Free Money News November 2013

October has ended with a bang – especially if you’re a Boston Red Sox fan!

Even if you’re not a fan, we think you have to admire how the Red Sox went from “worst to first.” According to manager John Farrell, pitcher John Lackey symbolizes the turnaround of this team. Everything was hopeless in 2011 and no one expected much from him or the team. They could have given up – but they “found redemption” in game 6 on October 30th, winning the World Series at home for the first time in 95 years!

This story shows you can’t always predict what route will lead to your success. You need to be open to changing your plan when necessary. And of course, have a positive attitude and never give up.

That’s especially good advice if you have been stymied trying to use the website grants.gov to get a government grant. Grants.gov is definitely not for everyone – and it may not be your route to finding financial assistance for any purpose. In our November Free Money Highlights we explain why that is – and what other routes may be better options for you.

In addition you'll find news and information regarding what's the latest on Pell Grants for the 2013-2014 school year; the Affordable Care Act and it's impact on our review of healthcare.gov; a review of some great information for those with disabilities (and those who care for them!) and some good news about an increase in Social Security benefits for 2014.

Grants.gov Is Not For You

You may never have expected to see that heading on a site that has mostly positive things to say about grants. Gov. In fact is is an excellent site – if you are a government agency, a business contractor, or a well-organized non-profit organization with a great track record. If you are an individual or a small, local service organization, this is probably not your route to success.

The key is to understand what grants.gov is and what it is not, who it is for and not for, and what that means to you. We explain it all in our latest article called Grants.gov Is Not For You. Check it out to see if this is the place to spend your time and energy seeking a grant. And learn where else you can look in order to enjoy a successful outcome.

News for Pell Grants 2013-2014

The U.S. Department of Education has announced an increase in the maximum award for Pell Grants in the 2013-2014 academic year. The new maximum will be $5645, or just under an increase of $100.

The new year is approaching faster than you think and it’s never too early to get your information together and get your application in. Check out your possible eligibility for a Pell Grant with our two minute Pell Grant Eligibility Quiz and then get going on your FAFSA. The FAFSA is key not just to Pell Grants but to all government grants and to many grants from individual schools. Do it now!

Affordable Care Act

The launch of the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) has been fairly disastrous and we hesitate to comment until things have stabilized. Unfortunately the website that used to be healthcare.gov has been replaced by this launch and we’ve lost all the good information that used to reside there. We will keep on it and let you know when we can once again direct you to useful information about free and subsidized healthcare in your local area. In the meantime be patient, keep trying if you are attempting to sign up, and stay tuned for our assessment and advice once we see what happens.

Disability.gov

While the old healthcare.gov is gone the very useful site Disability.gov carries on. It is a great source for information for those with any sort of disability. Be sure to take a look at our review of Disability.gov.

Good News: Social Security has announced that in 2014 there will be a benefit increase of 1.5%. This is an increase for all Social Security recipients, not just those on Disability. It is a Cost-of-Living increase, also known as COLA and will apply for most individuals as of January 1, 2014.