On this page
Match the reason to the program
| Situation | Where to ask |
|---|---|
| Homeless or at risk | 211, coordinated entry, rapid rehousing, prevention programs |
| Veteran | SSVF, VA (877-424-3838) |
| Fleeing domestic violence | DV programs, VAWA emergency transfers |
| Leaving a nursing home or institution | Medicaid transition (Money Follows the Person), Centers for Independent Living |
| Voucher holder moving | Housing authority (some offer mobility counseling and deposit help) |
| Displaced by government project or HUD-funded redevelopment | Uniform Relocation Act benefits from the agency |
| Disaster | FEMA other needs assistance, insurance |
| Job relocation | Employer relocation benefits |
| Military PCS | Military moving entitlements |
| Older adult downsizing | Area Agency on Aging |
What programs may cover
- Truck rental, movers, fuel
- Security and utility deposits
- First month’s rent
- Storage
- Basic furniture and household items
Get approval first
Ask for written confirmation of what will be paid, the maximum amount, who is paid (you or the vendor), and what receipts are needed.
Save money on the move
- Get multiple quotes; move midweek or mid-month
- Use free boxes
- Ask friends, faith communities, or volunteer groups
- Sell or donate items you won’t need
Avoid moving scams
- Check interstate movers’ USDOT numbers with FMCSA
- Get written estimates; beware of lowball quotes and large deposits
- Don’t sign blank or incomplete documents
Build a moving budget
List each cost separately so you can ask different programs to cover different pieces:
| Cost | Typical range to plan for | Who might help |
|---|---|---|
| Truck rental and fuel (local) | Often $100–$400 for a day plus mileage | Charities, rapid rehousing, SSVF |
| Professional movers (local) | Often several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on size and distance | Employer, relocation benefits, disaster aid |
| Security deposit | One month’s rent or more (state caps vary) | Prevention and rapid rehousing programs, housing authority, DV programs |
| First month’s rent | One month’s rent | Rapid rehousing, SSVF, HOPWA, charities |
| Utility deposits and hookups | Varies by utility | LIHEAP (some states), community action |
| Storage | Monthly fee | Some rapid rehousing and disaster programs |
| Basic furniture and household items | Varies | Furniture banks, charities, some transition programs |
These ranges are only planning guides; get real quotes for your move.
Displacement by government action: know your rights
If you’re being displaced because a government agency is acquiring your building, demolishing it, or funding a rehabilitation that requires you to move, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (URA) may apply when federal money is involved. Eligible residential tenants may receive:
- Advisory services to help find a comparable replacement home
- Moving expense payments (actual reasonable costs or a fixed schedule payment)
- Replacement housing payments to help cover increased rent for a period (for eligible tenants, calculated over 42 months)
- At least 90 days’ written notice before you must move
If your building is being redeveloped with HUD funds (including public housing conversions), ask the agency in writing whether URA or other relocation rules apply, and contact legal aid if you’re not getting a clear answer.
Moving with a housing voucher
- Ask your housing agency whether it offers mobility counseling, deposit help, or landlord incentive funds.
- Don’t give notice to your current landlord until you understand the timeline for your new voucher and inspection.
- If you’re moving to another area, see portability.
Moving to escape violence
Domestic violence programs often have flexible funds for moving, deposits, and storage, and can help with confidential relocation. In federally assisted housing, you may request an emergency transfer under VAWA. See survivor housing rights.
Moving for work
Ask a new employer about relocation benefits before accepting an offer. Some state workforce programs and unemployment programs help with relocation for a job. Keep receipts; employer-paid moving benefits are generally taxable income for most workers under current federal tax law (active-duty military moves are treated differently).
Frequently asked questions
Is there a government grant for moving expenses?
Not a general one. Help is available through specific programs tied to homelessness, disasters, disability, veteran status, domestic violence, or displacement by government projects.
What is the Uniform Relocation Act?
A federal law requiring agencies to provide relocation assistance—including moving costs and sometimes rental assistance—to people displaced by federally funded projects such as highway construction or redevelopment.
Sources and verification
Use these sources to check program rules. Funding, openings, and local procedures must be confirmed with the agency handling your application.
Update note (2026-10-01): Replaced a missing source link with an official program page or governing regulation. This was a source-link update, not a complete review of every claim.
- Relocation AssistanceU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Supportive Services for Veteran FamiliesU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Protect your moveFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Found a changed rule or a broken link? Report a correction for this guide.