Begging Money

Financial Hardship Help

  • Home
  • Ask For Help
  • FAQ
  • Donate

Last Updated: January 2, 2025

Single Mom needs help for son´s expenses

Hello everyone,

I’m a single mother raising my vibrant and energetic 3.5-year-old son. Our journey together has been challenging, but each day I strive to provide him with a loving and stable environment. His father, an Air Force veteran, has unfortunately chosen not to participate in providing the necessary support, such as child support or citizenship facilitation for our son, leaving us in a difficult situation. Without his citizenship we can not go to the US as my residency needs to be renewed as well.

Currently, we are stranded in Mexico, facing hardships as I endeavor to meet my son’s needs without the financial and legal support we were promised. Additionally, my son requires a medical procedure for a stomach hernia, which adds to our urgent needs.

I’m seeking your generous support to secure basic necessities like rent, food, and day care for my son. This assistance will enable me to work and create a more secure future for him. Every contribution makes a significant difference in our lives, and we are deeply grateful for your kindness and compassion.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any help you can provide.

Every little helps a lot, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Adrian and Pam

https://paypal.me/pammendizabal?country.x=MX&locale.x=en_US

 

@pammendizabal

 

 

Filed Under: Single Moms Tagged With: USA

Last Updated: January 2, 2025

Help me prevent homelessness

The saying of when it rains it pours is very prevalent in my life right now. My 2008 van broke down, I had to have another back surgery, and now I’m facing eviction and homelessness. Hello, I am a 57 year old mother with teenage twins and recently obtained custody of two grandchildren whose father was murdered. I receive social security disability due to psoriasic arthritis and back issues and I work part-time. I recently had to have another back surgery and fell behind on my rent. I applied for state assistance and was approved until the ran out of funding. I applied for local assistance through varies Organizations but everyone keeps saying the same thing, we don’t have any funds. This is very difficult for me to ask for help because I am usually the one helping others, maybe not financially because I don’t have much but with whatever else I can do to help I try my best to do. I am desperate. I can have these kids on the street. We need $24,000 to payback rent, this months rent and fees. Between my social security disability check, part-time job, my sons part-time job and the grandchildren social security checks we can survive. We just need some help catching up. I have no one to ask for help. I’ve tried to get a loan but my debt to income is too high. If you can find it in your heart to help us prevent becoming homeless that would be a blessing. Thank you.

PayPal @ampunit

Filed Under: Eviction Notice Tagged With: USA

Last Updated: January 2, 2025

Besoin urgent d’aide s’il-vous-plaît

Bonjour à tous je vous écris car j’aurais vraiment besoin d’aide pour pouvoir avoir une chaise roulante électrique et une autre chaise pour descendre les escaliers de chez moi je vous explique ma situation le 25 mai 2023 j’ai fait un avc et depuis je suis paralyser du côté gauche au complet et depuis je ne peux plus ni marcher et ni être debout j’ai quelqu’un qui ma prêté une chaise roulante normale mes elle est vraiment trop petite pour moi et je ne peux pas me déplacer seule voiture j’ai seulement qu’une mains droite qui fonctionne aujourd’hui ont ma donner ce site pour recevoir de l’aide je ne peux plus du tout travailler depuis la journée que j’ai fait l’avc car mon travail que j’avais été de faire des tatouages ​​et des percings je travaillelais a mon compte alors je n’est pas les moyens de m’acheter les 2 chaise que j’ai besoin j’ai besoin d’une chaise roulante électrique pour pouvoir me déplacer pour aller à mes rendez-vous médical et pouvoir avoir un jours mon autonomie voiture depuis que je suis paralysé du côté gauche au complet je ne peux plus rien faire seule alors je suis enfermée 24h sur 24h chez moi car je n’est pas une chaise roulante électrique pour me déplacer seule car j’ai que ma mains droite qui fonctionne et l’autre chaise que j’ai besoin est pour pouvoir descendre les escaliers car je reste au premier étage et il a des escaliers a descendre alors pour le moment c’est possible de descendre mes avec les ambulanciers et sa je ne peux pas les appeler juste pour sortir de chez moi il le fond juste pour les rendez-vous médicaux importants le pourquoi que je vous demande de l’aide aujourd’hui c’est que je n’est plus de famille il sont tous décédées j’ai plus de grands-parents plus de tante et oncle j’ ai perdu ma petite maman d’amour du suicide et depuis 19 février 2016 et depuis cette journée ma vie est devenue un enfer j’ai perdu pas juste ma maman mais elle était aussi mon père à la fois et aussi mon amie et ma confidente alors la journée qu’elle c’est enlever la vie j’ai plus de famille meme mon parrain et marraine sont aussi décédées alors je me retrouve vraiment s’en aucune famille il était 9 dans la famille mon dernier oncle qui était aussi mon parrain bien il est décédé sa fait pas si longtemps et depuis j’ai plus aucun famille pour etre la pour moi pour m’aider le pourquoi que je suis ici a vous demander de l’aide car j’ai vraiment pas les moyens de m’acheter les deux chaise importante que j’ai vraiment besoin pour me déplacer et pouvoir sortir de chez moi car je ne ne serai jamais capable de m’en acheter une chaise roulante électrique j’ai fait énormément de recherches le gouvernement ne peut pas en donner une car il faut avoir un cabanon ce que j’ai pas dans mon bloc appartement et il na pas n’ont plus d’ascenseur c’était les deux choses qui demandaient etil n’a rien de sa ou je reste mes il est possible que je puisse descendre si j’achète la chaise pour les escaliers et après je peux utiliser une chaise roulante électrique adaptée pour pouvoir me déplacer je rêve a ce jours ou je vais pouvoir sortir de chez moi et pouvoir trouver une autonomie pour me déplacer je continue d’espérer de trouver des gens généreux pour m’aider a pouvoir me procurer les deux chaise que j’ai vraiment besoin et avec l’aide sociale j’en n’ est deja pas assez pour survivre alors impossible pour moi dans acheter et sa fait plus 1 ans et demi que je vie l’enfer j’ai énormément de problèmes de santé sévères que j’ai appris depuis j’ai fait un avc il ont fait beaucoup de tests pis il ont découvert énormément de problèmes de santé sévères j ‘ai aussi le cancer des cordes vocales j’ai été opérer et traiter pour sa j’ai cancer des oss du thorax je suis suivi de proche pour sa je suis vraiment très malade il ont découvert que je fait de l’anémie et diabète sévères et problèmes de cholestérol de rênes et du foie gras mpco emphysème et je suis maintenant paralysé au complet du côté gauche suite à l’avc que j’ai fait et je dois prendre chaque jours 38 médicaments pour le diabète pour la douleur ect…et aussi je fait de la fibromyalgie depuis plusieurs années j’ai aussi 3 hernie discale que j’ai depuis des années je me suis fait sa quand je travaillelais à l’hôpital comme infirmière auxiliaires c’est depuis 2016 la journée que ma petite maman d’amour c’est suicidée que j’ai fait une énorme dépression et depuis je n’est plus travailler dans les domaines de la santé et j’ai commencé à travailler a mon compte pour les tatouages ​​et les percings mes depuis mon avc je ne peux plus du tout travailler et j’ai plus de famille pour m’aider car ils et elles sont décédées jai oublier de dire ma maman ma eu a 14 ans elle c’est fait violée par mon grand-père pédophiles alors je viens d’un viole le pourquoi que je vous est dit plus haut que ma petite maman d’amour était aussi mon père à la fois sur sa j’ai des rendez-vous médical important il na beaucoup que j’ai manquée qui était important car je ne pouvais pas me déplacer une partie en ambulances et il sont un peu tannée que j’ai appeler pour des transports pour l’hôpital il mon dit de regarder pour trouver de l’aide pour que je puisse prendre les transports adaptés mes pour sa j’ai vraiment besoin d’aide pour acheter les deux chaise que j’ai besoin d’une pour descendre les escaliers et l’autre chaise roulante électrique adaptée pour moi vue je suis paralyser du côté gauche au complet suite à l’avc et non il na pas d’espoir que je remarcher un jours c’est sa que les spécialiste et mon médecin de famille ma dit alors c’est pourquoi que j’ai besoin de votre aide à t’il des anges qui peuvent m’aider s’il-vous-plaît j’en serais extrêmement reconnaissante j’espère de tout coeur que quelqu’un pourra m’ aider merci beaucoup d’avance. Pour m’aider vous pouvez le faire un virement e-mail au : rachellpollender1982@gmail.com mots de passe : aide Sinon toujours possible de le faire par PayPal àpaypal.me/rachellpollender

Filed Under: Emergency Money Tagged With: Canada

Last Updated: January 2, 2025

Help me, please.

I am a struggling immigrant on the verge of losing my home. I’m on sick leave in a foreign country with no access to any help or allowances. Because of my mental illnesses, some days are incredibly hard and I feel like giving up – I haven’t done it because of my dogs, they are my family and mean everything to me. I don’t have friends here, nor family.

Being Latina in Europe is incredibly hard. For instance, it took me over 3 years to be able to switch antidepressants, even with health insurance being mandatory. I’ve been denied government help – I felt prejudice for not being local. In addition, one of the prescriptions I take costs 120eur/month. I took a loan last year because one of my dogs needed surgery and that’s eating a huge chunk of my income as well.

I looked for many ways to ask for help, from philantropists to volunteering, and I found this platform. Paying off my loan and building a bit of a safety blanket for me and my senior dogs would be ideal. I currently own 12×250 eur = about 3 thousand euros. A month’s rent is about 1000.

Thank you for allowing me to dream of a bit of stability. May the universe pay you back threefold.

 

paypal.me/pollybraga

Filed Under: Emergency Money Tagged With: EU

Last Updated: January 2, 2025

Start up capital for a pharmacy

Dear Readers,

My name is Ninsiima Violah I am from Kampala, Uganda. I grew up in a district called kabale. Growing up, I  saw struggles of families who could not afford medications and also some who could afford would find when the medicines in the pharmacies in our area expired. One moment that stays with me is about my now late grandmother.

Grandmother was a kind woman our neighborhood home. She suffered from high blood pressure, but the nearest pharmacy was miles away and she often skipped medication because she could not afford it. On day she was found down infront of her house struggling to breathe. Her condition worsened because she could not get the care she needs.

I realized how important it was to have a pharmacy nearby since all this happened because she was skipping her medication. A pharmacy that not only provides medication but is also offers understanding and compassionate. Since my grandmother didn’t make it, but other people can be saved. And people should no-longer suffer because of lack of healthcare.

with your support, we can build a place where stories like my grandmother’s have happier endings. A place where every person can access affordable medications when they need them most. Together, we can bring hope, health and healing to those who need it most.

your contribution will help a lot of people and make there lives happier. Will gladly be happy if you join me in this journey.

Total fund $20000

PayPal. me @ Violah Ninsiima

 

Filed Under: Business Capital Tagged With: Africa

Last Updated: January 3, 2025

Running out of options

Not sure where to begin, but I’ll start in 2020. During the shutdown I ended up receiving guardianship of my nieces 6 kids. She is not in this world anymore, and her husband is in Prison for it. So everything became extremely tough financially.

In 2022 I filed for bankruptcy, but it was a disaster and caused more damage than help. So that began the collection agencies and wage garnishment.

I work full time, but back in June my hours were reduced to 32 to 35 hours and I have fallen behind on everything.  I’m 50 days behind on my credit cards, had to cancel my life insurance policy withdrawals and on my 2 car payments.

On Saturday afternoon they repossessed one of them. So I am trying to get 3500 together to pay the fees and get it back. I am also trying to get another 2000 to get my other car back on track to prevent them from taking that one as well. I have tried going thru 211 but they don’t offer any help with auto’s, just rent, food and utilities.

PayPal.me/Adam78tempe
Venmo @Adam-tempe-78

Filed Under: Emergency Money Tagged With: USA

Last Updated: January 2, 2025

Unable to work due to TBI

Hi I’m Dominick I am a 30 year old man from Texas.

I was Diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury that has rendered my left side motor skills aka hand, independent finger movement, and foot not to work properly.

The Dr’s I have seen will not give me a paper for disability to present to Social Security, and working has become almost impossible between the inability to do so, and the physical pain in my lower back. Nerve damage the Dr said.

I’m about to go under financially and am just trying to keep a roof over my head.

Rent/ Utilities is $1,000 per month. Any donations would be appreciated no matter the amount.

If you feel like you can help my Cash app is $TexasRebel1994DKT

You are genuinely my last hope. Thanks for helping me.

Filed Under: Rent Tagged With: USA

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

Donation to fix my Vehicle

Hello potential kind donors ,

I am seeking $11,500 to repair my 1995 Chevy to good working order, a vehicle that has been a lifeline for my family. It’s crucial for getting to work, especially in harsh winter conditions, and for transporting my elderly parents to medical appointments and errands. Without it, I face challenges not just in providing for myself but in caring for those who depend on me most. My father 77 yrs and mother 75 yrs, both in fragile health, rely on me to be their support system. The repairs would ensure safety, reliability, and peace of mind during the toughest season. This isn’t just about fixing a car—it’s about sustaining a livelihood and a family. Your support would mean the world to us, and I would be forever grateful for any help you can provide.

I sincerely thank you for reading my post,

Steven Andrus

@StevenA775

Filed Under: Car Repairs Tagged With: USA

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

Money to buy an RV, Inspection, Lot or Plot to Put it on in January 2025

Dear Begging Money Donors:

My name is Judy Sparks and I live in Santa Fe, NM.
As of October 31, 2024 our apartment complex was taken over by a new owner and property management company.  A few months before that they gave us a 30 day notice that we were going on a month to month leases and a one year lease was no longer available.  If you are not aware this is happening all over this country and it seems really horrible and unfair to senior citizens like me and or anyone else in America.
Several months ago before the new company took over they went up on everyone’s rent at least $400.00-600 a month.
On another note two years ago Thanksgiving weekend I was attacked by a dog and it knocked me off their porch and I fell at least four feet down to the concrete driveway and broke my wrist and then  I had surgery a few days later.
Since that happened I have hired a handyman John to do work for me since I was injured.  He brings in the heavy grocery bags, takes out the trash twice a week, does handyman projects for me  and picks up the mail, vacuums my apartment changes the sheets on the bed and I pay him $500.00 per month on an ongoing basis.
I’m a single 76 years young and in pretty good health and live with my cat.
There is some dental work that I need to have done and most like two partials made by the dentist because of my accident which can be several thousand dollars.
The most important thing about living in an RV is to make sure that everything is in good repair and that an inspection is done by a certified RV inspector and by a mechanic after that is completed. There may need to be a downpayment required of 10% or more because I am not trading in a vehicle.
I need to funds to move out of my apartment and to hire two men to help pack, load and unload my possessions as well as making sure that the RV is parked properly and safely as well as paying off three credit cards so I can live nearly debt free.
The total amount that I am requesting is $35,000.00 depending on your formula.
Thanks for you time and consideration.

 

 

Paypal.me  @judysparks645

 

 

Filed Under: Emergency Money Tagged With: USA

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

Seeking Support During Hard Times

Hello everyone,

I never imagined I’d find myself in this position, but life has thrown some heavy challenges my way, and I’m reaching out in hopes of finding support.

I’m a single father navigating the aftermath of a divorce that was finalized just after the holidays last year. The sudden announcement on December 26, 2023, set off a chain of events that deeply affected me both emotionally and financially. Struggling with severe anxiety and depression, I lost my job in January and have been battling to regain stability ever since.

Currently, I’m living in an apartment in Orlando, but making ends meet has become an uphill battle. Rent, utilities, and basic necessities like food are constant struggles. When I do manage to set aside anything extra, it goes toward caring for my kids or building the small business I’m hoping will help turn things around.

On top of it all, I recently saw a sleep specialist who suspects I have narcolepsy—likely triggered by the extreme stress and depression I’ve experienced. Unfortunately, without health insurance, I can’t afford the sleep study needed for a formal diagnosis or proper treatment. The symptoms are severely impacting my ability to stay focused and productive during work opportunities, no matter how determined I am to push through.

To make things even harder, the court has mandated $1,135 in monthly child support payments. While I’m actively applying for jobs and doing everything I can to bring in steady income, these payments have made it nearly impossible to cover my living expenses. I’m at risk of losing my apartment, which would leave me without a stable place for my children to visit—a devastating thought after all they’ve already been through.

This has been the most difficult chapter of my life, but I’m determined to keep fighting for my kids and our future. If you’re able to help in any way—whether it’s a small donation, a lead on a job opportunity, or simply sharing this post—I would be incredibly grateful. Every little bit helps, and your kindness means the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’m holding onto hope, and your support brings me closer to rebuilding a stable, loving home for my kids.

CashApp: $MJMarcell
Zelle: 689-230-1865
PayPal: paypal.me/mjmarcell

Filed Under: Emergency Money Tagged With: USA

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

Help American Single Mom Return to the USA with Her Children

I am a single mom to four amazing children, and I’m reaching out with an open heart, asking for your help in bringing my family back to the United States.

Last year, I made the difficult decision to leave America due to the rising cost of living and the need to obtain medical care for one of my children in a foreign country, where costs were more manageable. Since then, we have been bouncing from country to country, trying to find a stable and affordable living situation. Unfortunately, this journey has depleted all of my savings. While I have an online job that covers our daily expenses, it doesn’t provide enough to fund our relocation back home.

We are currently in Eastern Europe, in a country experiencing significant political unrest. Protests unfold just outside our balcony, and the region’s instability has taken a heavy toll on my children. They are living in constant fear, struggling with depression, nightmares, and an overall lack of quality of life. Adding to our concern, in the country where we currently reside, the presidential inauguration has just occurred, with the current president refusing to relinquish power to the newly elected leader.

Compounding the situation, this country borders a large European nation currently engaged in war, and tensions across Europe are high. We are praying to leave before this potential fallout.

My children and I feel trapped here with no way out. Our hearts long to return to the United States, where my kids can experience the safety, stability, and opportunities they deserve.

I am humbly asking for help to cover:

  • Airfare for five people to return to the USA.
  • Two months in an Airbnb to allow me time to find an appropriate rental.
  • One month’s rent for our new home.
  • Food and living expenses as we transition.
  • Essential household items, as we will return with only five suitcases of clothing. We will need to purchase furniture, basic necessities, and a beater car to get us started.

Your support would mean the world to us. It’s not easy to ask for help, but as a mom, I will do anything to give my children the chance to live in the beautiful country they were born into. They deserve safety, happiness, and the opportunity to thrive.

Please know that every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to home. Even sharing this campaign with others could make a tremendous difference.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read our story. Your kindness and generosity could change our lives forever.

paypal.me/sweetgypsybutterfly

 

Filed Under: Emergency Money Tagged With: USA

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

A Life of Challenges – Am seeking help for a new start after being fired from my job after concussion

My life has been a series from suffering, from being sexually assaulted at an early age multiple times by my uncle to facing serious domestic violence in my marriage which almost turned fatal and I had to flee the state in order to save my life as well as my children’s. In 2023  while at work I was physically assaulted by a patient and suffered a severe head concussion which made it impossible to work. Unfortunately I was fired from my job and I have been unable to secure another job ever since despite submitting several applications.

I have always prided myself of being able to provide for my children’s as well as take care of my ailing parents. Currently I feel ashamed that I can’t even pay my own bills. I have been issued an eviction notice effective end of January 2025 and I am scared of being in the street with my children. I do not own a car therefore I’ll be forced to live in the streets with them. I feel so much shame asking for help but for the sake of my kids, am pleading for your support because it will help me turn my pain into purpose.

Thank you for taking your time reading through my story. Your generosity would really mean the world to my children and I and put us on the path to recovery.

My CashApp is: $LillianAketch

Thank you.

 

 

Filed Under: Eviction Notice Tagged With: USA

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

Disabled Veteran and Family Seeking Urgent Financial Assistance to Overcome Overwhelming Debt

I am writing to you with a heartfelt plea for help as I struggle through an overwhelming financial crisis. As a 100% disabled veteran, I have proudly served my country, and while I am grateful for the benefits provided, my family and I are currently facing financial difficulties that have become too great to manage on our own.

My only sources of income are Social Security and a little pension, as my disability prevents me from working. This income is stretched to its absolute limit to cover our basic living expenses. Unfortunately, recent unforeseen events have pushed us to the edge. Both my wife and my oldest son were hospitalized, and the resulting medical bills have amounted to over $58,000. Despite having some insurance coverage, the majority of these costs remain unpaid and weigh heavily on our shoulders.

In addition to these medical expenses, we are also burdened with a significant student loan debt of $123,000. This debt was incurred in an effort to improve my skills and secure a better future for my family, but my disability has made it impossible to pursue those aspirations. Adding to this financial strain, I have maxed out credit cards and a personal loan totaling $63,000. These were initially used to cover basic necessities and emergencies, but now they have created a never-ending cycle of debt.

Our daily existence revolves around living paycheck to paycheck, heavily relying on credit cards to pay for food, utilities, and other essentials. I make the minimum payments on these cards each month, only to immediately use the renewed credit to cover living expenses. This vicious cycle has left us without a clear path to financial stability.

Despite these daunting challenges, my family and I remain hopeful. We have taken steps to budget our limited resources and cut down on expenses, but the burden of these debts and medical bills is far too much for us to manage alone. The stress of this situation has had a serious impact on our mental and physical well-being, and we are desperately seeking a lifeline to help us regain our footing.

I am humbly asking for any financial assistance or support that can help us address these overwhelming debts and medical bills. Your generosity would allow us to stabilize our situation and focus on rebuilding our lives. Any contribution, no matter how small, would make a significant difference and bring us closer to a sense of relief and security.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Your kindness and understanding mean more than words can express. I hope to one day repay the generosity shown to us and help others in need. Until then, we are deeply grateful for any help that can ease this burden and give us a chance to move forward. God bless you.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YNXM9CNWV6GNJ

Filed Under: Medical Bills Tagged With: USA

Last Updated: December 31, 2024

A Dream of a Café: Seeking a Partner to Invest in a Vision

Hello, my name is Nara. I am a hardworking, resilient, and passionate woman who dreams of opening a small café or bakery. This is not just a business idea; it’s a lifelong passion rooted in my late father’s legacy as a bakery chef. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming space where people can enjoy delicious custom cakes, breads, and other treats, made with love and care.

I am looking for an investor who shares my vision and believes in the potential of this dream. I will bring my dedication, skills, and hands-on effort to the table, while you provide the financial support needed to bring this café to life. Together, we can build something special—a business that not only serves the community but also inspires others through its story.

I have the creativity, talent, and determination to run a successful café. My experience in managing teams, handling finances, and my natural ability to craft beautiful baked goods are key ingredients for success. All I need now is a partner to invest in this vision and help turn it into a reality.

If you’re interested in being part of this exciting journey, I’d love to connect with you and share more details. Your investment would not only support a business but also contribute to the dreams of a single mother who has overcome countless challenges and is determined to create a brighter future for her family.

Thank you for considering this opportunity. I look forward to the possibility of working together to make this dream come true.

https://paypal.me/NaraAndKids?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US

for email contact narafatma7@gmail.com

Filed Under: Business Capital Tagged With: USA

Last Updated: December 31, 2024

One Time Help

Hello I wish everyone a wonderful new year.Good Health and long life.I need help for everyday living but for a problem I have work hard to active bur unfortunate I did not succeed and as I am now 47 years and my mum ist almost at the end of days.I need help.I am married an have two Daughters and thy have. never meet there grand mum and the are furios to do so but I don’t have the means because ,we are  leaving in Germany and my mum is leaving in Sierra Leone;she is now old and will pass away at anytime and I don’t have the means to take her grand children to her once on her life before she pass away.Please Please Please Help,my PayPal meet_zeezoo@hotmail.com  Thank you

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: EU

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 123
  • 124
  • 125
  • 126
  • 127
  • …
  • 421
  • Next Page »

Categories

  • Animals
  • Begpackers
  • Business Capital
  • Car Repairs
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Dental
  • Emergency Money
  • Eviction Notice
  • Funeral Costs
  • Home Foreclosure
  • Medical Bills
  • Mortgage
  • Rent
  • Scammers
  • Single Dads
  • Single Moms
  • Student Loans
  • Tuition Fees
  • Uncategorized
  • Wishes
  • Contact

Copyright ©2016 · Legal Disclaimer, a TOS & Privacy Policy