How to Make Money When You Don’t Have a Permanent Address

Recently, my sister experienced homelessness. She had reached a really low point in her life and needed help. Thankfully, she was able to get into rehab, but it wasn’t simple. One of the biggest hurdles wasn’t just finding stability in housing or recovery, it was navigating financial survival without a permanent address.

Simple things like getting food stamps or health insurance became nearly impossible because the applications required proof of residency. Rehab helped her apply for SNAP (food stamps) and eventually get very low-rate insurance through Georgia Access, but it took extra steps and advocates to guide her through. Watching her walk through that process opened my eyes to how difficult it is for families, individuals, and even veterans who don’t have a permanent place to live.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make money without a permanent address, or why it’s so hard to qualify for assistance in these situations, this post will walk through some options, challenges, and real-life realities.

Why a Permanent Address Matters for Work

Most employers require a permanent address for tax purposes, payroll, and background checks. Unfortunately, this means that people who are in-between housing: whether living in a shelter, staying with family, or moving frequently, are often excluded from opportunities that could help them get back on their feet.

But here’s the good news: you can still make money even if you don’t have a permanent residence. It may take extra creativity and flexibility, but there are paths forward.

How to Make Money Without a Permanent Address

Here are some practical options that don’t always require proof of residency:

1. Gig Economy Jobs
DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Lyft, or Uber often only require a driver’s license, insurance, and a bank account. Some platforms allow payments through third-party cards like Cash App or PayPal if direct deposit isn’t possible.

TaskRabbit or Handy let you pick up odd jobs like cleaning, moving help, or assembling furniture.

Tip: Many gig apps will accept a P.O. Box or a shelter’s address if you explain your situation.

2. Freelance and Remote Work
If you have access to Wi-Fi (through a library, coffee shop, or even a mobile hotspot), online freelancing is a flexible option.

Freelance writing, graphic design, tutoring, or virtual assistant work can be found on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.

Survey sites and micro-task platforms (like Swagbucks or Amazon Mechanical Turk) provide small income streams that add up.

3. Day Labor and Cash-Based Work
Many cities have day labor centers where employers hire workers for construction, landscaping, or moving jobs. Payment is usually the same day, and you don’t need an address.

Other cash-based opportunities include:
Babysitting or pet sitting
House cleaning
Lawn care services

4. Sell What You Create or No Longer Need
Crafts, baked goods, or handmade items can be sold at local markets.

Clothing, books, or small electronics can be resold through apps like OfferUp, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace.

5. Community Resources That Help with Work
Some non-profits allow people without a home to use their address for job applications or mail.

For example:
Homeless shelters or advocacy groups often provide a mailing address service.
The U.S. Post Office offers a General Delivery service where you can pick up mail at a local branch.

Why It’s Harder to Qualify for Assistance Without a Permanent Address

One of the most frustrating parts of not having stable housing is that government and charity programs often require proof of address.

SNAP (food stamps), TANF, and Medicaid usually require proof of residency. Without a lease or utility bill, families are often denied.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children program) requires proof of income and address, which can be difficult for moms staying with relatives or moving often.

Even school enrollment for children can get complicated without a fixed home address.

This creates a heartbreaking cycle: those who need help the most often struggle the hardest to qualify. That’s why some families rely on shelters, advocacy centers, or trusted friends to use their addresses temporarily.

Jobs If You Don’t Have Access to the Internet

In today’s world, many money-making opportunities require Wi-Fi, but if you don’t have reliable internet, there are still plenty of options. Think of jobs that rely on in-person work and word-of-mouth rather than online applications:

Day labor – Construction sites, landscaping crews, and moving companies often hire day workers on the spot.

Babysitting or nannying – Let neighbors, family friends, or church members know you’re available. Parents are always in need of reliable childcare.

House cleaning – Cleaning jobs can be found through community bulletin boards, laundromats, or local churches.

Yard work and handyman services – Offering to mow lawns, rake leaves, shovel snow, or help with small repairs can turn into steady work.

Cash-based local jobs – Some restaurants, flea markets, and family-owned stores hire without requiring online applications.

💡 Where to Go for Internet Access:

If you do need the internet to apply for jobs or manage money, there are free resources available. Public libraries almost always offer free computer and Wi-Fi access. Community centers, coffee shops, and some fast-food restaurants also provide free internet. Even if you don’t have your own device, libraries typically allow you to use their computers for applications, resumes, and emails.

Jobs If You Don’t Have a Car

Not having a car can feel limiting, but there are many money-making opportunities within walking distance, along bus routes, or where transportation isn’t required:

Walking dogs or pet sitting – A perfect option if you can stay local. Pet owners are often looking for trusted help right in their neighborhood.

Retail or restaurant work – Many local businesses within walking distance are more likely to hire neighborhood workers.

Grocery stores & big box retailers – These jobs usually don’t require a vehicle since employees live nearby.

On-site jobs like housekeeping or maintenance – Hotels, motels, and apartment complexes sometimes provide both work and housing options.

Delivery jobs (bike or walking couriers) – If you live in a city, you might be able to deliver food or packages using a bike instead of a car.

💡 Tip: Check if your local area has a bus pass program or discounted transportation through community assistance programs. Some employers even provide shuttle services for workers who don’t drive.

Veterans and Disability Benefits

Another layer to this issue involves veterans who qualify for disability benefits.

For many veterans, disability benefits are a lifeline, helping cover housing, food, and medical needs when steady employment isn’t possible. Unfortunately, just like with other assistance programs, not having a permanent address can make the application process harder.

Veterans may face delays in paperwork, mail delivery, and receiving payments.

There’s also a tough reality: while most veterans rely on disability benefits legitimately, there have been cases where individuals take advantage of disability claims.

This creates frustration in the system and sometimes makes it harder for those truly in need to be approved quickly.

At the same time, it’s important to recognize that many veterans suffer from invisible wounds, like PTSD, chronic pain, or traumatic brain injuries, that don’t always show on the surface.

For them, disability compensation isn’t "taking advantage", it’s survival.

Final Thoughts

Making money without a permanent address is undeniably challenging, but it’s not impossible. With the rise of gig work, freelancing, and community support systems, families can find ways to create income streams even in unstable situations.

The bigger challenge is access to government assistance, which often assumes everyone has a home address. For families, single parents, and veterans, this gap can mean the difference between stability and crisis.

If you’re facing this struggle, know that resources exist, community centers, non-profits, and even the postal service can provide mailing solutions to open more doors. And if you’re supporting someone in this situation, sometimes the best thing you can offer is not just financial help, but also a safe mailing address and encouragement.

Nanny to Mommy