One of the coolest "get paid" companies that is on the net is Quiz Points. Instead of paying cash for answering surveys, they give out gift cards. If you do 10 short surveys then you can get a $10 gift card and redeem this at a participating store.
This is one unique way of earning "extra cash" though not really in the form of money. Gift cards are quite acceptable to a lot of stores and could really address some of needs like school supplies or books.
Quiz Points will ask you to answer a survey, go through an offer or a free product trial. Once you complete the task, they credit you earn points. Those points can then be exchanged with a gift card. 500 points earns a $10.00 gift card. Upon sign up, Quiz Points gives 50 points. What a cool way to start something, right?
Besides from earning points for yourself, they also have a referral program. Once a referral signs up, you get paid $0.75. The more people you refer to the site, the greater the chance of earning more points.
If you have a site or a blog, you can be an affiliate and place a link from your site so people can join. Another way to get people to join is send an email to your family and friends asking them to check Quiz Points. Always include your referral link so once they sign up they can be credited as your referral.
Quiz Points is a free to join site. You need not pay nor do anything to become a part of its program. All you need is a valid email address. Complete the registration form and you are good to go! Get paid through gift cards by joining Quiz Points.