If you're one of the millions of Hiffers perpetually broke (I assume millions of you read HIF over each other's shoulder on a single, shared laptop), I know how you feel. However, it could be worse. Imagine if we were also sick on top of being strapped for cash! I know when I was going through chemo, the last thing I needed was another bill.
If you find yourself in a similar boat, one possible method of making a little side money is through paid, legitimate medical research studies. If you have a qualifying illness and live in a needed area, you can apply for a paid clinical trial earning hundreds of dollars!
These types of studies help doctors and research scientists better understand illnesses and diseases as well as find treatments and cures. Some of the studies are demographic while others involve study products or placebos. The trials are run by Acurian, a company who specializes in recruiting potential qualifying candidates for the trials.
When applying for these, I still recommend using your freebie email and freebie phone number. That way, if you change your mind on participating in a trial, you can easily stop any future calls or emails.
While researching Acurian and clinical trials, I came across ClinicalTrials.gov, a searchable database of licensed clinical trials run by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. While many of these do not pay for participation, I've included links to recruiting studies for many of the diagnoses below. When applicable, I also included links to unpaid NIH clinical trials.
As usual, I'm not a professional anything! If you get accepted to a paid study, please make sure to talk it over with your medical doctor first!
Diabetic Peripheral Neropathy (DPN) Clinical Trial
They're looking for people with diabetes and have been diagnosed with Diabetic Peripheral Neropathy (DPN) in both feet. Has moderate to severe foot pain for more than 6 months. Should have BMI under 40.
Payment: Up to $1,125.
Application Form: Diabetic Peripheral Neropathy (DPN) study
Requirements: Men & Women, ages 18+.
Locations: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Texas
There are additional studies you may qualify for.
Fibromyalgia Trial
It's estimated there are 4 million US adults diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. While it can affect people of all ages, even children. However, most people are diagnosed during middle age and are more likely to have Fibromyalgiaas they get older. If you have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you are more likely to develop Fibromyalgia.
Payment: Up to $350.
Application Form: Fibromyalgia study
Requirements: Men & Women, ages 18-75.
Locations: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah
There are additional studies you may qualify for.
RSV Vaccine Trial
When a virus is incurable, a vaccine may be the answer. Help fight RSV if you're 60+.
Payment: Up to $1,025.
Application Form: RSV Vaccine study
Requirements: Men & Women, ages 18+.
Locations: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Texas
The NIH is running multiple RSV Vaccine studies.
There are additional studies you may qualify for.