Questions & answers
Does FreeBeg cost anything?
No. Posting, giving and joining are free. FreeBeg doesn't take a cut of anything — the money goes straight from the giver's payment app to the person asking. If you'd like to help keep FreeBeg running, you can chip in here.
Which payment methods can I use?
Cash App, Venmo, PayPal (PayPal.me), Ko-fi, Zelle, or any other payment page with a secure link. Here's how to set each one up.
I had an account on the old FreeBeg forum. Do I need a new one?
No — sign in with your old username and password. Your old requests are in Past requests.
Why is my request waiting for review?
A new member's first request is checked by a moderator before it goes live, usually within a day. Requests with links in them are checked too. It's how we keep scammers out, which makes people more willing to give to everyone.
What's the difference between a public and a private request?
A public request is listed on FreeBeg where anyone can find and help with it. A private request isn't listed or searchable — only people you send its link to can see it, which suits asking family, friends or your church. You can have one of each open at a time. More about choosing.
Can I offer to work in exchange for help?
On a private request, yes — there's a spot to say what you can do in return, like mowing or babysitting, for the people you share it with. Public requests don't have it, because strangers usually live too far away, and arranging a job with a stranger means sharing addresses and phone numbers, which isn't safe.
How much can I ask for?
Up to $5,000. Smaller, specific asks get helped much faster.
How long does a request stay open?
14 days, or until you close it or reach your goal. A few days before it closes, we'll email you: if you still need help, you can keep it open for another 14 days, once, and add a quick note about what's changed.
How are requests ordered on the home page?
Under “Needs help now,” requests nobody has helped yet come first, in an order that reshuffles every 2 hours so everyone gets a fair turn near the top. “Almost there” shows the ones closest to their goal, “Newest” shows the most recently posted, and “Under $50” shows the smaller requests that are easiest to finish.
Can my request be featured or moved to the top?
There's no paid placement, and you can't ask to be featured. Once in a while FreeBeg highlights a request for a day or two, marked “FreeBeg pick.” Otherwise every request gets the same fair turn. What helps most is sharing your link with people who know you — your request page has ready-made messages to copy — and adding a photo, which also shows when your link is shared.
Why do I have to post a thank-you before asking again?
Because the people who helped want to know it worked. Thank-yous are the single biggest reason people come back and give again.
Someone says they sent help — how does it count?
Their claim shows up under People who say they sent help on your request. Check your payment app first: some apps show a transfer as pending for a while. Tap Got it once the money is really there — your progress bar and received total only count confirmed help — or Didn't arrive if it never shows up. Never confirm an amount you didn't receive.
I said I sent help but it hasn't been confirmed yet
Give it a little time — the person checks their payment app and some transfers sit as pending first. They can also tap Didn't arrive, which just closes it. Only claim help that actually left your account: moderators see claims that don't show up, and a pattern of those gets an account limited.
Who can see my email address?
Nobody but you and FreeBeg. It's used to sign you in and send you notifications.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Generally no. FreeBeg isn't a charity, and gifts to individuals usually aren't deductible. Ask a tax professional if it matters for you.
Does FreeBeg check that requests are true?
We check email addresses, review new members, block reused payment handles and act on reports — but we can't verify anyone's story. Read our safety tips and give what you're comfortable giving.
What happened to the chat and work-from-home forums?
They were mostly spam and scam ads, so they didn't move to the new site. Real ways to earn are on the Ways to earn page, and private requests can say what you can do in return for people who know you. Suggestions go through the contact form.
Can I take my request down later?
Yes, any time. Open your request and use “Remove this request from FreeBeg” at the bottom of the About box. Closed requests also stop showing up in Google after 6 months on their own.
How do I remove my account?
Send a request through the contact form from the email on your account, and we'll take your account and everything you posted off the site. More in our Privacy page.
Didn't find your answer? Ask us.