MÜZİK KÖYÜ ÇALIŞMALAR Adresimiz Akarca Mh. Adnan Menderes Bulvarı No: 2 Fethiye / Muğla e-Posta Adresimiz muzikkoyu@gmail.com Telefonlarımız 0545 370 57 37 | 0531 387 12 62 BENEFIT FINDER E-mail Print View Results Review Your Answers Based on your answers so far, you may be eligible for the resources listed below. Add any resources you are interested in to the "Your Favorites" list by clicking the "Add to Your Favorites" button located below each resource. You can further narrow down your resource results list by either returning to the "Answer Questions" tab and answering any remaining questions, or by clicking on the "Review Your Answers" button to edit your responses. PLEASE NOTE: These results will not be stored on the site. To avoid losing your results, please email this list to yourself or someone else for future reference. Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Alcohol National Research Service Awards The Alcohol National Research Service Awards support training in clinical research, treatment assessment research, problems of health promotion and alcoholism prevention, and basic biological and behavioral processes applicable to alcohol research. Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Read MoreAdd to Favorites American Film Showcase The American Film Showcase is a major touring film program bringing American documentaries, feature films and animated shorts to audiences worldwide. Read MoreAdd to Favorites American Music Abroad Program The American Music Abroad program is designed to communicate America's rich musical contributions to a global music scene. The program sends music groups abroad to foster cross-cultural communication with global audiences. Read MoreAdd to Favorites American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a tax credit to help pay for education expenses paid for the first four years of education completed after high school. You can get a maximum annual credit of $2,500 per eligible student and 40% or $1,000 could be refunded if you owe no tax. This credit is subject to income limitations. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Arts Envoy Program The Arts Envoy program is designed to share the best of the U.S. arts community with the world. The program sends American arts professionals-- including performing artists, visual artists, poets, playwrights, theatrical and film directors, curators, and others-overseas to conduct workshops, give performances, and mentor young people. The program seeks to connect with international publics who might not otherwise have the Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites opportunity to engage with American arts professionals. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Assets for Independence Assets for Independence (AFI) is a community-based approach for giving lowincome families a hand up out of poverty. Utilizing existing individual and community assets, AFI strengthens communities from within through the use of matched savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Through financial education, AFI demonstrates the use and impact of IDAs to help low-income individuals move toward greater selfsufficiency. AFI's main initiatives include: Awarding grants to non-profit organizations and government agencies that provide IDAs Managing a national resource center to support AFI grantees and develop information on the use of IDAs and related asset-building strategies Managing research on IDA usage and implementation Read MoreAdd to Favorites Assistance to Torture Survivors The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) provides support for domestic centers and programs for survivors of torture. ORR seeks to use these funds to provide direct services to survivors of torture, including treatment and rehabilitation, social and legal services, and research and training for health care providers to enable them to treat the physical Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites and psychological effects of torture. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Basic FHA Insured Home Mortgage This program can help individuals buy a single family home. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides scholarships to U.S. undergraduates with financial need for study abroad. Established under the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, Gilman Scholarships provide up to $5,000 for American students to pursue overseas study for college credit. Students studying critical need languages are eligible for up to $3,000 in additional funding as part of the Gilman Critical Need Language Supplement program. Those critical need languages include:   Arabic (all dialects); Chinese (all dialects); Bahasa Indonesia Japanese Turkic (Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgz, Turkish, Turkmen, Uzbek); Persian (Farsi, Dari, Kurdish, Pashto, Tajiki); Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Indic (Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Sinhala, Bengali, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Sindhi); Korean Russian Swahili Read MoreAdd to Favorites Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Research and Research Training The Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology supports research and research training in areas that join biology with the computer sciences, engineering, mathematics, and physics. Toward this end, the center develops and manages programs in computational biology, such as the generation of mathematical models of biological networks, the development of modeling and simulation tools, the conduct of basic theoretical studies related to network organization and dynamic processes, and the development of methods for the analysis and dissemination of computational models. The center also defines the Institute's needs for database development and applications, and it collaborates with other NIH components and Federal agencies in developing policies in this area. Other center activities include the support of multidisciplinary collaborations and of workshops, courses, and specialized meetings. Read MoreAdd to Favorites COBRA Continuation Coverage The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 contains the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) premium assistance provisions that Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites expand COBRA eligibility and provide eligible individuals with a 65 percent reduction of their COBRA premiums for up to 9 months. If eligible, these individuals pay only 35 percent of their COBRA premiums to the plan and the remaining 65 percent is paid by the employer through a payroll tax credit. Individuals denied the COBRA Premium Assistance made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act may seek an expedited review of that denial by the Secretary of Labor. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Cash-Out Refinance Loan The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cash-Out Refinance Loan is for homeowners who want to trade equity for cash from their home. These loans can be used as strictly cash at closing, to payoff debt, make home improvements, and pay off liens. The Cash-Out Refinance Loan can also be used to refinance a non-VA loan into a VA loan. VA will guaranty loans up to 100 percent of the value of your home. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Cell Biology and Biophysics Research and Research Training The Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics seeks greater understanding of the structure and function of cells, cellular components, and the biological macromolecules that make up these components. The research it supports ranges from studies of single molecules to work in structural genomics and proteomics. The long-term goal of the division is to find ways to prevent, treat, and cure diseases that result from disturbed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites abnormal cellular activity. The division has three components: the Biophysics Branch, the Cell Biology Branch, and the Structural Genomics and Proteomics Technology Branch. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Child and Dependent Care Credit The Child and Dependent Care Credit program can reduce your tax by claiming the credit for child and dependent care expenses on your federal income tax return. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) The Civil Service Retirement Act, which became effective on August 1, 1920, established a retirement system for certain Federal employees. The Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) is a defined benefit, contributory retirement system. Employees and agencies share in the expense of the annuities to which employees become entitled. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Commodity Supplemental Food Program The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of lowincome elderly persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious, 100 percent domestic USDA Foods.  CSFP is administered at the Federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Through CSFP, USDA distributes both food and administrative funds to participating States and Indian Tribal Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Organizations (ITOs). CSFP food packages are not intended to comprise a complete diet, but rather are good sources of the nutrients typically lacking in the diets of the target population. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Community Services Block Grant The goal of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is the reduction of poverty, the revitalization of low-income communities and the empowerment of low-income families and individuals to become fully selfsufficient. The Community Services Block Grant is designed to help low-income individuals and families: secure and retain meaningful employment; attain an adequate education; improve the use of available income, obtain adequate housing, obtain emergency assistance, including health and nutrition services; remove obstacles which block the achievement of self-sufficiency; and achieve greater participation in the affairs of the community. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides Community Services Block Grant funds to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and to Federally-recognized Tribes, State-recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations acting on behalf of eligible Tribes. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Compensated Work Therapy Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites The Department of Veteran's Affairs' (VA) Compensated Work Therapy Program matches and supports work ready Veterans in competitive jobs. The program also consults with business and industry about their specific employment needs. The program helps Veterans with disabilities get competitive employment in the community, working in jobs they choose, while receiving the support they need. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Consolidated Health Centers Health Centers offer access to comprehensive primary and preventive health care and social services to medically unserved and underserved populations. Federally funded health centers offer services to the general community, as well as specific special populations including: migrant and seasonal farmworkers, homeless, public housing residents, and school aged children.  Services are provided to all residents of the service area without regard to an individual's ability to pay. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program provides overseas foreign language instruction and cultural enrichment experiences in 13 critical need languages for U.S. students in higher education. The CLS Program is part of a U.S. government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites critical need foreign languages. Undergraduate, master's, and doctoral-level students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply for the seven-to-ten week-long programs. Participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period and later apply their critical language skills in their future professional careers. Read MoreAdd to Favorites DanceMotion USA DanceMotion USA sends American dance companies overseas to connect with audiences and communities through dance workshops, lecture demonstrations, public performances and other arts education activities. SM This program includes a U.S. based exchange, which brings a foreign dance company to present collaborative workshops and performances with an American dance company in the United States. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Direct Deposit Direct Deposit is a free service for electronically transferring your tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service into your financial account. More than eight out of ten taxpayers use Direct Deposit to get their tax refunds. Direct Deposit is easy, safe and secure. Whether you file electronically or on paper, Direct Deposit gives you access to your refund faster than a paper check. Direct Deposit also avoids the possibility that your Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites check could be lost or stolen or returned to IRS as undeliverable. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Direct Express® Prepaid Debit Card The Direct Express® card is a prepaid debit card option for federal benefit recipients to receive their benefits electronically. With the Direct Express® card, your federal benefit payment is automatically deposited directly into your card account each month on your payment day. This prepaid debit card offers the convenience and security of to spend and access your money rather than using cash for purchases.  Cardholders can make purchases at stores that accept Debit MasterCard®, pay bills, purchase money orders from the U.S. Post Office and get cash from ATMs or financial institutions that display the MasterCard® acceptance mark. No bank account or credit check is required to enroll. There are no sign-up fees or monthly account fees. Many card services are free. Additional information about the Direct Express® card is available at www.USDirectExpress.com. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Locator A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is a readily accessible facility or mobile office where applicants may visit for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs, or for questions related to your case. The Disaster Recovery Center Locator allows individuals to find the hours, services, and locations of nearby DRCs. Some of the services that a DRC may provide Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites include: Guidance regarding disaster recovery assistance and programs for survivors Clarification of any written correspondence received from FEMA Housing assistance and rental resource information Answers to questions, resolution to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance Status of applications being processed by FEMA Small Business Administration (SBA) program information regarding assistance Read MoreAdd to Favorites Drug Abuse Research Career Development Awards The Career Development Awards provide support for research relating to the problems of drug abuse and addiction. It also aims to raise the level of competence and increase the number of individuals engaged in such research via special levels of National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) support. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), sometimes called EIC, is a tax credit for workers with low to moderate income. Eligibility for the tax credit is based on various factors including family size, filing status and income. When EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit. The credit is subject to income Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites limitations. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Independent Study Program The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Independent Study Program consists of selfpaced courses designed for both the general public and people who have emergency management responsibilities. They are offered free-of-charge to all who qualify for enrollment, and college credit can be obtained through a for-fee service after successful completion of a course. Each Independent Study Course includes lessons with practice exercises and a final examination. Those who score 75 percent or better are issued a certificate of achievement from EMI. Course completion times vary from two to fourteen hours, depending on the course and the student's background. Independent Study Programs are based online and are open to the general public without review or exception. Courses differ from those taught in EMI's Residential Education Program. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Congress created the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) in 1986, and it became effective on January 1, 1987. Since that time, new Federal civilian employees who have retirement coverage are covered by FERS. FERS is a retirement plan that provides benefits from three different sources: a Basic Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Benefit Plan, Social Security and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Two of the three parts of FERS (Social Security and the TSP) can go with you to your next job if you leave the Federal Government before retirement. The Basic Benefit and Social Security parts of FERS require you to pay your share each pay period. Your agency withholds your contributions for the Basic Benefit and Social Security from your pay as payroll deductions. Your agency pays its part too. Then, after you retire, you receive annuity payments each month for the rest of your life. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) The Federal Government established the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program in 1954 to provide group term life insurance. FEGLI can help you meet your life insurance needs. Federal employees, Federal retirees (if they meet certain criteria to continue the coverage into retirement), and their family members can be covered under Basic and Optional insurance. If you are an eligible employee you are automatically enrolled in Basic insurance, which covers your life for your annual rate of pay rounded up to the nearest whole $1,000 plus $2,000.  There are also three Optional insurances you can elect. Option AStandard equals $10,000 more coverage on your life; Option B-Additional equals one to five multiples of your salary of more coverage on your life; and Option C-Family equals one to five multiples of coverage on the lives of your eligible family members. Each multiple of Option C equals $5,000 of Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites coverage on your spouse and $2,500 of coverage on each eligible child.  Generally, eligible children under Option C are your unmarried dependent children under age 22. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Federal Perkins Loan Program Federal Perkins Loans help financially needy undergraduate and graduate students meet the cost of postsecondary education. The award is made by the school based on the availability of funds. A Federal Perkins Loan carries a fixed interest rate and must be repaid beginning after a nine-month grace period following the date when the student is no longer enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Institutional financial aid administrators at participating institutions have substantial flexibility in determining the amount of Perkins loans to award to students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment. Borrowers who undertake certain public, military, or teaching service employment are eligible to have all or part of their loans canceled. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Federal Retiree Benefits The Services Online (SOL) program offers federal retirees and survivor annuitants a place to learn more about retirement benefits and make changes to federal annuity payments. The program provides on-demand access so you can: Change your federal and state income tax Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites withholding Change your mailing address Change your Password Establish an allotment to an organization Set up a checking or savings allotment Sign up for direct deposit for your payment Update your email address/opt-in to receive information electronically View/Print annuity statement/verification of income View/Print 1099-R Tax Forms View/Print verification of life insurance (FEGLI) View/Print status of your case while in interim pay Services Online cannot be used to make any changes to your Federal dental or Federal vision insurance (FEDVIP) coverage. Please contact BENEFEDS or call 1-977-888-3337 for any changes and/or comments related to your FEDVIP coverage. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Former Worker Medical Screening Program (FWP) The Former Worker Program (FWP) identifies, notifies, and makes medical screening services available, at no cost, to former employees who have worked in the weapons complex during the past 60-plus years for the Department of Energy (DOE) or its predecessor agencies (the Atomic Energy Commission and the Energy Research and Development Administration). DOE uses occupational health experts to independently offer medical screening to former workers for potential adverse health outcomes related to Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites occupational exposures to such conditions as radiation, noise, beryllium, asbestos, lasers, silica, and others. The FWP was first established following the issuance of the Fiscal Year 1993 Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 102-484), which called for DOE to assist workers with determining whether they had health issues related to their prior work with DOE. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Foster Grandparent Program The Foster Grandparent Program provides grants to qualified agencies and organizations for the dual purpose of engaging persons 60 or older, with limited incomes, in volunteer service to meet critical community needs and to provide a high quality volunteer experience that will enrich the lives of the volunteers. Program funds are used to support Foster Grandparents in providing supportive, person to person service to children with exceptional or special needs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application used by virtually all two and four-year colleges, universities, and career schools for awarding Federal, state, and college-funded student aid. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Free File Available exclusively at IRS.gov, Free File makes doing your Federal taxes less taxing, either through brand-name software or fillable forms that do the hard work for you. This online tax preparation service lets you Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites prepare your own tax return and e-file it for free. More than 46 million people have used Free File since the Internal Revenue Service and the nation's leading tax software providers partnered together 13 years ago. The software helps you find the tax breaks you are due and help you meet your health care reporting requirements. Free File providers also offer state return preparation, some for free as well. When you file electronically using Free File software or fillable forms, your return is sent to the IRS using the latest in encryption technology. You also get a receipt that the IRS has accepted your return within minutes of filing, and you can print your return for free. Using both e-file and direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program The Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) program is designed to contribute to the development and improvement of the study of modern foreign languages and area studies in the United States by providing training opportunities for faculty, teachers, and upperclassmen and/or graduate students in foreign countries where the United States has diplomatic representation. Awards are made under the program to conduct overseas group projects in research, training and curriculum development. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Genetics and Developmental Biology Research and Research Training Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites The Division of Genetics and Developmental Biology supports studies directed toward gaining a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of inheritance and development. The results of these studies form the foundation for advances in diagnosing, preventing, treating and curing human genetic and developmental disorders. Most of the projects supported by the division make use of model organisms, which speed advances in understanding human biological processes. The division has two components: the Genetic Mechanisms Branch and the Developmental and Cellular Processes Branch. Read MoreAdd to Favorites HUD Homes for Sale A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) home is a 1-to-4 unit residential property acquired by HUD as a result of a foreclosure action on a Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured mortgage. HUD becomes the property owner and offers the HUD Home for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Home Loan for Regular Purchase The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan program guarantees loans made to eligible Veterans, Servicemembers, Reservists, National Guard members and certain surviving spouses. VA guarantees a percentage of the loan. This helps the Veteran obtain a no-down payment Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites mortgage at a competitive interest rate that does not require private mortgage insurance. VA-guaranteed loans may also be refinanced. Go to Home Loan Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing to see the program requirements. To obtain the most advantageous financing, VA encourages eligible Veterans, Servicemembers, Reservists, and National Guard members to meet with several lenders to determine the best mortgage terms to meet individual needs and circumstances. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Housing Counseling Assistance Program U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can give you advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues and reverse mortgages. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Identity Protection Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number (SSN) or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) A Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) can be used to refinance an existing VA loan to lower the interest rate. IRRRLs do not require credit underwriting Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites and may include the entire outstanding balance of the prior loan, to include closing costs and up to two discount points. Please note that some lenders may require additional credit requirements for loan approval. Therefore, VA encourages you to contact multiple lenders to determine the best loan option to fit your needs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Internship Program for Post Secondary Students The Department of Commerce (DOC) established a post secondary internship program to aid and promote experiential training activities which foster future employment at DOC or the Federal government in general. Student opportunities will be primarily located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, but will include field locations outside the area. Summer internship sessions will last for a ten-week period. Academic semester or quarter internship sessions will be structured to coincide with the academic calendar of the students' institutions. The DOC serves as the host Federal agency for the student interns; however, students may be assigned to work in Federal agencies other than DOC. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Life Sciences Awards The Life Sciences Awards competition will present: $25,000 award to a scientist, with additional funds for research; three $10,000 awards to high school educators; and three $5,000 awards to high school students, who are judged to exemplify excellence in the field of life sciences. Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Read MoreAdd to Favorites Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) is a tax credit used to offset the cost of tuition and related expenses. It can help eligible students pay for undergraduate, graduate and professional degree courses and courses taken to get or improve job skills. There is no limit on the number of years you can claim the credit. The credit is worth up to $2,000 per tax return. The LLC is a nonrefundable credit, which means it can only reduce a person's tax liability to zero and no part of the credit can be issued as a refund. There are income limitations for this tax credit. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Loan Management For Veterans or Servicemembers who have a VA-guaranteed conventional or sub-prime loan, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a network of eight Regional Loan Centers that can offer advice and guidance during times of financial hardship. Borrowers may visit the Home Loans Information page, or call toll free -1-877-8273702 to speak with a VA Loan Technician. However, unlike when a Veteran has a VAguaranteed home loan, VA does not have the authority to intervene on the borrower's behalf for conventional loans. It is imperative that a borrower contact his/her mortgage servicer as quickly as possible when faced with financial hardship. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Low Income Taxpayer Clinic A Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites organization that receives a matching grant from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to represent low income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS, and to provide education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL). LITCs provide representation before the IRS or in court on audits, appeals, tax collection matters, and other tax disputes. Clinics provide information and education about taxpayer rights to individuals for whom English is a second language. Services are provided for free or for a small fee. Although LITCs receive partial funding from the IRS, LITCs, their employees, and their volunteers are completely independent of the IRS. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Margin Protection Program for Dairy The Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Diary) is a voluntary program that helps dairy producers protect the financial "margin" between milk prices and the feed costs incurred to produce that milk. Dairy producers can choose among: (1) catastrophic coverage, at no cost to the producer, other than an annual $100 administrative fee; and (2) various levels of buy-up coverage. Catastrophic coverage provides payments to participating producers of dairy operations when the national dairy production margin (defined as the difference between the national all-milk price and average feed costs) is less than $4.00 per hundredweight (cwt) and cover 90% of the production history. Producers may purchase buy-up coverage that provides payments when margins are between $4.00 and $8.00 per cwt., and a coverage percentage of their Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites existing production history. To participate in buy-up coverage, a producer must pay a premium that varies with the level of protection the producer elects. To receive coverage, a producer must enroll annually; pay the administrative fee, and premiums, as applicable. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Medical and Dental Expenses Tax Credit This program could reduce the Federal tax you owe by deducting medical and dental expenses from your taxable income. Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part of function of the body. Read MoreAdd to Favorites National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Mentored Career Development Program The Mentored Career Development Program provides opportunities for basic and clinical research scientists to pursue additional periods of supervised career development beyond postdoctoral training. Investigators in the initial phases of establishing research careers utilize this mentored career program to gain additional expertise in new areas or in areas that would significantly enhance their scientific career potential. Sponsoring institutions and mentors play important roles in the success of this initiative. Upon completion of the mentored research experience, investigators are expected to become competitive independent scientists capable of pursuing research issues relevant to the mission of the National Institute of Mental Health. Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Read MoreAdd to Favorites National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs The National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program provide nutritionally balanced meals to children as part of their regular school day. These programs are federally assisted meal programs that operate in approximately 100,000 public and non-profit private schools and residential child care institutions. To learn if your child’s school participates in one or both of these programs, contact your child’s school or school district.   Read MoreAdd to Favorites Payments for Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects Biological children of women veterans who served in Vietnam may be eligible for a monetary allowance and possibly vocational training if the child(ren) have a birth defect which resulted in a permanent physical or mental disability. The allowance is paid at one of four disability levels based upon the child's degree of permanent disability. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry Research and Research Training The Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry supports a broad spectrum of research and research training aimed at improving the molecular-level understanding of fundamental biological processes and discovering approaches to their Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites control. The goals of supported research include an improved understanding of: 1) Drug action and mechanisms of anesthesia 2) Pharmacogenetics and mechanisms underlying individual responses to drugs 3) New methods and targets for drug discovery 4) Advances in natural products synthesis 5) Biological catalysis 6) Metabolic regulation and fundamental physiological processes 7) Integration and application of basic physiological, pharmacological, and biochemical research to clinical issues in anesthesia, clinical pharmacology, and trauma and burn injury Read MoreAdd to Favorites Property Improvement Loan Insurance The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) makes it easier for consumers to obtain affordable home improvement loans by insuring loans made by private lenders to improve properties that meet certain requirements. Lending institutions make loans from their own funds to eligible borrowers to finance these improvements. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program The Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) Program is one of the four Medicare Savings Programs that allows you to get help from your state to pay your Medicare premiums. This Program helps pay for Part A premiums only. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Qualifying Individual (QI) Program The Qualifying Individual (QI) Program is one of the four Medicare Savings Programs that allows you to get help from your state to pay your Medicare premiums. This Program helps pay for Part B premiums only. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Retired and Senior Volunteer Program The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) provides grants to qualified agencies and organizations for the dual purpose of engaging persons 55 and older in volunteer service to meet critical community needs and to provide a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of volunteers. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program The Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program with the People's Republic of China (SCEP) supports international exchanges that promote agricultural development and economic growth, and mitigate animal and plant health issues that impede trade. This unique program offers excellent opportunities for U.S. teams of up to 5 members to initiate linkages with potential long-term collaborators at Chinese institutions throughout the People's Republic of China (PRC). Under a special USDA Scientific Technological Exchange Agreement with the PRC, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture specifically tailors two-week visits to China to meet the scientific objectives of each team. U.S. teams are responsible only for their international airfare to and from China. Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Read MoreAdd to Favorites Seed Cotton ARC/PLC Eligibility As with other “covered commodities” made eligible for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs established with the 2014 Farm Bill, Seed Cotton (unginned cotton containing both cotton lint and cottonseed) was established as a covered commodity in the 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act, with coverage available for the 2018 crop.  Former cotton lint base acres may be converted to seed cotton base acres and/or other covered commodity crop base acres, and payments may be made on those base acres if certain economic and other conditions are met.  For information on how Other covered commodities enrollment was handled after the 2014 Farm Bill, please see the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Enrollment Fact Sheet.   The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 Seed Cotton Base Acre Allocation, Yield Update, Election and EnrollmentFact Sheet contains specific information for the newly ARC/PLC eligible Seed Cotton program.   Other ARC/PLC information and data, including program payments, enrollment contracts, program definitions, and Frequently asked Questions can be found on the FSA ARC/PLC Program web page. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Senior Companion Program The Senior Companion Program provides Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites grants to qualified agencies and organizations for the dual purpose of engaging persons 60 and older, particularly those with limited incomes, in volunteer service to meet critical community needs and to provide a high quality experience that will enrich the lives of the volunteers. Program funds are used to support Senior Companions in providing supportive, individualized services to help adults with special needs in order to maintain their independence. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods (fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh-cut herbs) at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Social Security Medicare Program The Social Security Medicare Program is a federally funded program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare is our country’s health insurance program. The Social Security Administration (SSA) can provide you general information about the Medicare program. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Social Security Medicare Savings Program The Social Security Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is a federally funded program administered by each individual state. States have programs for people with Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites limited income and resources that pay some or all of their Medicare premiums and may pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. There are four Medicare Savings Programs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Qualifying Individual (QI or QI-1) Qualified Disabled & Working Individuals (QDWI) Read MoreAdd to Favorites Social Security Spouse's Insurance Benefits The Social Security Spouse Benefits are a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). These are benefits paid to the spouse of a worker who receives Social Security Retirement or Disability benefits. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Social Services Block Grant The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) is a capped entitlement program that provides funds to assist states in delivering social services directed toward the needs of children and adults. These services include: 1) Preventing, reducing, or eliminating dependency 2) Achieving or maintaining self-sufficiency 3) Preventing neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children and adults 4) Preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care 5) Securing admission or referral for institutional care when other forms of care Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites are not appropriate Read MoreAdd to Favorites Special Milk Program The Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools and other institutions that do not participate in other Federal meal service programs. Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program may also participate in the SMP if the milk is provided to children who do not have access to the school meal programs (for example, children in half-day kindergarten and prekindergarten programs). The program reimburses schools and other institutions for milk served. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Stafford Loans for Students Direct Stafford Loans, from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program, are low-interest loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education at a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school. Eligible students borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) at participating schools. Stafford Loans are available for undergraduate and graduate students and come from Direct Stafford Loans made by the U.S. Department of Education. You will repay a Federal Direct Stafford Loan to the U.S. Department of Education. Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Direct Stafford Loans include the following types of loans: A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need, as determined by the information you submit on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  If you are eligible for a subsidized Stafford loan you will not be charged interest while you are in school on an at least half-time basis, during a grace period of up to six months after you are no longer enrolled on at least a "half-time" basis, or during certain defined deferment periods.  The Federal government pays (subsidizes) the interest during these periods. An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need.  But you still must apply using the FAFSA.  For unsubsidized loans, you will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid off in full.  However, you can choose to defer payment of interest while you are in school and during any grace or deferment period.  However, if you allow interest to accrue (accumulate) during these periods, it will be capitalized.  This means that interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan, and additional interest will be based on that higher amount. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) The Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) is a paid student program, which offers you valuable work experience directly related to your academic field of study. It provides formal periods of work and study while you are attending school. It requires a commitment by you, your school, and the Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). You may be eligible for permanent employment after successfully completing your education and meeting work requirements. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) Student employment provides an opportunity to earn money and continue your education, to train with people who manage the day-today business of the Federal government, and to combine your academic study with on-thejob experience. Job opportunities under this program offer you temporary employment with the Department of Commerce. Employment can range from summer jobs to positions that last as long as you are a student. These employment opportunities need not be related to your academic field of study. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Summer Food Service Program The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides nutritious meals at no cost to children in low-income communities when school is not in session. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal nutrition assistance program. SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card.  This card can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores.  Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Read MoreAdd to Favorites Tax Benefits for Education Certain tax benefits may be available to you if you are saving for or paying educations costs for yourself or another student who is a member of your immediate family. Most benefits apply only to higher education. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Tax Counseling for the Elderly The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provides free tax assistance to people who are age 60 and older. IRScertified volunteers provide free assistance and basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals at community locations across the nation. The IRS enters into agreements with private or non-governmental public non-profit agencies and organizations, which will provide training and technical assistance to volunteers who provide free tax counseling services. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Tax Relief for Divorced or Separated Individuals There are certain special Federal tax rules for divorced or separated individuals that can result in a lower tax liability than would otherwise apply. Read MoreAdd to Favorites The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) helps supplement the diets of lowincome Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. Through TEFAP, the Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchases a variety of nutritious, high-quality USDA Foods and makes them available to state distributing agencies. The amount of food each state receives is based on the number of unemployed persons and people with incomes below the poverty level residing in the state. States then provide the food to local agencies, including Indian Tribal Organizations and food banks, which in turn distribute the food to local organizations, such as soup kitchens and food pantries that directly serve the public. States also provide the food to other types of local organizations, such as community action agencies, which distribute the foods directly to low-income households. Read MoreAdd to Favorites The Go Direct® Campaign The Treasury Department's Go Direct® national public education campaign informs Americans of the change and helps them understand what they need to do to get their Federal benefit payments electronically. Direct deposit is safer, easier, and gives people more control over their money. Your money goes straight into a checking or savings account on payment day each month, eliminating the risk of a delayed payment. Read MoreAdd to Favorites U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is a Federal agency within the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that administers the nation's immigration laws Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites relating to immigration benefits and services. USCIS regulates permanent and temporary immigration to the United States. This includes legal permanent residence status, non-immigrant status (e.g., tourists or students), and naturalization. Read MoreAdd to Favorites U.S. Participation at Venice and Cairo Biennale Exhibitions The U.S. Department of State supports the U.S. participation at select international art exhibitions called biennales. These programs help U.S. museums, school, galleries, or visual arts organizations participate in international art exhibitions. Currently, the State Department offers support for two art exhibitions: the Venice Architectural Biennale and Venice Art Biennale. These programs were created to ensure that the excellence, vitality, and diversity of American arts are effectively showcased abroad. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Udall Undergraduate Scholarship The Udall Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based award offered to sophomores and juniors enrolled in an accredited college or university. Each year, the Foundation awards 80 undergraduate scholarships of up to $5,000 to students studying fields related to the environment, and to Native American and Alaska Native students studying fields related to health care or tribal public policy. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) The Uniformed Services Employment and Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects civilian job rights and benefits for veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA makes major improvements in protecting service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Veterans Preference (VP) Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the armed forces during certain recognized periods, or in military campaigns, are entitled to preference over other qualified candidates from competitive lists of eligible applicants. They are also provided protection for retention consideration during reductions in force (RIFs). Veterans preference entitles veterans to employment preference for most Federal civil service jobs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Veterans' Employment & Training Service (VETS) The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) proudly prepares America’s veterans, service members and their spouses, for meaningful careers, provide them with the employment resources and expertise, protect their employment rights and promote their employment opportunities. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Assistance is provided at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Weatherization Assistance Program for LowIncome Persons The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) enables low-income families to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Funds are used to improve the energy performance of dwellings families in need, using the most advanced technologies and testing procedures available in the housing industry. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides funding to states, U.S. overseas territories, and Indian tribal governments, which manage the administration of the program. These governments, in turn, fund a network of local community action agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local governments that provide these weatherization services in every state, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and among Native American tribes. Read MoreAdd to Favorites Woodrow Wilson Center Fellowships in the Humanities and Social Sciences Adjustable Rate Mortgage Insurance This program can help individuals buy a single family home in which they intend to live. While U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not lend money directly to buyers to purchase a home, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved lenders make loans through a number of FHA-insurance programs. Read MoreAdd to Favorites The Woodrow Wilson Center awards approximately 20 to 25 residential fellowships annually to individuals with outstanding project proposals in a broad range of the social sciences and humanities on national and/or international issues. Topics and scholarship should relate to key public policy challenges or provide the historical and/or cultural framework to illuminate policy issues of contemporary importance. Read MoreAdd to Favorites smARTpower smARTpower sends American visual artists abroad to collaborate with local artists and young people around the world on the creation of community-based art projects. Focusing on direct community engagement that encourages dialogue, experimentation and creativity, this 45-day program is designed to stimulate discourse around local or global social issues including the environment, education, health, girls and women's issues and freedom of expression. Read MoreAdd to Favorites BUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS EXCHANGE PROGRAMS NON-U.S. CITIZENS U.S. CITIZENS View disclaimer SHARE You are here 1. 2. Home// Content tagged with Visual and Performing Artists 9 Results are Tagged with "Visual and Performing Artists" Next Level Next Level is an exciting initiative of the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs that uses a collaboration of current music, spoken word, dance, and film to foster cross-cultural creative expression, understanding, and conflict resolution in younger audiences in underserved communities overseas, and to support the professional development of artists in those communities. American Arts Incubator American Arts Incubator uses new media and/or mural arts as a means for engaging youth, artists, and underserved community members in overseas communities in Asia to advance U.S. foreign policy by addressing a local community issue, such as women’s empowerment, HIV-AIDS prevention, social inclusion, conflict resolution, and the environment. Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program The Core Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program sends approximately 800 American scholars and professionals per year to approximately 130 countries, where they lecture and/or conduct research in a wide variety of academic and professional fields. DanceMotion USA DanceMotion USA sends American dance companies overseas to connect with audiences and communities through dance workshops, lecture demonstrations, public performances, and other arts education activities. Venice Architectural Biennale This program ensures that the excellence, vitality, and diversity of American arts are effectively showcased abroad and provides an opportunity to engage foreign audiences to increase mutual understanding. Arts Envoy The Arts Envoy Program shares the best of the U.S. arts community with the world to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration and to demonstrate shared values and aspirations. American Film Showcase This program brings award-winning American documentaries, feature films, and animated shorts to audiences around the world. American Music Abroad These musical ambassadors reach beyond concert halls to interact with other musicians and citizens around the globe. Fulbright U.S. Student Program The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers fellowships for U.S. graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals and artists to study, conduct research or be an English teaching assistant abroad for one academic year. BUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS EXCHANGE PROGRAMS NON-U.S. CITIZENS U.S. CITIZENS At-a-Glance The Arts Envoy Program shares the best of the U.S. arts community with the world to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration and to demonstrate shared values and aspirations. American arts professionals-- including performing artists, visual artists, poets, playwrights, theatrical and film directors, curators, and others-- travel overseas to conduct workshops, give performances, and mentor young people. Programs seek to connect with international publics who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage with American arts professionals. PROGRAM LENGTH 5 days to 6 weeks Eligibility and Application Overview Participants must: Be at least 18 years old; Be a U.S. Citizen; Be an expert/professional practitioner in the arts field. Application Details Individuals and groups are selected by U.S. embassies in collaboration with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. 1. Money and Banks Money and Banks Tips to Protect and Access your Money while Abroad (U.S.) Familiarize yourself with your bank’s policies before you go – unexpected fees or extra charges sometimes apply. However, some banks have partnerships with other banks abroad, which may mean less fees for you. Understand the financial system and research currency exchange rates at your travel destination Inform your bank or credit card company of your travel plans so that their security measures do not freeze your account. Ask if your bank has any branches at your travel destination or international banking partners where you could safely deposit or withdraw funds as needed. Review the Crime section of the Country Specific Information for your destination to review the financial and ATM scams that may be targeting foreign visitors. If ATM service is not secure or available widely, bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash. Major banks in most countries will issue cash advances from major credit cards. For emergencies, set aside sufficient funds in advance of your travel and designate a family member who could access your accounts if needed. Most hospitals require payment up front for any services, even in countries where healthcare is a public service. Most countries only provide public healthcare service for their citizens and not foreign nationals. Most banks may require a notarized power of attorney to provide account access to someone other than the primary account holder. If you need to do this at your travel destination, U.S. consular officers serve as U.S. public notaries and can help you notarize Powers of Attorney, Wills, and other documents for use in the United States. U.S. consuls can assist Americans abroad who are temporarily destitute due to unforeseen circumstances. Americans who find themselves in these circumstances should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or call the State Department’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 (during business hours) or 202-647-5225 (after hours). Consular officers can help destitute Americans contact family, bank, or employer to arrange for transfer of funds. In some cases, these funds can be wired through the Department of State. Check here for more information on how a consular officer can help under these circumstances. Keeping in Touch Keeping in Touch Staying in touch with family and friends is important while traveling abroad. Before you go, research all your options and establish a communications plan that is practical and affordable. Cell Phones, Pay Phones, and Calling Cards Some cell phone companies allow you to rent or buy a temporary international cell phone; or you can use an international phone plan from your current carrier. Pre-paid phone cards also allow you to make international phone calls for a flat fee. The internet is also a great way to keep in touch. International Phone Card: Getting an international phone card is beneficial because you do not have to be concerned with bad reception or lack of signal inherent in many cell phones. The cards can be recharged and can be purchased in the United States or abroad. Many pay phones these days do not accept cash. Instead, the phone cards can be swiped at the pay phone to make a call. Ask your current long distance provider if they are able to give you discounted rates for international calls. A monthly fee will apply, and your phone company can send you an international calling card with a special access number. However, you will be billed the usual United States long distance rates. The cards can be used at regular landlines as well. ISIConnect Card: The ISIConnect card is a prepaid, rechargeable phone card offered by the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC). ISTC also provides the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). Students studying abroad can get a card and save up to 70 percent on calls in more than 150 countries. It can be recharged over the Internet or by phone, and the voicemail it provides costs family and friends nothing to leave a message for the student. Internet & E-mail Find out if you will have access to the internet in your area. The internet is the most cost-effective way to communicate while overseas. Instant messengers, email, and Skype are great ways to communicate. Finding an Internet café or other form of Internet access may be difficult on short-term trips and may not meet your local calling needs. Receiving Mail If you will be abroad for an extended period, you may want to arrange for the delivery of your mail. Some banks and international credit card companies handle mail for customers at their overseas branches. In addition, post offices in many countries will hold mail for travelers under their General Delivery (Poste Restante) services. U.S. Embassies and Consulates do not handle private mail. Check with the embassy of your destination country to see if that will be possible there. A listing of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available on the Department of State’s website. Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country. Create a schedule Discuss what time of day you can be reached by family and friends before you leave. Contact your phone service provider to discuss best plans for international calling. To save on telephone communication, set up a regular schedule for e-mailing, instant messaging or talking via Skype. Ashley D. ( United States )Arts EnvoyJordan The Healing Power of Art Art Therapist Ashley Door traveled to the centers of Zarqa, Ammon, and Aqaba to introduce the healing power of art to Palestinian and Pakistani refuges living with the trauma they’ve endured during their journeys. “Jordan is a hub for the arts,” says Ashley. “But art as a therapeutic vehicle was very new to them--so in a way we introduced this idea to the people. The point of art therapy is to encourage people to express themselves. So we did three workshops a day with different groups of women or children with exercises that allowed them to do just that. Each week we were in a different city and had a big exhibit at the end. We would choose about 150 pieces of art that the participants had created and display them.” Ashley worked alongside the US Embassy in Jordan and admits she was blown away by the warm welcome she received from the women and children and how open the groups were to the idea of art therapy. “I was really surprised at how receptive people were,” says Ashley. “I really thought I was going to have a hard time because I am an American; and I was fully prepared for resistance or skepticism. But the people were very welcoming and responded incredibly well.” “The women from Zarqa that I worked with are from a poor area and they are basically just taking care of their children. They really didn’t have time to talk to other women or time for themselves. They were so happy to just come together and make art.” “One woman came all the way to an exhibit just to say thank you. It was so powerful because we couldn’t speak to each other but understood what the other was saying.” By the end of her trip, Ashley had fallen in love with the country of Jordan and ultimately believes the greatest breakthroughs made during the tour were her own. “I loved everything about the country,” says Ashley. “There is such a beautiful blend of history and culture there. You have Petra and these old beautiful places; all this religious history. But at the same time there are these modern aspects as well. I made some of the best friends there. This experience made me want to explore so much more.” “My conviction in this work has changed as well. I think working in my field for 10 years had made me complacent. But to go to this country and have everyone be so excited really just refreshed my commitment to this field. I realized that art can connect people more than language can. It can heal.” Participant Story Colin H. ( United States )Arts EnvoyGeorgia The "Tamada" When Colin Hovde first arrived to the Republic of Georgia he immediately noticed the social differences compared to those of the United States. “There was a visceral quality of living in the absolute moment,” recalls Colin. “In America, everything is so planned. We live in our planning of the future and reflections of the past. But in Georgia, there’s this feeling that you can do whatever you want.” “When the Soviet Empire fell, Georgia’s entire infrastructure was lost. Paata, a Georgian friend I had grown very close to, asked me to imagine living in a country where everything has fallen apart; to suddenly have no police force, no electricity, and no job. Those events forced people to be in the moment; live in the now.” Colin was in Georgia for 6 weeks to conduct play writing workshops and oversee a 24hour play festival. “The 24-hour festival brings together 4 to 5 seasoned playwrights and gives them the opportunity to write, rehearse, and perform a play in a 24-hour period. My piece was entitled Euphoria: Something Better is Coming and was performed in a type of promenade theatre—where the audience and theater are in the same space. There are no seats, so the audience and performers get to interact. The play festival took place at the National Theater of Georgia’s Roostaveli Theater.” The 24-hour play festival drew crowds, news outlets, and the famous Georgian director Robert Sturua. But aside from the fanfare, Colin grew to admire the unbreakable spirit and tenacity of the Georgian people. “One of the most beautiful aspects of Georgian culture is supra, or dinner,” says Colin. When they sit down to dinner they elect someone called a Tamada—the Toast Master. That person is to lead everyone through dinner with stories and merrymaking. Every 5 to 10 minutes the Tamada must have everyone regroup and give a toast. We toast to everything from life, to happiness, and love of one’s country.” “Around the dinner table is how they’ve held on to their national identity. I had the pleasure of serving as Tamada one night—and though I was nervous—in that moment what I feel in my close friendships in America, I felt towards the Georgian people.” By the end of the trip Colin had gained friends, experiences and a new perspective. “It was a very challenging experience but what I gained was empowerment,” affirms Colin. I had the courage to direct a play festival in a foreign country in a foreign language. It’s a breath of optimism and proof that if you work for something anything is possible.” American Film Showcase At-a-Glance The American Film Showcase brings award-winning contemporary American documentaries, feature films and animated shorts to audiences around the world, offering a view of American society and culture as seen by independent filmmakers. Funded by a grant from the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, the Showcase highlights the value of film in fostering understanding and cooperation, dialogue and debate. Through the American Film Showcase, U.S. Embassies in 40 countries organize film screenings, discussions and workshops in all areas related to film, such as production, writing, animation, distribution and independent financing. PROGRAM LENGTH 7-10 days Eligibility and Application Overview There is no application or submission process for American Film Showcase. Films are selected by a committee to participate in the American Film Showcase program. Criteria for selected films include: High artistic quality; Contemporary insights into American life and culture; Explore issues affecting democratic societies; Take into account cultural sensitivities of foreign public and appropriateness for youth audiences; Explore issues affecting democratic societies; Offer diverse viewpoints and balanced treatment of subject matter . Partner Contact Information American Film Showcase Website
