or 5 years in Arkansas to have the amount received forgiven. For more information, contact the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, 114 East Capitol Ave, Attn: Minority Teachers Scholarship, Little Rock, AR 72201; 501-371-2050, 800-54-STUDY; www.arkansashighered.com/mteachers.html; http://www.arkansashighered.com/pdfs/FAApplications/MTSP%20Application2007.pdf

6 Free Housing Books

*A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Settlement Costs
*Home Mortgages: Understanding the Process and Your Right to Fair Lending
*Looking for the Best Mortgage: Shop, Compare, Negotiate
*Consumer Handbook on Adjustable Rate Mortgages
*A Consumer’s Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins
*Foreclosure Resources for Consumers
For your copies, contact Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Publications Fulfillment, MS-127, Washington, DC 20551; 202-452-3245; Fax: 202-728-5886; www.federalreserve.gov/.

Free Legal Help for Renters and Home Buyers
It is illegal for landlords, realtors, bankers and others to discriminate against you because of your race, religion, sex, family status, or handicap. Landlords also have rules to follow in dealing with you as a tenant. With the proper free help you can find out how to:

• Stop paying the rent if your toilet does not work.
• Get the government to sue your landlord for discriminating against your child.
• Break a lease and not pay a penalty.
• Get your eviction stopped.
• Force a bank to give you a loan for a new home.
• Get your landlord to widen your doorways to fit your wheelchair.
• Get a third party to fight your landlord for you.

To file a complaint or to learn more about your rights in dealing with landlords and people in the housing industry, contact any of the following:

-Your state housing office
-Your state Attorney Generals office
-Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Room 5204, 451 Seventh St, SW, Washington, DC 20410; 800-669-9777; www.hud.gov/complaints/housediscrim.cfm There are no income requirements.

The Government Owes You Money

Find out if there is hidden money for you at these government offices: National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, P.O. Box 7156, Bismarck, ND 58507; www.unclaimed.org; contact the IRS at 800-829-1040; www.irs.gov; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, P.O. Box 23699, Washington, DC 20026; www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/comp/refunds/index.cfm; Veterans Affairs at 800-827-1000; www.va.gov; or Social Security at 800-772-1213; www.ssa.gov. There are no income requirements.

Free Credit Repair

The Federal Trade Commission has many publications to get you on the road to good credit and can also tell you your rights in dealing with collection agencies. Contact Public Reference, Room 130, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580; 877-FTC-HELP; www.ftc.gov; Get free counseling by contacting one of these non-profits: National Foundation for Credit Counseling, 801 Roeder Rd., Suite 900, Silver Spring, MD 20910; 800-388-2227; www.nfcc.org; or Credit Counseling Center of America, P.O. Box 830489, Richardson, TX 75083; 800-493-2222; www.cccamerica.org. There are no income requirements.

How To Get Good Credit Counseling
The credit counseling business has become a very profitable business and you have to be careful in choosing someone to help you with your debt problems. Just because they seem nice it does not mean you are getting the best you can. And just because they say they are a non-profit organization, it does not mean that they have your interest in mind. There are no income requirements.

Contact one or both of these organizations that can recommend reputable counseling services: Neighborhood Works Agencies http://www.nw.org/network/Utilities/NWOLookup.asp; U.S. HUD approved counseling agencies http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm You can also check complaints against counseling agencies by contacting both of these offices Better Business Bureau in the city or state the counseling agency has it’s headquarters- http://lookup.bbb.org/ Investigate complaints at the state Attorney General’s Office in the state the counseling agencies has it’s headquarters- http://www.naag.org/attorneys_general.php You can also contact the Federal Trade Commission for information and publications at 877-FTC-HELP; www.ftc.gov

When All Else Fails

Do you feel you were mistreated by a service person? This issue and more are handled by the agency or board that licenses that particular profession. Ask your state Attorney General’s Office who regulates the organization that is mistreating you. Find your state’s office at http://www.naag.org/attorneys_general.php There are no income requirements.

Contact The Government
Your Senator and Congressman’s offices have case managers whose job is to cut red tape and push your case through quickly. Whether it is passport assistance, help with Social Security or Veterans Affairs, ore more, Your government representative can help. Contact your Senators (www.senate.gov) or your Congressman (www.house.gov) to get help. There are no income requirements.

Legal Help At 75% Discount

The only things a paralegal can’t do that a lawyer can, is give legal advice and represent you in court. That means they can file uncontested divorce papers, family court petitions, wills and probate, power of attorney, bankruptcy, and more. Contact National Federal of Paralegal Associations, 2517 Eastlake Ave., E, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98102; 206-652-4120; www.paralegals.org; http://www.paralegals.org/associations/2270/files/rplist.cfm There are no income requirements.

Free Lawyers For Seniors
The Senior Legal Hotlines are supported by non-profit organizations that offer legal advice over the telephone. Most offer this advice and guidance for free to those 60 and over. Income requirements vary from place to place. To see if there is a hotline located near you and the services they provide contact Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116; http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare/Public/Home.asp

Free Help Collecting Child Support
The Association for Children for Enforcement and Support works to improve child support enforcement. They have information and services, and will even contact officials on your behalf. Contact ACES, 3474 Raymont Blvd., 2^nd Floor, University Heights, OH 44118; 800-738-2237; www.childsupport-aces.org There are no income requirements.

Fight For Your Veterans Benefits

Through low cost publications, training courses, and other services, the National Veterans Legal Services Program has been helping veterans get their due. Current publications include VA Claims, Agent Orange, Veterans Family Benefits, Veterans Benefits Manual, The Veteran’s Advocate, Basic Training Correspondence Course, and other self help guides. Contact: National Veterans Legal Services Program, P.O. Box 65762, Washington, DC 20035; 202-265-8305; www.nvlsp.org There are no income requirements.

Free Lawyers

Legal Services Corporation offers free legal help around the country for families with income requirements which go up to about $25,000 for a family of 4. Contact Legal Services Corp., 333 K St., NW, 3^rd Floor, Washington, DC 2007; 202-295-1500; www.lsc.gov Many lawyers work pro bono depending upon your situation. Find your State Bar Association by calling your state capitol operator at 411 or the American Bar Association, 321 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610; 312-988-5000; http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/probono/

Get $1,000 From Your Bill Collectors

There is little incentive for debt collectors to follow the rules they have to follow. They can’t give false information about you to anyone. They cannot threaten you or say you will be arrested, your wages or property will be attached or you will suffer a lawsuit. They cannot call you before 8am or after 9pm and there are ways to stop them from calling. For more information contact the U.S. Federal Trade Commission 1-877-FTC-HELP or go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fdc.htm There are no income requirements.

Fight Your Bank, Credit Card Company, Mortgage Company
You need to know who to contact if you have issues regarding your financial situation. For banks with the work “National” in their names contact Comptroller of the Currency, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1301 McKinney St., Suite 3450, Houston, TX 77010; 800-613-6743; www.occ.treas.gov. FDIC-Insured Banks contact Office of Consumer Affairs, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17^th St., NW, Room F-130, Washington, DC 20429; 202-736-0000; 800-934-3342; www.fdic.gov. For Savings and Loans contact Office of Thrift Supervision, U.S. Department of Treasury, 1700 G St., NW, Washington, DC 20552; 202-906-6000; 800-842-6929; www.ots.treas.gov. Contact your State Banking Authority at http://library.hsh.com/?row_id=67 There are no income requirements.

"WOW!...The Government Will Pay My Mortgage"

There are now programs that will make your mortgage payments for you when you get into financial trouble. For example, Pennsylvania law, 35 P.S. § 1680.401 et seq., states it will provide "mortgage assistance payments to homeowners who are in danger of losing their homes through foreclosure and through no fault of their own and who have a reasonable prospect of resuming mortgage payments within the prescribed time frame." Pennsylvania calls it the "Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program." To find out if there are programs in your area contact the local HUD approved Housing Counseling agency at 1-800-569-4287; www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcc_home.cfm Income requirements vary.

Foreclosure Help
Contact the Home Ownership Preservation Foundation at 888-995-HOPE; www.995HOPE.org which is part of neighborhood Works Center for Foreclosure Solutions. This is a non-profit organization who have trained foreclosure prevention counselors on staff who will help homeowners with budgeting help, a written financial plan, assistance in contacting the lender, and referrals to other resources. This hotline is available 24/7 and counselors answer the phone. The Neighborhood Works program also has over 200 sites across the country where you can learn about pre-purchase counseling, home repair programs, and more. You can check them out at http://www.nw.org/network/home.asp There are no income requirements.

Refinance Made Easy
The Federal Housing Administration will help an estimated 240,000 families avoid foreclosure by enhancing its refinancing program. FHASecure will allow families with strong credit histories who had been making timely mortgage payments before their loans reset-but are now in default- to qualify for refinancing. This program is effective immediately. FHASecure is designed for families who are good credit risks but were steered into high-cost loans with teaser rates. For more information call the Federal Home Administration at 800-CALL-FHA or www.fha.gov There are no income requirements.

Pay Your Mortgage, Downpayment, or Closing Costs
Trouble in the house? HUD may be able to help. HUD provides a list of housing counseling agencies that can give you advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues, and working with lenders. To find a counseling agency near you contact Housing Counseling Clearinghouse at 800-569-4287; http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcc_home.cfm There are no income requirements.

Help With Buying A Home
Never owned a home or haven’t for at least three years? Or are you recently on your own due to a divorce? You are considered a first-time homeowner and qualify for special programs offered from your state housing finance agency. Many offer low-interest, help with down payments, homeownership counseling, and more. To locate your state housing finance agency go to www.govengine.com and click on your state of go to the National Council of State Housing Agencies at: http://www.ncsha.org/section.cfm/4/39/187 There are no income requirements.

Get $1,000 From Your Bill Collectors
There is little incentive for debt collectors to follow the rules they have to follow. They can’t give false information about you to anyone. They cannot threaten you or say you will be arrested, your wages or property will be attached or you will suffer a lawsuit. They cannot call you before 8am or after 9pm and there are ways to stop them from calling. For more information contact the U.S. Federal Trade Commission 1-877-FTC-HELP or go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fdc.htm There are no income requirements.

Fight Your Bank, Credit Card Company, Mortgage Company
You need to know who to contact if you have issues regarding your financial situation. For banks with the work “National” in their names contact Comptroller of the Currency, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1301 McKinney St., Suite 3450, Houston, TX 77010; 800-613-6743; www.occ.treas.gov. FDIC-Insured Banks contact Office of Consumer Affairs, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17^th St., NW, Room F-130, Washington, DC 20429; 202-736-0000; 800-934-3342; www.fdic.gov. For Savings and Loans contact Office of Thrift Supervision, U.S. Department of Treasury, 1700 G St., NW, Washington, DC 20552; 202-906-6000; 800-842-6929; www.ots.treas.gov. Contact your State Banking Authority at http://library.hsh.com/?row_id=67 There are no income requirements.

$100,000 To Become A Freelancer Working From Your Kitchen Table

There are free offices around the country that will help any freelancer get government contracts. The government buys: legal services, web design, aerobic instructors, landscaping, cleaning, and even stand-up comics. Contact the state Office of Economic Development located in your state capital or your local Procurement Assistance Office who can match the product or service you are selling with the appropriate agency, and then help you market your wares effectively. To find the office nearest you, contact Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Office, Cameron Station, Room 4B110, Defense Logistics Agency, Alexandria, VA 22304; 703-767-1661; http://www.dla.mil/db/procurem.htm.

A Drug Sniffing Dog Of Your Own

Customs’ Canine Enforcement Program (CEP) narcotic detector dogs are taught to detect concealed narcotics, such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and other dangerous substances. Some dogs are trained to detect either currency, concealed humans, agriculture products or dangerous materials that could be used by terrorists. The CEP employs dogs as long as they can successfully perform and meet workload requirements. The service career of a detector dog will typically last no longer than eight years. Upon retirement, their handlers usually adopt the dogs or a good home is found for the animal. For more information contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20229; 202-354-1000; http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/canines/

$2,000 Off Your Dental Bills

There are close to 60 dental schools in the country that offer quality care at a fraction of the cost of private dentists. Sure you get a senior student, but you also get a professor who is better than most private practitioners. Most also offer payment plans. For a school near you go to: http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/programs/search_ddsdmd_us.asp Also, the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped started the Donated Dental Services program to help disabled and elderly persons who are low-income by matching them with volunteer dentists. To learn where services are located in your area, contact National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, 1800 15th St., Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202; 303-534-5360, Fax: 303-534-5290; www.nfdh.org. Income requirements vary.

$15,000 Grant for Owners or Developers in Small Towns to Fix-Up Their Homes

The Housing Preservation Grants program provides funds to repair or rehabilitate individual housing, rental properties, or co-ops owned and/or occupied by very low- and low-income rural persons. Assistance is also available to rental property owners to repair and rehabilitate their units providing they agree to make such units available to very low- and low-income families. (10.433 Rural Housing Preservation Grants) Contact your state, area or local Rural Development office or contact Multi-Family Housing, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250; 202-690-1533; www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Free Legal Help To Fight The IRS

The Tax Advocate Service (TAS) helps individuals and business taxpayers resolve their IRS tax problems. This service is designed to help taxpayers who are facing hardships or economic burden that have been unable to resolve their problem through normal channels. For more information, contact: Office of the National Taxpayer Advocate, 1111 Constitution Ave., NW, Room 3031, Washington, DC 20224; 202-622-4300; 877-777-4778; Fax: 202-622-4778; www.irs.gov/advocate. There are no income requirements.

$25,000 for your Jazz Band to Perform Overseas

The Rhythm Road - American Music Abroad program presents selected professional American performers of jazz and urban music styles on concert tours in countries where there is limited exposure to live American culture. In addition to public performances, they may conduct workshops and master classes. Contact Cultural Programs Division, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 301 4th St. SW, Room 568, Washington, DC 20547; 202‑203-7523; Fax: 202-619-7525; http://exchanges.state.gov/education/citizens/culture/performing/index.htm.

Grants for Alzheimer Caregivers

If you are a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s or memory disorder patient in Vermont, you may be eligible for a grant to pay for adult day care or a private caregiver, take a short respite, or pay for housekeeping. Income requirements vary. Contact Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont, 56 Main St., Springfield, VT 05156; 802-885-2655; http://www.vermontel.net/~coasevt/caregiver_respite.html. For programs in other areas of Vermont or other states contact your state office on aging by going to http://www.aoa.gov/eldfam/How_To_Find/Agencies/Agencies.asp or by calling the Eldercare Hotline at 1-800-677-1666. Income requirements vary.

Two Weeks Free Travel on a Government Weather Ship

Teachers from elementary to college can climb aboard a NOAA research and survey ship to work under the tutelage of knowledgeable scientists and crew. Teachers can gain first hand knowledge to help enrich their classrooms. Teachers may choose from one of 18 ships that conduct a variety of scientific research. Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, Education and Teacher at Sea Program Manager, 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910; 301-713-7610; http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov/

$10,000 Bonus To Teach If You’re A Vet

Troops to Teacher’s primary objective is to help recruit military personnel to become teachers for schools that serve low-income families. Financial assistance may be provided to eligible individuals as stipends up to $5,000 to help pay for teacher certification costs or as bonuses of $10,000. Stipend and bonus recipients must agree to teach for three years in school locations that meet certain Department of Education criteria. No income eligibility requirement. Contact DANTES Troops to Teachers, 6490 Saufley Field Road, Pensacola, FL 32509-5243; 850-452-1241; 800-231-6242; http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/troopstoteachers/index.asp?Flag=True

$12 Million To Start A Real Big Business

The government offers venture capital through the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC). Over 75,000 entrepreneurs received money from this source to get their dreams off the ground, including the big guys like Compaq, Apple, Federal Express and Staples. See how they can help you at Investment Division, U.S. SBA, 202-205-6510 or http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/inv/index.html. Many states also have venture capital programs. There is no income eligibility. Contact your State Government Office of Economic Development located in your state capital. Go to www.govengine.com and click on your state and find the office that is listed under business and/or economic development

Free Meals for Seniors

People 60 and over who are homebound because of illness, incapacity, or disability or who are otherwise isolated can receive hot meals delivered to their home. There is no income requirement. Contact your local area agency on aging or your state Department on Aging to learn who you need to contact in your area. You can also contact the Eldercare Locator hotline at 800-677-1116 for more assistance.

$75,000 for Businesses Hurt by Imports

Through Trade Adjustment Assistance, the Economic Department Administration uses a national network of twelve Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers to help manufacturers and producers affected by increased imports prepare and implement strategies to guide their economic recovery. Contact your local regional EDA office or the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, 1401Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20230; http://www.eda.gov/.

$5,000 to Pay Travel Costs when Studying Overseas

The Council on International Education Exchange offers grants for students to help pay travel costs and studying in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa. Students must demonstrate academic preparation and financial need. Grants are generally around $1,000 to $5,000. Contact Council on International Educational Exchange, 30o Fore St., Portland, ME 04101; 800-40-Study or 207-553-7600; Fax: 207-553-7699; www.ciee.org

$14,000 To Learn To Operate A Business

If you are out of work, you may be able to get money to live on as well as money to pay for entrepreneur training in order to run your own business. Each state has different rules and the main idea is that they have money for you to train to get a better job along with money to live on while you are training. And your new job can be starting your own business. These programs are run through your state One-Stop Career Center. You can find your local office by calling 411 and asking for the state capital operator in your state capital. Ask for your local "One –Stop Career Center. Or call 877-US2-JOBS; http://www.careeronestop.org/

$25,000 to Start a Business in the Middle East

Though the Middle East Partnership Initiative’s Small Grants Program, grass-roots Middle Eastern companies can get up to $25,000 in funding. Contact Middle East Partnership Initiative, U.S. Department of State, Harry S. Truman Building, NEA/PI, 2201 C Street, NW Rm. 6258, Washington, DC 20520; 202-776-8570; http://www.mepi.state.gov/ or http://mepi.state.gov/28088.htm#mepisgrants.

Buy a HUD-Foreclosed Multi-Family Property

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sometimes needs to sell multi-family housing projects it owns or are subject to a mortgage held by the Department. The property can also be sold with a grant for the rehabilitation of the property if the new owners meet certain requirements. (14.199 Multifamily Property Disposition) To learn about possible foreclosure sales, contact a Realtor or Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Housing, Multifamily Housing Programs, Office of Asset Management, Room 6160, 451 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410; http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mfh/pd/multifam.cfm

$100,000 To Sell Your Food Product Overseas

The purpose of this program is to develop, maintain and expand long-term export markets for U.S. agricultural products. Funding from this program may be used for trade servicing, market research and technical assistance to actual or potential foreign purchasers of U.S. commodities. For more information on the program (10.600 Foreign Market Development Cooperation Program) contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Deputy Administrator, Commodity and Marketing Programs, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250; 202-720-4761; www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/fmdprogram.asp

$25,000 for Elementary School Teachers

The H. E. Butt Grocery Company makes charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations involved with arts and culture, education, food distribution, recreation, economic development, and to food banks. It also awards 30 grants ($1,000 to $25,000) to K-12 teachers whose leadership and dedication inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. Teachers must meet certain guidelines including currently teaching in the H-E-B service area. Contact H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, 6929 Airport Boulevard, Suite 176, Austin, TX 78752; 210-938-8357; 800-432-3113; http://www.heb.com/aboutHEB/HH.jsp

Free or Low Cost Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling & Treatment

Georgia provides outpatient counseling services, short-term residential programs, and even student assistance programs. Florida provides substance abuse treatment programs through a partnership with not-for-profit community providers. Contact your state Department of Health to see what your state has to offer. Income requirements vary from program to program. National Drug and Treatment Routing Service, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5635 Fishers Lane, MSC 9304, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9304; 800-662-HELP; http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/. The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, 11420 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20852; 800-729-6686 24 hours a day; 800-487-4889 TDD; http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/.

Free Lawyers for Millionaires To Collect Child Support

No matter what your income, you can get the most powerful organization in the world, your government, to fight for you to:

1. Establish paternity;
2. Set up a court order for child support;
3. Track down a missing parent and collect your child support;
4. Get the courts to adjust child support orders when circumstances change.

Contact your state Child Support Enforcement Office, or contact Office of Child Support Enforcement, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Washington, DC 20447; 202-401-9383; www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse/.

Live in A Country Inn For Free

Through the Resident-Curatorship Program people can sometimes enter into a lease agreement with a state to restore the historic property and maintain it in good condition in exchange for living in the property in a lifetime leasehold. That means no mortgage payment and no property taxes, but you must have the funds to restore the home. Resident-Curator programs have been established in Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, and Vermont (Pennsylvania is in discussion on the program). To learn more about the program or to see if your state may offer this service contact your state Department of Natural Resources which can found at www.govengine.com or the State Historic Preservation Office at http://www.nationaltrust.org/help/statewide_org.asp

$657 Million Available in Uncollected Child Support

The government has been very successful at collecting child support money from deadbeat spouses’ tax returns and other sources, but families are not getting this money. The government is sitting on it waiting for custodial parents to call. There are no income requirements. For the national office contact Office of Child Support Enforcement, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC 20447; 202-401-9383; www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse/

$3,000 For Your Boss To Train You

Most every state has grant money to train their workers. Many big businesses take advantage of this, but most small businesses have no idea it’s there. Workers can tell their bosses or prospective employers about this program so they can get the job they want or the raise they deserve. There are no income requirements. To contact the national office or to find your local one-stop career centers in your area contact: Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-5426, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210; 202-693-3580; 877-US2-JOBS; One-Stop Career Center Locator at http://www.servicelocator.org/

25 Million Seniors and Doctors Are Unaware Of Free Health Services

Nine out of ten seniors visit a doctor once a year but don’t know that Medicare will cover immunizations for Influenza, Hepatitis B, and Pneumococcal, as well as screenings for cervical cancer (pap smear), breast cancer (mammography), vaginal cancer (pelvic exam), colorectal cancer (fecal-occult blood test), colorectal cancer (flexible sigmiodoscopy or colonoscopy), osteoporosis (bone mass measurement), prostate cancer (prostate specific antigen test and/or digital rectal examination), and glaucoma.
There is no income eligibility with Medicare.

$8,000 To Train For A New Job

Those looking for work can apply for money and re-training under the Economic Dislocation and Worker Adjustment Assistance Act. The program is administered by each state, and differs from state to state. To contact the national office or to find your local one-stop career center in your area contact: Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-5426, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210; 202-693-3580; 877-US2-JOBS; One-Stop Career Center Locator at http://www.servicelocator.org/

Get $3,000 Worth Of Free Tutoring For Your Child

The President’s “No Child Left Behind” offers free tutoring from private companies to school children around the country. New York estimates that only 10,000 of the 240,000 eligible children have applied for the program. Your child is generally eligible if they receive free or reduced priced school lunch. Contact your local school board or http://www.nochildleftbehind.gov/parents/supplementalservices/index.html

400 Organizations Help Low-Income People Start a Business

Members of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity provide free and low-cost assistance and training, as well as financial assistance, to underserved populations who want to start a business including “people with low incomes and welfare recipients.” Contact Association for Enterprise Opportunity, 1601 North Kent Street, Suite 1101, Arlington, VA 22209, 703-841-7760, Fax: 703-841-7748, Email: aeo@assoceo.org, www.microenterpriseworks.org; http://www.microenterpriseworks.org/index.asp?bid=282

Volunteers Will Fix-Up Your (or Your Mom’s) Home for Free

Many service organizations have organized community service days, where the town is beautified along with certain homes in need of repair. Christmas in April is a national organization with over 185 affiliates that gather together volunteers to help rehabilitate the homes of low-income homeowners. The work is done for free with the goal being to provide a safe and secure home for those in need. Contact your city government, your county government, your local community development office, or Rebuilding Together http://www.rebuildingtogether.org to learn about local programs.

Free Money For Members of Armed Services and Vets to Pay Bills

Members of the armed services and their families can contact the Red Cross for help in cases of emergency. Services they can provide include communicating with family members, emergency financial assistance, counseling and more. Contact the American Red Cross National Headquarters, 2025 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20006; 202-303-4498; http://www.redcross.org/services/afes/0,1082,0_321_,00.html

$3 For Every $1 Dollar You Save

Individual Development Accounts are designed to help low-income people save for a down payment, college, or a small business, and funds are matched with one dollar from the government and one dollar from private funds. A short course on money management is usually required. Income eligibility varies, although generally a family of 4 can make $40,000. To learn more about the program or to see what may be available in your community, contact Corporation for Enterprise Development, 777 N. Capitol St., NE, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20002; 202-408-9788; http://www.cfed.org/focus.m?parentid=31&siteid=374&id=374.

Free Mammograms And Breast And Cervical Cancer Treatment

The Centers for Disease Control will spend about $200 million a year to maintain a state-by-state program to establish greater access to screening and follow-up services. To find the program contact for your state, go to http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/npcr/contacts.asp. Most states have the following requirements: women starting at 40 or 50 years old, are underinsured or have no insurance, and have income below a certain level (usually $46,000 for a family of 4). Most states include: breast and cervical cancer screening, mammograms, treatment if diagnosed with cancer, breast reconstruction or prosthesis. Contact your county office of public health listed in your telephone book or your state Department of Health. Also contact the main office of this program at Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, MS K-64, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, 770-488-4751; 888-842-6355; Fax: 770-488-4760; www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/

$500 To Stop Utility Cut Offs

Many programs help people financially and legally from having their utilities turned off. To find programs you may qualify for in your area you must search: 1) your city or township government, 2) your county government, and 3) local non-profit agencies and local development corporations. Make sure you check with all of the following offices for help in locating appropriate organizations in your area: 1) your local library, 2) your local elected officials, 3) your local United Way, and 4) all housing agencies in your area. Local government offices can be identified at www.govengine.com; your local United Way at http://national.unitedway.org/myuw/; and your local community action agency at http://www.communityactionpartnership.com/ Income requirements vary for agency to agency.

Emergency Rent Money

Close to half the states offer some type of emergency assistance to help prevent homelessness. These programs sometimes focus on exclusively on families or those of very low-income. Who operates these programs also varies from place to place, as do income eligibility requirements. You should check your local Social Services Department, local housing programs, or with the welfare office or local community action agency http://www.communityactionpartnership.com/

$27,500 In Grants and Loans to Fix Up Your Home

The Section 504 Rural Housing Repair and Loan program provides low interest long-term loans (up to $20,000) and grants (up to $7,500) help low-income homeowners in rural areas to repair, improve, or modernize their dwellings or to remove health and safety hazards. Income eligibility requirements go up to 50% of median family income- about $31,366. Grant funds are only available to homeowners aged 62 or older. For the national office contact Single-Family Housing Processing Division, Rural Housing Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250; 202-720-1474; http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/common/program_info.htm#SFH

$2,800 To Pay Your Heating Bill

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers heating and cooling subsidies and energy crisis intervention to assist in weather-related or fuel supply shortages and household energy-related emergencies, such as utility shutoffs. Income eligibility requirements go up to $36,137 for a family of 4. For the national office contact Office of Community Services, Division of Energy Assistance, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW, 5th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447; 866-674-6327; www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/liheap

Free Health Insurance

Medicaid helps low income people pay for medical bills, doctor visits, and even prescription drugs. This program covers approximately 40 million individuals including children, the aged, blink and/or disabled, and those who are eligible for federally assisted income maintenance payments. Each State establishes their own eligibility standards and administers their own program. Contact your state department of health located in your state capitol to learn more. You can find the office at www.govengine.com

Families Receive Cash, Child Care, Transportation, Health Care & Job Training

Under a program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), low income families with children are eligible for a full range of cash and services to help them become strong and economically self reliant. Income eligibility requirements go up to $9,708 for a family of 4. Contact your local Social Services office. For the national office contact Administration for Children & Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW, Washington, DC 20201; http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofa/

Free Speech Therapy for Toddlers

Your child can be tested to see if any speech problems are developing and even get free speech therapy. The U.S. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) assures that children in need receive special education beginning on their third birthday, and in some states, it starts at age two. Check local school district or your state Department of Education. Contact Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202; 202-245-7468; www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html. (Income Eligibility: Family of 4 - $29,500. This varies from county to county so you must check with your local office to determine eligibility.)

$2,826 to Pay Your Insulation Bills

As many as 20-30 million people are eligible to receive storm windows, insulation, and even weather-stripping that can help reduce their heating and cooling bills through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance program. Preference is given to persons over 60, those with disabilities and families with children. Apply through your state weatherization agency. Income eligibility requirements go up to $30,975 for a family of 4. Contact Weatherization Assistance Programs Branch, EE44, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20585; 877-337-3463; http://www.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/

$1,800 Food Money for Women & Children

The Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program provides nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care. WIC foods include iron-fortified infant formula and infant cereal, iron-fortified adult cereal, vitamin C-rich fruit and/or vegetable juice, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, dried beans or peas, tuna fish and carrots. A WIC Farmer’s Market Program is also available. Income eligibility goes up to $38,203 for a family of 4. For the national office contact WIC, www.fns.usda.gov/fns/ For information on how to apply, go to http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/

$1,200/Month In Day Care Money While You Look For Work

The Child Care and Development Block Grant gives money to states to help families meet their child care needs. Parents may choose from a variety of child care providers, including center-based, family child care and in-home care, care provided by relatives, and even sectarian child care providers. You can even get money to start a day care center! Income eligibility requirements vary by state, but go up to $37,080 for a family of 4. For the National Office contact National Child Care Information Center, 243 Church Street, NW, Vienna, VA 22180; 800-616-2242; http://nccic.org

$6,000/Yr to Pay for Groceries

Government studies show that over 16 million families are eligible for this money, but are not applying. Income eligibility requirements go up to $26,856 for a family of 4. For the national Food Stamp Program office contact U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Ctr., Dr., Park Office Center Bldg., Alexandria, VA 22302; 703-305-2276; http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/

$5,000 Worth of Free Health Care for Kids

There are over 6 million families who are eligible and don’t apply for this program that gives free health care services for kids. Almost every state now has a Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIPS), which extends medical coverage to many children. Income eligibility requirements can go up to $60,000 for a family of 4. For more information on a national level call 877-KIDS-NOW; 877-543-7669 or go to www.insurekidsnow.gov

Save $120 On Your Phone Bill

Under the Federal Communication Commission's Link-Up American and Lifeline programs, low-income households seeking telephone service are give a 50% discount on local connection charges, and may be able to pay installment payments on the remaining charges. You may also receive discounts up to $10 per month on the phone line charges. Income requirements go up to $27,878 for a family of 4. Contact your local phone company or check out the FCC at http://www.lifeline.gov/lifeline_Consumers.html or apply at http://www.lifelinesupport.org/li/low-income/lifelinesupport/browser/

3.5 Million Families Can Get A Check for Up To $4,536

You can make up to $38,348 and still be eligible for an IRS Tax Credit. This is better than a refund because they will give it to you even if you don’t pay any taxes. Get the free publication called IRS Publication 596, Earned Income Tax Credit by calling 1–800–829–3676 or go to www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p596.pdf. Free tax services are available for incomes up to $35,000 from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). To find your local VITA program contact your local public library or your Congressman's office at www.congress.org. You can also try the IRS hotline at 1-800-TAX-1040; or see www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=119845,00.html

Free Health Care When You Have No Insurance Coverage

Healthcare centers around the country offer everything from mental health to dental services. Each facility has different income requirements, normally on a sliding scale. Contact Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; http://www.ask.hrsa.gov/pc/

Free Dental Care for Kids

Many dentists will provide free dental care, according to an American Dental Association survey that states, '75% of its members provide charitable care.' You can find free dental services offered in your state at www.prnewswire.com/mnr/ada/10357. Just click on your state. Many Dental Colleges offer reduced fee dental and orthodontic work. Income requirements vary. Check out schools near you at American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-2678; 312-440-2500; http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/programs/search_ddsdmd_us.asp

Extra $1,122 For Seniors and Disabled

Singles making up to $14,028 and couples up to $18,732 are eligible for $1,122 extra in their Social Security check. That’s how much the government deducts for Medicare Part B payments. There are three programs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries Plan, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries Plan and Qualified Individual. For the national office contact Medicare Hotline at 800-MEDICARE or go to www.medicare.gov. Request information about Medicare Savings Programs by getting the publication, “Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare.”

Up To $10,700/Yr If You Can't Work Because Of A Disability

You must have worked in a job covered by Social Security and have a medical condition covered by Social Security’s definition of a disability that can keep you out of work for at least one year. There are no income requirements. To apply 1-800-772-1213 or go to http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/adult.htm

Up To $10,400/Yr For Seniors

Seniors over 65 or blind or disabled with incomes up to $9,400 can qualify for Supplemental Security Income. They must meet certain income requirements, although there are many exemptions and deductions. Thousands of people qualify, but don’t apply. To apply call 1-800-772-1213 or go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/index.htm

Make $40,000 & Get Free Prescription Drugs

Valium, Prozac, and Dilantin are just a few of the medications you can get FREE directly from the drug companies themselves. Each company has separate requirements, some have no income requirements but you must show a need. Your doctor needs to sign a form stating that you cannot afford the drugs that you need. Once the forms are filled out the prescriptions are shipped directly to your doctor’s office. Contact Partnership for Prescription Assistance; 888-4PPA-NOW; https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php

$10,000 For Down Payment, Closing Costs or Rehabilitation

First time single parent home buyers 80% of the median family income (approx $50,000) can apply for grants up to $10,000. Find a local U.S. HUD approved housing counseling agency in your area by calling 1-800-569-4287 or go to http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm. For the national office contact American Dream Downpayment Initiative, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/addi/index.cfm

7 Easy Ways To Save Money On Gas

Teacher Shortage Offers Money For Your New Career

At almost any age, with almost any background you can begin a life in a career where you can do one of the most important jobs in America. And more importantly, teacher jobs are available and there's money and help to get you the education and training to become one.

WE NEED TEACHERS IN AMERICA. Estimates show that over 1 million teachers will be needed over the next decade. Aging baby boomers are retiring in droves and leaving a lot of teaching jobs to fill. Being a teacher is probably one of the last jobs you can count on with a secure pension. There are very few companies that can offer that today. Ask the retirees from General Motors.

Watch this video from MSNBC. It shows what school districts have to resort to fill their positions. Things like 4-day work weeks for Arizona teachers, $14,000 housing allowance to teach in New York, and subsidized rental housing right on school property. Some districts will pay a finders fee for anyone who can bring in a teacher. North Carolina is offering discounts on apartments and gym memberships, and North Dakota is giving teachers hunting rights on private land. Teachers in South Carolina are getting up to $20,000 in signing bonus. Watch the video at: http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-us&brand=msnbc&vid=648f3249-10c9-4aad-867f-aa1d4e56b6ba

Look at this. California says it will need at least 100,000 new teachers over the next 10 years: http://www.teachermagazine.org/tm/articles/2006/04/12/04demand_trends.html

And the U.S. Department of Labor says, 'Job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years will vary from good to excellent, depending on the locality, grade level, and subject taught. Most job openings will result from the need to replace the large number of teachers who are expected to retire over the 2004 - 2014 period.' Take a look at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm

What Is Being A Teacher All About?

You can get a great background report about what teaching is all about by reading the description from the Occupational Outlook Handbook that is published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm

Teacher Shortage A National Problem, Watch MSNBC News Story:http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-us&brand=msnbc&vid=648f3249-10c9-4aad-867f-aa1d4e56b6ba

Getting A Teaching Certificate

Thought about teaching, but don't have a teaching certificate? The Transition to Teaching program supports the recruitment and retention of highly qualified mid-career professionals, including qualified paraprofessionals, and recent college graduates who have not majored in education to teach in high-need schools and districts through the development of new or enhanced alternative routes to certification. The Transition to Teaching grant program is administered by the Office of Innovation and Improvement. Transition to Teaching encourages the development and expansion of alternative routes to certification under state approved programs that enable individuals to be eligible for teacher certification within a reduced period of time, relying on the experience, expertise, and academic qualifications of an individual or other factors in lieu of traditional course work in the field of education. Once placed the teachers are asked to stay three years. These programs are carried out on a national, regional, state, and local level. To find a program near you contact your nearest Board of Education, State Board of Education (which can be found at www.govengine.com ), or you can contact the Office of Innovation and Improvement to see if programs have been awarded approval in your area. Contact U.S. Department of Education, OII, Teacher Quality Programs, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Room 4W302, FB-6, Washington, DC 20202-5960; 202-260-0223; http://www.ed.gov/programs/transitionteach/index.html
Age: 18 and older
Income: None
State: All
Application: varies

Want To Teach Now?

If you want to teach, but don't have your teaching certificate is there another way to go? The National Center for Alternative Certification is a one-stop comprehensive clearinghouse for information on just this topic! They can tell you where programs are located, what you need to have to qualify, what your state's requirements are, and more. To learn more contact National Center for Alternative Certification, 1901 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 201, Washington, DC 20006; 202-822-8280; www.teach-now.org
Age: 18 and older
Income: None
State: All
Application: varies

Get The Money To Do Something Of Real Value

Some people knew they would be teachers from the time they entered kindergarten. Some are mid-career shifters, who are looking for a change. Others are military people who need to find a career that doesn't involve heavy artillery.

Programs exist to help you with loan forgiveness, scholarships for your education, and even information and programs for those who want to take an alternate path to getting certified to teach. There is something for everybody. In addition to all of these, don't forget to check with your state Department for Higher Education to see if they have developed any new teacher training programs or services. These offices can be found at www.govengine.com

Now go out there and lead our future! And look you'll see most of these money programs have NO INCOME REQUIREMENTS.

Programs to Help You Be A Teacher

It is a big world out there and these programs below represent just a fraction of what is available. If you do not find what you need here you can certainly discover many more programs yourself. It may take some work to do something important with your life, so here are some starting places for finding more money programs that can help you live your dreams and contribute to America.

• your state department of education at www.govengine.com
• your U.S. and State Congressman, Senator and other elected officials www.congress.org
• The Foundation Center at http://foundationcenter.org/
• Guidestar at http://www.guidestar.org/
• National Education Association at http://www.nea.org/index.html

Up to $5,000 to Become a Teacher
The Tomorrow's Teachers Scholarship is for those interested in teaching in

Northeast Ohio and already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. The $2,500 renewable scholarship will help pay for those enrolled in a teaching certificate program. You must live in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit or Trumbull counties. You must also meet a financial need requirement (up to $60,000 for a family of 4). For more information contact Cleveland Scholarship Programs, 200 Public Square, Suite 3820, Cleveland, OH 44114; 1-216-241-5587; Fax: 1-216-241-6184; http://www.cspohio.org/csp/Scholarships.aspx
Age: 21 and older
Income: $60,000 for family of 4
State: Ohio
Application: http://www.cspohio.org/csp/Scholarships.aspx

Troops to Teachers
DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) assists eligible members of the armed forces to obtain certification or licensing as elementary school teachers, secondary school teachers, or vocational or technical teachers and to become highly qualified teachers. The program also helps these individuals find employment in high-need local education agencies (LEAs) or charter schools. Stipends of up to $5,000 are given to eligible members of the armed forces so that they can obtain certification or licensing as elementary school teachers, secondary school teachers, or vocational/technical teachers. In lieu of the $5,000 stipends, DANTES may pay $10,000 bonuses to participants who agree to teach in high-poverty schools. A "high-poverty school" is defined as a school where at least 50 percent of the students are from low-income families or the school has a large percentage of students who qualify for assistance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. For more information contact DANTES-TTT, 6490 Saufley Field Rd, Pensacola, FL 32509; 850-452-1111; 800-231-6242; http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/troopstoteachers/index.asp?Flag=True
Age: 21 and older
Income: None
State: All
Application: http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/library/docs/TTT/RegistrationForms.pdf

Troop Spouses to Teachers
Spouses to Teachers is a Department of Defense pilot project designed to assist spouses of active duty and reserve military members to become public school teachers. Spouses to Teachers (STT) is represented in 15 states. The program provides support to spouses of active duty military and Selected Reserves in their pursuit of K-12 teaching positions. Limited funding will be provided to eligible spouses to reimburse the cost of examinations required for state teacher licensure/certification. Maximum available financial assistance is $600 per person. For more information contact DANTES-TTT, 6490 Saufley Field Rd, Pensacola, FL 32509; 850-452-1111; 800-231-6242; www.SpousesToTeachers.com
Age: 21 and older
Income: None
State: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia
Application: http://www.spousestoteachers.com/images/STT_State_Office_Listing.pdf

Teach in NYC
New York has more museums, concerts, sports teams, and culture than any other city in America. It is also a great place to teach! If you are interested in teaching in the city then contact Teach NYC. They offer an incredible wealth of opportunities for those ready to enter the classroom today or for those looking to advance their education degrees, but are lacking the funds to make this dream a reality. Teach NYC offers scholarships for those interested in obtaining their Bachelor's or Master's in certain areas, and these require a service commitment. Helps those in need of state certification by offering scholarships with a service commitment. There is also a Teaching Fellows program for those people interested in teaching but are lacking the certification. This allows for an alternative certification process. For more information contact Teach NYC, The Office for Recruitment, 65 Court Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 800-TEACH-NYC (832-2469); http://schools.nyc.gov/teachnyc/
Age: 18 and older
Income: None
State: All, but you must teach in New York City.
Application: https://www.nycenet.edu/offices/DHR/rms/ext/res/HomeHRMS.aspx

$15,000 To Move To New York City
The Housing Support Program for Mathematics, Science, and Special Education Teachers offers $15,000 for teachers willing to teach in New York City who specialize in those critical teaching shortage areas. There is a three year service commitment. For more information contact New York City Department of Education, Division of Human Resources , Office of Recruitment and Selection Operations, Recruitment Scholarship and Incentive Programs, 65 Court Street, Room 301, Brooklyn, NY 11201; http://www.teachnycprograms.net/hsp/
Age: 21 and older
Income: None
State: All; but you must teach in New York City
Application: http://www.teachnycprograms.net/hsp/

$10,000 & Free Teaching Certificate In DC?
The District of Columbia is making it easy for you. If you have your teaching certificate, they have loan deferments and cancellation benefits, housing assistance for those that want to be homeowners (up to $10,000!), and more. If you don't have your certificate, you can get it for free at Howard University with a service commitment to teach in DC. If you have your Bachelor's degree and no teaching certificate, you can get a provisional license or you can join the DC Teaching Fellows program which allows for an alternative certification. For more information contact District of Columbia Public Schools, 825 North Capitol Street, NE - 6th Floor, OHR, Washington, DC 20002; 202-442-5411 or 202-442-5384; http://www.teachdc.org/
Age: 21 and older
Income: None
State: All, but you must teach in District of Columbia.
Application: http://www.teachdc.org/appprocessoverview.html

Receive $5000 To Help Pay Off Student Loans While Making A Difference
If you are a teacher and have student loans you simply cannot afford, this program is for you. The Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program offers individuals who teach full-time for five consecutive complete academic years, in certain elementary and secondary schools serving low-income families, forgiveness of up to a combined total of $5,000 in principal and interest of their Direct Loan and/or Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFELP) loans. Actually in some cases the amount can go up to $17,500! For more information contact Federal Student Aid Information Center; 800-4FED-AID; http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/deferffel.jsp?tab=repaying
Age: 21 and older
Income: None
State: All
Application: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/deferffel.jsp?tab=repaying

$9,900 Loan Forgiveness Award!!!!
Teachers, are you having a difficult time paying back your student loans? If so the state of Pennsylvania is here to help. The Quality Early Education Loan Forgiveness program offers monthly student loan debt assistance to graduates working in Pennsylvania, in the field of Early Childhood Education. If you are eligible, the program will forgive up to one-sixth of your qualifying loan debt annually, not to exceed the maximum of $3,300 per year for three years or the program's $9,900 maximum benefit. For more information about this awesome opportunity, please contact the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, PA State Grants and Special Programs, 1200 N 7th St, Harrisburg, PA 17102-1444; 800-233-0557; www.pheaa.org/
Age: 21 and older
Income: Income cannot exceed $30,000 from employment
State: Pennsylvania
Application: http://www.pheaa.org/loanforgiveness/QualityEarlyEducation.pdf

$19,000 To Become A Teacher in MD
The MD Workforce Shortage program provides scholarship assistance to those seeking a degree in a workforce shortage area. The scholarship award will cover a maximum of $19,000. You must work one year for each year of assistance. For more information contact Maryland Higher Education Commission, 839 Bestgate Rd., Suit 400, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-260-4500; 800-974-0203; http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_WSSAG.asp
Age: 18 and older
Income: None
State: Maryland
Application: http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAid/Applications/2007-2008/07wssag.pdf

$6,000 Of Student Loan Forgiveness!!
New Hampshire is facing a shortage of teachers and in an effort to recruit, NHHEAF Network organization is offering a competitive program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who make a commitment to teach in New Hampshire's public or private schools. Teachers for New HampshireSM provides financial assistance in the form of a variable-interest rate, forgivable loan, covering up to 50 percent of the direct costs (tuition and fees) and the cost of books for the program, not to exceed a cumulative maximum of $6,000. Individuals who meet the application criteria are eligible to apply on an annual basis. Repayment of this loan will be forgiven for individuals who are employed as full-time teachers for three years following completion of their teacher preparation program. To learn more contact New Hampshire Higher Education Loan Corporation, P.O. Box 2111, Concord, NH 03301; 800-330-0787; www.teachersforNH.org
Age: 21 and older
Income: None
State: New Hampshire Application: http://www.teachersfornh.org/tfnh_app.pdf

Extra Money!! $10,000 To Repay Undergraduate Loans
Due to a critical Teacher shortage in Florida, the Florida Department of Education is offering Teachers forgiveness of their student loans. If you are a Florida teacher and you are certified in a critical teacher shortage subject area, contact The Office of Student Financial Assistance,1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 70, Tallahassee, FL 32303-4759; 888-827-2004; http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/factsheets/CTS-LF.htm
Age: 21 and older
Income: None
State: Florida
Application: https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/ua/sawtchr_teacherform.asp

Residents $4,000 Per Year Loan Forgiveness
The William Winter Teacher program is specifically designed to increase the supply of teacher educators for public schools in Mississippi. Awards are made on an annual basis with priority given to renewal students. Program participation is limited to 4 years or $8,000. To learn more contact the Mississippi Student Financial Aid Office, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211-6453; 800-327-2980; http://www.ihl.state.ms.us/financialaid/wwts.html; Email: sfa@ihl.state.ms.us
Age: 18 and older
Income: None
State: Mississippi
Application: https://www.ms.gov/sfa/normalEntry.jsp

$5,000 Forgivable Loan $$$$$$
This program offers 2-3 forgivable loans annually to assist and encourage promising engineering graduate students to pursue careers in teaching at the college level. Upon completion of the doctoral degree, one year's loan will be forgiven for each year the recipient teaches. This program is renewable for up to three years. This offer is open to all citizens of North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico). The applicant must hold an undergraduate degree from an engineering program at an accredited school. To learn more, contact SAE Washington Office, 1828 L Street NW, Suite 905, Washington, DC 20036; 202-463-7318; http://students.sae.org/awdscholar/loans/doctoral/; Email: scholarships@sae.org
Age: 21 and older
Income: None
State: All
Application: https://shop.sae.org/exempt/secure/students/awdscholar_loans_doctoral_app.htm

$5,000 For Minority Teachers!!!
Receive up to $5,000 annually if you are an African-American, Asian-American, Native American, or Hispanic college junior or senior working toward teacher certification. Participants must teach 3 or 5 years in Arkansas to have the amount received forgiven. For more information, contact the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, 114 East Capitol Ave, Attn: Minority Teachers Scholarship, Little Rock, AR 72201; 501-371-2050, 800-54-STUDY; www.arkansashighered.com/mteachers.html
Age: 21 and older
Income: None
State: Arkansas
Application: http://www.arkansashighered.com/pdfs/FAApplications/MTSP%20Application2007.pdf

New Mexico Graduates Receive $25,000
The New Mexico Commission on Higher Education has created a loan-for-service program designed to increase the number of ethnic minorities and women available to teach in an academic discipline in which ethnic minorities and women are demonstrably underrepresented in New Mexico public colleges and universities. If eligible the maximum award is $25,000 per year. To learn more, contact the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education, 1068 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505; 505-476-6500; http://fin.hed.state.nm.us/
Age: 18 and older
Income: None
State: New Mexico
Application: http://fin.hed.state.nm.us/content.asp?CustComKey=196394&CategoryKey=196395&pn=Page&DomName=fin.hed.state.nm.us

$2,500 A Year To Become A North Carolina Teacher
The Prospective Teacher Scholarship Loan program provides $2,500 per academic year for individuals on their way to teacher licensure or to licensure in special services areas, including school psychology, school counseling, speech/language pathology, audiology, and library/media services. The loans are provided for a maximum of four years or the minimum number of years required earning licensure based on the entry-level degree. Recipients are obligated to teach one year in a North Carolina school for each year of assistance they receive. For more information, contact the College Foundation of North Carolina, P.O. Box 41966, Raleigh, NC 27629-1966; 1-866-866-CFNC; http://www.cfnc.org/, Email: programinformation@CFNC.org
Age: 18 and older
Income: None
State: North Carolina
Application: http://www.cfnc.org/Gateway?command=GetBasedProgramDetail&note=yes&type=8&vocType=11&vocational=yes&id=35

100% Student Loan Forgiveness!!
If you are a teacher and have served full-time in a public or non-profit elementary or secondary school system as a teacher in a school serving students from low-income families; or special-education teacher, including teachers of infants, toddlers, children, or youth with disabilities; or teacher in the fields of mathematics, science, foreign languages, or bilingual education, or in any other field of expertise determined by a state education agency to have a shortage of qualified teachers in that state, you may qualify for cancellation (discharge) of up to 100 percent of a Federal Perkins Loan. It's not necessary for you to be certified or licensed to receive cancellation benefits. However, your employing school must consider you to be a full-time professional for the purposes of salary, tenure, retirement benefits, etc. To learn more about this wonderful opportunity, contact The Office of Federal Student Aid, Federal Perkins Loan Teacher Cancellation Program, Union Center Plaza, 8 31st Street, Washington D.C. 20202; 800-433-3243; http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/cancelperk.jsp?tab=repaying
Age: 21 and older
Income: None
State: All
Application: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/teachercancel.jsp?tab=repaying