(NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Gas prices could shoot even higher as the July 4th weekend approaches.

 

Prices hit a new record high of $4.19 a gallon this weekend in Michigan.

 

The national average rose to $4.09 a gallon, also a new record.

 

The higher the prices go, the more people there are who can't afford to fill their gas tanks to get to work.

 

But there is help.

 

The name says it all: Free Gas USA. It's a non-profit corporation. If you're eligible you could get more than $1,000 in gas for nothing.

 

The group was founded this year.

 

The agency partners with public, private and religious organizations to help ease the pain at the pump for low-income, elderly and disabled Americans.

 

It provides gasoline grants ranging from $50 to $1,200 depending on need.

 

Recipients are assigned coded fuel cards for required travel only. Things like employment, education and medical treatment are what are covered.

 

The grants are given monthly based on donations the organization receives.

 

If you think you might qualify for the program, check out the link to the right.