Moving can be expensive when you need to pay for a truck, movers, storage, deposits, transportation, or other costs. For people already dealing with financial hardship, even a necessary move can be difficult to afford.
There is no general federal program that pays everyone's moving expenses. However, certain government programs, housing agencies, nonprofits, employers, and community organizations may help with moving-related costs when you meet specific requirements.
Some relocation programs can cover actual reasonable moving expenses, while others may provide deposits, storage assistance, transportation, or related housing support.
Who May Qualify
Depending on the program, assistance may be available to:
- Low-income households
- People who are being displaced from their housing
- Tenants required to move because of certain federally funded housing projects
- People moving into qualifying subsidized housing
- Families experiencing housing instability
- People leaving an unsafe or unsuitable living situation
- Veterans facing housing instability
- People relocating for certain employment or training opportunities
- Disaster survivors who need to relocate
- People receiving certain local housing assistance
Eligibility varies significantly. A program may require proof of income, displacement, housing eligibility, employment, disaster impact, or another qualifying circumstance.
Check What You May Qualify For
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Available programs vary based on your location, income, housing situation, reason for moving, and other eligibility requirements.
Types of Help With Moving Costs
Moving and Relocation Assistance
Some federally funded relocation situations provide eligible tenants with assistance for actual reasonable moving expenses or a fixed moving expense and dislocation allowance. HUD's relocation rules can apply when people are displaced because of certain federally funded acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition projects.
Help With Deposits and Move-In Costs
Some housing assistance programs can help with costs connected to moving into a new home. Depending on the program, this may include security deposits, utility deposits, application fees, storage, or certain move-in expenses. HUD guidance for Emergency Housing Vouchers, for example, allows certain service-fee funds to cover eligible moving expenses and related costs.
Public Housing and Voucher Relocation Help
Some public housing residents who are required to move because of an approved housing change may receive relocation counseling, comparable housing, and assistance with reasonable moving expenses.
Disaster-Related Moving Assistance
People displaced by disasters may have access to temporary housing, rental assistance, or other disaster-related assistance. The specific programs available depend on the disaster and whether federal or state assistance has been activated.
Veteran Housing Assistance
Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability may be connected with housing resources and supportive services through VA programs. SSVF can provide eligible Veterans and their families with individualized assistance and, in some cases, temporary financial help for housing-related expenses.
Employment-Related Relocation
Some employers, workforce programs, or training programs may offer relocation assistance when a worker must move for employment or qualifying training. These opportunities are usually program-specific rather than a general government moving grant.
How Moving Assistance Typically Works
- Identify why you need to move. Your reason for moving can determine which programs you may qualify for.
- Check housing and relocation programs. Contact your local housing authority, workforce agency, disaster assistance office, or other appropriate organization.
- Ask about eligible moving expenses. Some programs cover movers or transportation, while others may help with deposits, storage, or related costs.
- Gather documentation. You may need proof of income, your current housing situation, a relocation notice, receipts, or other documents.
- Apply before spending money when possible. Some programs require approval before certain expenses are reimbursed.
- Keep receipts and records. Documentation can be important when requesting reimbursement.