As the economy shows no real signs of recovery any time soon, more and more Americans are starting to feel the pinch. Layoffs, continue, unemployment is higher than anyone can recall and the banks are in no hurry to hand out loans to most people. The US Government has bailed out the big banks, the car dealers and billions of dollars have been either spent or earmarked for dozens of other programs neatly packed in under the umbrella of "economic stimulus." What about the average citizens who are simply trying to put food on the table and gas in the tank- are there debt relief grants for the average Joe as well?

It seems the answer is- maybe. Despite what many people are claiming, the US government is no more in the business of handing out free cash than any other time, regardless of the current economic strife. Individuals are not able so simply apply for grants to help pay their bills or go shopping. There is money available to those who qualify in particular categories, however.

The most recent move by the Obama administration was to offer taxpayer capital to small banks at a lower cost than it did previously. This money is designated to help small businesses and community programs. Banks with less than $1 billion in assets will be able to receive capital at a dividend rate of 3 percent, rather than the typical 5 percent for five years. After the five-year period ends, however, that rate will jump to 9 percent.

The Small Business Administration will also have some extra funding available to eligible applicants. Maximum loans in the SBA 7 (a) and the 504 programs will go from $2 million to $5 million. The SBA's microloan program may also see an increase from $35,000 to $50,000.

The Obama administration is also taking steps to make more grant money available to college students, although how much more money any individual student will see is debatable. More families are now eligible for grant money from the government, as parents have lost jobs and income, creating a greater number of students in need of financial assistance to attend school. However, increased tuition costs at many colleges may override any financial aid changes, making it difficult for students to afford college regardless of federal Pell grants.

For the time being, there isn't any major relief in sight for most Americans struggling to make ends meet, although recent financial news does show some signs of economic recovery. In the meantime, all those new government grants you hear about on the Internet and television may not actually put any extra cash into most family budgets.