I have found that, over the years, that one thing I tend to worry about is simply having enough fuel to get through the week. I’ve always been able to figure out a way to keep food on the table, and pay for prescriptions, but it was simply filling up the tank that could be a real challenge. Most of my life, I have driven older, larger vehicles, and as a result, don’t get the best gas mileage. So, I have always been the gal who changes lanes on the highway because this gas station has gas for two cents less per gallon than that gas station.
No, it’s not ideal, but I didn’t know of any other options. I feel like I’ve always lived as thrifty a lifestyle as possible. If anyone had seen any of the entries I’ve made, they would know that, right? Not too long ago, I was looking up something else, and found a link to a charity that helps people put fuel in their cars. And if there is one organization that helps, there’s likely to be another. Because I know I’m not the only person who works full time, but doesn’t quite make enough, and worries about the ever-rising cost of gas. Now, I have not personally received these grants yet, but I have not heard anything about any of them, and I have done research on the subject. You are, of course, free to research on your own.
Free Gas USA, Inc.
Free Gas USA gives out grants for fuel in the amount of at least fifty dollars, and no more than twelve hundred dollars. You will only need to fill out their application once ( and doing so more than once will eliminate you from ever being approved). Your application will be approved or declined based on your income, personal circumstances, need, and the availability of funding. You will also see that there is a one time, three dollar application fee.
If you are interested in applying, or if you would like more information on the company itself, their website is: http://www.freegasusa.org/Rules.html. It is important to know that even if your income is very low, or you think you meet all of the qualifications, you may not necessarily be approved.
Their funding is limited, and there may be a lot of people with even less income than you, or a larger family. You should also know that your application will not be complete without a written referral from a Social Service Agency, a church, or other approved organizations. You may also be required to submit documentation in order to be considered.
Trade Advertising Space For Free Gas
If you are willing to allow advertising on the unused space on your vehicle, you might be able to earn free gas. If you would like to apply, visit their website at: http://www.gasforfree.com/driver-signup.aspx. The concept is really very simple, but you obviously have to meet certain qualifications.
You will need to:
1) Be the legal, registered owner of a vehicle that was made no earlier than 1998
2) Drive an average of 1250 miles each month
3) Have a valid driver’s license, with valid insurance
4) Have a driving record that is primarily clear of accidents or tickets
You are not responsible for any fees with this company if you choose to do this until your vehicle is chosen by an advertiser. At that time, you will need to provide the client with a certified copy of your driving record. Usually, this costs less than twenty dollars. The advertising is in the form of a wrap that will not damage your car in any way, and once you are approved, you will receive a gas card for one of the major gas stations.
Another Company You Might Like To Consider
A similar company that pays for your gas, in exchange for advertising on your car can be found at http://www.freegashelp.com. Instead of using a wrap that covers your car, you will be using magnets that need to be on your car, except for while you are washing your car. This company will do unscheduled verifications of the status of your vehicle, and if they find that you are not complying with the agreement, you will be charged a fifty dollar fee and removed from the program.
Once you are approved and enrolled in this program ( 2-4 weeks after you have begun participating), you can expect to get a gas card each month that will be at least five dollars, and no more than two hundred dollars. Currently, they only serve certain areas in California, but are hoping to expand nationwide in the near future. So, if you don’t live in California, check back soon, because they might be near you soon.
Church Help
All of these websites will help you in the future, but what about now? Maybe it’s still a couple of days before payday, and the gas light has been on for two days…so will you even make it to work without running out of gas? As with most things, there are a lot of churches that want to help you. You just need to ask! There is usually a limit to the number of times you can get their help per month or year.
So if you see more than one church that helps, contact all of them.
You can call some local churches, or you could visit http://www.211.org/. Once you find a church that helps, it’s as simple as finding out when you can apply. It’s a good idea to call before your tank is running on fumes, because most churches are only open a day or two each week for this kind of help.
It is incredibly rare for churches to give you cash. It is much more likely for them to either write a check that will be payable to a certain gas station, or to accompany you while you fill up your car.
In some cases, they might even give you a gift card for gas stations that can only be used for fuel.
The rising cost of gas has put a lot of people in a financial bind. If you are not afraid to “look outside of the box”, you will make it through this, just like with the other situations you’ve faced. We’re single moms, we can do anything we need to for our kids!
Recent Comments