11 Loans For Low-Income Families (Feb. 2024)

Loans For Low Income Families

Loans for low-income families are available from private and public sources in the US. The trick is knowing the right place to borrow and the right type of loan for your circumstances. Several agencies, organizations, and businesses service the millions of low-income Americans who need extra funds. 

This article describes personal, auto, and home loans available to low-wage earners and folks on modest fixed incomes. We also discuss governmental loan and payment assistance programs for low-income individuals and families, and we answer several frequently asked questions on the topic. 

Knowing your options lets you make an informed decision on how to get the financial help you need.

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Personal Loan Options For Low-Income Families

The following companies find personal loans for the folks banks turn down: those with bad credit, low income, or both. Each loan-finding service partners with direct lenders experienced in working with disadvantaged and low-income borrowers. 

These networks can prequalify you for a personal low-income loan in minutes and put you in touch with one or more direct lenders to complete the loan application process. These online services provide the best personal loans for folks who don’t want to search for direct lenders.

  • Short-term loans up to $5,000
  • Online marketplace of lenders
  • Funds available in as few as 24 hours
  • Simple online form takes less than 5 minutes
  • Trusted by more than 2 million customers
  • See official site, terms, and details.
★★★★★

4.8

Overall Rating

Loan Amount Interest Rate Loan Term Loan Example
Up to $5,000 Varies Varies

See representative example

2. Avant

  • Personal loans of $2,000 to $35,000
  • Compare rates in 2 minutes without affecting your credit
  • Best for low origination fees for bad credit
  • 550 minimum credit score required
  • Powered by Credible
  • See official site, terms, and details.
★★★★★

4.7

Overall Rating

Loan Amount Interest Rate Loan Term Loan Example
$2,000 to $35,000 9.95% – 35.99% 12 to 60 Months

See representative example

3. Upstart

  • Personal loans starting at $1,000
  • Find loans you prequalify for, complete your application, and close your loan
  • Loans for 300+ FICO Scores
  • Checking rates doesn’t impact your credit score
  • Powered by Credible
  • See official site, terms, and details.
★★★★★

4.7

Overall Rating

Loan Amount Interest Rate Loan Term Loan Example
$1,000 to $50,000 6.40% – 35.99% 3 or 5 Years

See representative example

+ See More Personal Loan Options

These networks also offer payday loans. Steady income, even if it’s low, can qualify you for payday loans, but approach these with caution as they are quite expensive. Consider instead a payday alternative loan (PAL) from a credit union, as these are much more affordable. You must join the credit union before you can apply for a PAL.

The loan networks require borrowers to earn at least $800 per month. Wages, government benefits (i.e., Social Security), and other income sources are acceptable, and good credit is not required. These networks offer some of the best personal loans for low-income borrowers with bad credit.

If a lender approves your application, you can collect your loan proceeds as soon as the next business day. The loan-finding websites charge nothing for their service, and you are not obligated to accept a loan.

Auto Loan Options For Low-Income Families

Auto dealers must sell cars to survive. Many realize they will move more inventory if they can find ways to lend to buyers on tight budgets. The following three companies represent networks of car dealerships and other lenders willing to arrange auto loans for those on low incomes, whatever their credit. 

These companies can connect you to a nearby lender who can make new and used car loans or refinance a vehicle you already own. 

  • Network of dealer partners has closed $1 billion in bad credit auto loans
  • Specializes in bad credit, no credit, bankruptcy and repossession
  • In business since 1999
  • Easy, 30-second pre-qualification form
  • Bad credit applicants must have $1500/month income to qualify
  • See application, terms, and details.
★★★★★

4.9

Overall Rating

Interest Rate In Business Since Application Length Reputation Score
3.99% – 29.99% 1999 3 minutes 9.5/10
  • Auto loans for purchase, refinance, and lease buyouts
  • Nationwide lender network
  • Get matched with up to 5 lenders that fit your financial profile
  • It only takes a few minutes and is free with no obligation
  • See application, terms, and details.
★★★★★

4.7

Overall Rating

Interest Rate In Business Since Application Length Reputation Score
Varies 1998 4 minutes 9.5/10
  • Loans for new, used, and refinancing
  • Queries a national network of lenders
  • Bad credit OK
  • Get up to 4 offers in minutes
  • Receive online loan certificate or check within 24 hours
  • See application, terms, and details.
★★★★★

4.6

Overall Rating

Interest Rate In Business Since Application Length Reputation Score
Varies 2003 2 minutes 8.5/10

+ See More Car Loan Options

The three car loan networks make borrowing easy because the financed vehicles are collateral. You can arrange this type of secured auto loan online from the comfort of your home. If you qualify, you can begin shopping right away and may be able to drive off in your new vehicle later the same day.

Home Loan Options For Low-Income Families

Even when banks say “no” to a home buyer, these lenders are likely to say “yes.” The following trio can get you a mortgage, home equity loan, or home equity line of credit even if your income is low or your credit is poor.

These companies are a mix of direct and indirect lenders that operate online to make home loans simple and fast. Most can roll closing costs into your low-income loan.

  • America’s largest mortgage lender
  • The entire process is completed online
  • Options for new mortgages and refinancing existing mortgages
  • Award-winning customer service and cutting-edge digital platforms
  • More than 90% of clients would recommend us
  • See application, terms, and details
★★★★★

4.8

Overall Rating

Interest Rate In Business Since Application Length Reputation Score
Varies 1985 5 minutes 9.5/10
  • Best for cash-out refinance
  • Utilize your home equity with America’s #1 lender
  • eClosing allows customers to close electronically, greatly speeding the process
  • A+ rating with the BBB
  • Receive cash for home improvements, college tuition, or paying off debt
  • 24/7 access to your loan through the Rocket Mortgage app
  • See application, terms, and details
★★★★★

4.7

Overall Rating

Interest Rate In Business Since Application Length Reputation Score
Varies 1985 5 minutes 9.5/10
  • Get today’s mortgage rates from the top mortgage lenders and banks
  • Easily compare and choose mortgage lenders with no obligations or fees
  • Review current mortgage rates side by side
  • Pick mortgage lenders that meet your specific needs
  • Compare rates from pre-qualified and approved mortgage lenders — 100% online, 100% free
  • See application, terms, and details.
★★★★★

4.6

Overall Rating

Interest Rate In Business Since Application Length Reputation Score
Varies 1979 4 minutes 8.5/10

+ See More Home Loan Options

You can choose between an FHA loan and conventional mortgages. You’ll find that private loans compete head-to-head with government-guaranteed loans to get you low-interest rates and favorable terms.

Your home secures these loans, which means you must take care only to borrow what you can afford to pay back lest you lose your home through foreclosure. Be sure to ask how mortgage loan insurance helps low-income families obtain funding for affordable housing.

Government Financial Assistance & Loan Programs For Low-Income Families

Federal and state governments have dozens of financial assistance programs that help low-income families get loans and grants.

10. Government Housing Loans

Some government home loan programs directly address low-income and impoverished borrowers, while others help groups, such as veterans and Native Americans, that include many needy borrowers looking for affordable housing.

  • Home Loan for Regular Purchase: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan housing program guarantees loans to eligible veterans, servicemembers, reservists, National Guard members, and certain surviving spouses.
  • Rural Housing Loans: These are direct and guaranteed loans you can use to buy, build, or improve your permanent residence. A homebuyer must have a very low, low, or moderate income to qualify for this USDA loan. You can roll closing costs into this loan.
  • Manufactured Home Loan Insurance: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures mortgage loans made by private lending institutions to finance the purchase of a new or used manufactured home. An FHA loan offers special terms to promote affordability.

In addition, there are several special-purpose FHA loans (through, for example, the Housing Rehabilitation Program) available to low-income families. The VA and HUD offer numerous supportive housing programs and closing cost assistance to veterans, Native Americans, and other borrowers who may have low incomes.

If you want to live in a rural community, consider applying for a USDA loan. And Freddie Mac’s Home Possible program makes mortgages available to low-income, first-time homebuyers.

11. Government Assistance

If you are experiencing a hardship, you can get financial aid from one of these programs:

  • Low Income Housing Home Energy Assistance Program: This housing program helps needy families with high energy costs to stay safe and healthy. It offers financial aid and payment assistance for energy crises, home energy bills, weatherization, and minor home repairs related to energy. Rental housing units are eligible for this program, and closing cost assistance is available.
  • Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): You can use CHIP to cover children’s health care costs in families that can’t access or afford employer-sponsored health insurance. If you must pay a premium, it won’t exceed 5% of your annual income.
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program provides cash and services that help low-income families with children prepare for jobs. Only unemployed or underemployed individuals with low or very low income are eligible.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): This is the food stamps program that provides payment assistance to low-income families for nutritious foods. Income limits apply based on the size of your household.
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): This program protects pregnant women, new mothers, and young children by providing food and health care. State residency and income requirements apply.
  • American Rescue Plan: The Department of Health and Human Services funds state-run programs that support, recruit, and retain primary care clinicians who live and work in underserved communities with low-income populations.

Visit the USA.gov website for a comprehensive directory of government benefits, grants, and loans.

What Is Considered Low Income?

The definition of low income varies depending on the context. For example, HUD defines it as 80% of the median family income for an area, subject to adjustments for areas with unusually high or low incomes or housing costs.

The U.S. Department of Education publishes a new table each year that lists the income levels of low-income families with one to eight members

Size of Family48 Contiguous States + D.C.AlaskaHawaii
1$20,385$25,485$23,445
2$27,465$34,335$31,590
3$34,545$43,185$39,735
4$41,625$52,035$47,880
5$48,705$60,885$56,025
6$55,785$69,735$64,170
7$62,865$78,585$72,315
8$69,945$87,435$80,460
(Effective as of January 12, 2022)

For example, to be considered low income, the income level for a household of four in 2022 is $41,625 for people living in the contiguous 48 states, $52,035 for Alaska residents, and $47,880 for Hawaii residents. These numbers represent 150% of the family levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status.

If terms like area median income seem cold, it may help to take a more human view of low income. 

Informally, you have a low income if you work as much as possible, live frugally, manage your money wisely, play by the rules, and still have monthly payment difficulties. You can extend the definition to include a percentage of retirees, folks who collect government benefits such as Social Security, and others who can barely fulfill their monthly payment commitments.

Can I Get a Loan Without Proof of Income?

You’ll find it most challenging to obtain an unsecured loan without demonstrating some form of income. Lenders depend on borrower income for repayment. Without proof of income, they have no evidence that a borrower can pay back the loan. 

Lenders usually need proof of income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, or other documentation. If you can’t or won’t provide proof of income, you can still consider a secured personal loan. It is usually easy to obtain since you post collateral at least equal to the loan amount. 

Lenders have developed three categories of no-income loans:

  • Stated income loan, verified assets: You can get this kind of loan if you collect some income. The money may not be sufficient to repay the loan but is enough when added to verified assets you pledge as collateral.
  • No income loan, verified assets: You don’t have traditional income, but your assets collateralize the entire loan.
  • No income loan, no assets: These are real estate loans that can be approved without the standard income and asset documentation paperwork.

The takeaway is that assets can sometimes substitute for conventional sources of income. According to HUD, the following assets can secure its guaranteed loans:

  • Cash
  • Cash-value life insurance
  • Equity in rental property or other capital investments
  • Lump-sum receipts
  • Ownership of a mortgage loan or deed of trust
  • Personal property held as an investment
  • Retirement accounts
  • Revocable trusts
  • Stocks, bonds, and other financial securities

Collateral is the key that unlocks the door to a no-income loan. It reassures lenders and enhances your approval odds.

What Is a Hardship Financial Loan?

A hardship loan is a loan to cover an unexpected financial shortfall either because your expenses went up or your income went down. Hardship loans increased during the pandemic. Many credit unions, neighborhood banks, and online lenders offer short-term hardship loans to help folks face financial difficulties.

A hardship loan is issued as a lump sum. It contrasts with a revolving line of credit from a credit card or a home loan. Hardship loans usually have friendly features, such as deferred payments and low interest rates. 

In most cases, getting a hardship loan is a straightforward process. You can typically submit a hardship loan application online. You’ll likely have to provide personal details such as your monthly income, housing costs, the financial hardship you’re experiencing, and how you’ll use the loan amount. 

Some loans will go through in as little as one business day, while others may take longer. Depending on the lender, you can collect the money via check, direct deposit, or prepaid card. You must repay the loan in monthly installments.

Can I Get a Loan If I Have Bad Credit Too?

Low income and bad credit are like stepping to the plate with two strikes already against you. Yes, you can get a loan despite these two factors, but it’s not easy. 

The reviewed personal loan networks we review accept low-income borrowers with bad credit, but you may have to deal with a higher interest rate and a smaller loan amount.

Average Personal Loan APR By Credit Score
Bad credit personal loans may charge up to 36% interest. Short-term loans such as payday loans can charge much more.

You can get a USDA Rural Housing Loan with a credit score of as low as 580, but you’ll need at least a credit score of 640 for loan approval through the USDA’s automated underwriting system.

As mentioned earlier, collateral can make the difference between loan approval and denial. Car and home loans are secured and, therefore, more accessible than personal loans. 

Unfortunately, you may not own assets you can use for collateral, making your task all the more challenging. For example, you may live in rental housing and not own a car. 

Consider taking steps to improve your credit score and increase your attractiveness to lenders. These steps include paying your bills on time and paying down your existing credit card debt.

What Should I Do If I Can’t Repay My Loan?

If you cannot repay a loan, it’s your responsibility to discuss the problem with the lender. Doing so may result in a loan modification and avoid having the lender send the debt into collection. 

You have several options available to you, including:

The first two actions are positive and won’t hurt your credit score. The last two will knock dozens of points off your score, perhaps hundreds, and linger on your credit reports for up to 10 years.

A direct loan modification is probably the best outcome, especially if you dissuade the lender from reporting it to the credit bureaus. Modification may result in a longer repayment term, lower monthly payments, a reduced interest rate, and possibly some loan forgiveness. Remember that you usually have to report forgiven debt as taxable income.

Loans Are Available To Families With Low Income

Loans for low-income individuals and families exist and are available from various lenders. The type of loan that works best for you will depend on your financial situation. To increase your approval odds, include all the requested information in your application and try to boost your credit score before applying. 

Good credit can help you get a loan even when your cash inflows are tight. If possible, post collateral for your loan – it works wonders for approval.

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