Several posts claiming that the government is giving out a $6,400 subsidy are making rounds on social media. The subsidy is a scam, and information about legitimate government benefits can be found on official government websites like:

Government subsidies are benefits given to businesses and individuals facing financial hardship. The posts promising $6,400 in free money don’t have any government affiliation. Read on to learn more about what this subsidy is about, why it's fake, and what alternative benefits you may qualify for.

Is the $6,400 Subsidy Real or Fake? 

A Facebook video posted on December 20, 2023, shows clips of phone screens and computers displaying information about the $6,400 subsidy. The video goes on to mention, “Every American family needs to see this. The gov is giving away $6,400, and I just got approved to receive it each month because I’m younger than 65 and make less than $50,000 per year.”

When you click “Apply Now” on the post, it links to an unaffiliated website that asks you to answer a series of questions. It then goes on to provide you with a phone number to call. A disclaimer at the bottom of the website mentions that it’s not affiliated with the Affordable Care Act program or any other government entity.

Fake Biden Videos

There have also been other Facebook posts sharing Fake Biden videos mentioning the $6,400 stimulus for 97% of Americans to offer financial support for daily needs like rent, gas, and groceries. The voiceover mimics Joe Biden’s voice and asks users to sign up to receive a spending card preloaded with $6,400, which doesn’t have to be paid back.

The Bottom Line

So, is the $6,400 health subsidy real or fake? Both types of posts mentioned above are fake. Stimulus packages, like tax credits and benefit checks, are official government programs, and you’ll find information about them on official government websites like HealthCare.gov.

There’s no evidence of a $6,400 subsidy for Americans. The posts link to websites that aren’t affiliated with the government. Also, there’s no mention or credible news reports about the program on official websites.

“Be careful of these types of scams!” warns Teresa Dodson, a debt expert and the founder of Greenbacks Consulting. “ If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Make sure you validate it's a ‘real’ government program,” Dodson says.

5 Assistance Alternatives to the $6,400 Subsidy

While the $6,400 subsidy is fake, there are many other financial assistance programs you may benefit from. We’ve listed some of the main legitimate alternatives below.

1. Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 was passed on January 31, 2024. The act aims to offer support and tax relief to families and workers in the U.S. The legislation includes multiple provisions, such as affordable housing, disaster tax relief, business breaks, and enhanced Child Tax Credit.

The package aims to offer relief to American families in need and support to deal with inflation. For individuals, other than the Child Tax Credit, the bill will also increase the 9% low-income housing tax credit ceiling by 12.5%.

2. Stimulus Payment Checks 

No new stimulus check payments have been announced for 2024. However, if you did not receive any of the three Economic Impact Payments (EIP), you may still be able to claim it from the IRS.

You can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by checking your records and filing your 2020 and 2021 federal tax returns.

3. Child Tax Credit

You may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $2,000 per qualifying child for 2023 if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is below $200,000 for individuals or below $400,000 if you’re married filing jointly. The additional child tax credit (the refundable portion) is up to $1,600. For the 2024 tax year, the additional child tax credit is $1,700 for each qualifying child.

4. Student Loan Forgiveness

While you can’t get the $6,400 subsidy, you may be able to get a considerable amount of your student loan forgiven. If you have federal student loans, they can be discharged, canceled, or forgiven in some situations. In most cases, this can be done through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

President Biden also recently approved $1.2 billion in student loan forgiveness for 153,000 borrowers enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. Until now, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved $138 billion in debt cancellation.

Check to see if you qualify for student loan debt relief under any of these plans.

5. Social Security Benefits

If you’re on Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may see a larger amount deposited in your bank account. The benefit amount increased by 3.2% for over 71 million Americans in 2024.

The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) started with benefits paid out in January 2024. The average Social Security check in 2024 is now $1,770.71. While this isn’t a large bonus like the $6,400 promised, it’s an adjustment to ensure your benefits are in line with inflation.

Where To Look for Legitimate Subsidies in Your State

If you’re looking for legitimate subsidies and financial assistance programs in your state, use these official government websites to find programs you may be eligible for:

You may also be able to find state-specific resources, support, and government grants on your state’s official government website.

How To Avoid Being Scammed

As we’ve already established in this guide, the $6,400 subsidy is fake. Scammers often use chat applications and social media platforms to lure vulnerable Americans to websites or fake customer support where you may be asked to provide your personal information.

Government agencies don’t contact people through social media about grants, subsidies, or stimulus programs. Check to ensure that the website has a .gov domain. If the website that offers subsidies or other benefits doesn’t have a .gov domain, it’s a scam. Avoid giving out your personal information and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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Get Financial Assistance (and Avoid the $6,400 Subsidy Scams)

The $6,400 health subsidy scam is widely shared on Facebook and other social media platforms. However, if you’re struggling and require economic assistance, there are several other government assistance programs you may qualify for, such as food stimulus.

Check the resources we’ve shared in this guide and see if you qualify for any of them. Use the BenefitsCheckUp tool to get a list of benefits you may qualify for based on your individual circumstances. If you’re looking for health insurance, check to see if you qualify for Medicare or Medicaid.