6 Ways To Get Help Paying Bills

Sometimes you find yourself behind. Maybe it was a surprise expense. Maybe a check fell through. Either way, the bills are due and you need help.

So where do you go?

If you need to cover your monthly bills ASAP, don’t panic. There are a number of government programs that offer financial assistance for those eligible. If you have time, consider a strategy for longer-term solutions — boosting income or reducing expenses. Borrowing is another possibility, but it should be considered as a last option because it will add to your costs in the long run.

Here are some resources to help.

Where to go when you need help paying bills.

Financial assistance programs exist to support low-income households, unemployed individuals and struggling families. Below are some of the best places to turn for help with specific types of bills.

1. Find help with rent payments.

If you’re struggling to pay rent, you may qualify for rental assistance or mortgage payment assistance. Here are some options:

HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) offers housing assistance for low-income families. You can see if you qualify for housing choice vouchers at HUD.gov.

211.org connects you to local resources, including housing and financial assistance programs. Visit their website or dial 211 for help.

Your state’s social services may offer rental assistance or mortgage payment assistance for qualifying households. You can also use their site to find affordable housing options.

Nonprofit organizations like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities often step in during emergencies like eviction, offering rent assistance to eligible applicants.

2. Find help paying for electricity.

Utility bills like electricity can be a significant burden, especially during extreme weather seasons. There are programs designed to help eligible families cover energy costs and avoid disconnection.

One program that offers immediate assistance with utility bills is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) provides utility assistance to homeowners and renters by making direct payments to utility companies. They can even help you reduce the cost of weatherization, home repairs and energy-saving improvements that can increase your home’s energy efficiency and help keep energy bills low. Eligibility varies by state, but typically focuses on low-income households. Apply through your state energy office or visit LIHEAP.gov to get started.

3. Find help paying for water.

Can’t keep up with water bills? There are relief programs that may help.

Dollar Energy Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income individuals and families pay their utility bills. Through their assistance programs, residents in certain states can receive help paying water bills.

Local utility companies may offer payment plans or special discounts for struggling customers. Check your water company’s website to see if there are payment arrangements available.

4. Find help for other bills.

Ongoing financial assistance can help lessen the cost of bills. A number of government agencies offer support for those eligible.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides financial assistance designed to help low-income families while they get back on their feet. It’s provided by states, and eligibility requirements may vary. Find your local TANF office.

Health care is a must. If you don’t have insurance, you may be faced with high medical bills in the event of an emergency. Check out HealthCare.gov to search for providers and see your insurance options.

Lifeline assistance provides discounts on phone or internet services for low-income families.

For CashNetUSA customers, try our partner SpringFour to search for assistance. Their database can connect you with trusted local resources to help with food, electric bills, other utilities, prescriptions and unemployment resources.

5. Lower your food costs.

Food expenses can quickly eat into your budget. Lowering these costs can free up funds for other bills.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly food benefits to those in need. Each state may have different requirements for eligibility, but food assistance can help you ensure that you can continue to provide healthy meals for your family.

Feeding America provides families in need with access to nutritious food through a nationwide network of food banks and pantries. They offer resources to help individuals find local food assistance programs, ensuring that no one has to go hungry during difficult times.

6. Look for unclaimed money.

Sometimes, relief can come from an unexpected place. Search for unclaimed money or property at Unclaimed.org. Millions of dollars in unclaimed funds exist, and finding yours could give your budget a boost.

Is there a way to make money fast to help pay bills?

If you need some extra cash to ensure you can make your bill payments, exploring quick ways to make money can provide short-term relief. Here are a few ideas.

Make money online.

You don’t necessarily need to leave your house to make extra money.

Remote work. There are many companies looking for assistance remotely. You can find online opportunities including freelance work, virtual administration and even bookkeeping.

Freelancing on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr allows you to offer skills such as writing, graphic design or data entry.

Sell something.

Decluttering your home could also pad your wallet. Always exercise caution to avoid online scams and unsafe situations when selling and handing over an item to the buyer.

You can sell gently used items on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark. Popular items to sell include clothing, electronics, furniture, and collectibles.

Have a yard sale for an immediate influx of cash. Start by gathering items you no longer need, price them, and advertise the sale in your community and online.

Get a side gig.

Side gigs can help you earn extra income quickly.

Work for a local business. Local businesses are often looking for helping hands, plus you can align it to the things you like to do. If you love to read, you can look for local bookstores, if you love fashion you can find a small boutique. Think about what you like to do and look for opportunities in your area.

Pet sitting or dog walking. People are always looking for someone trustworthy to help them care for their pets. If you love animals or you have a flexible schedule this can be a fun and lucrative side hustle. There are a ton of websites and apps where you can offer your services.

Drive for a ride-sharing app or delivery service. Apps like Uber, Lyft, Doordash, Postmates and more are usually searching for drivers. If you have a car, you can take advantage of this flexible opportunity. You can set your own hours and work when you want. Just make sure your insurance offers sufficient coverage.

How can I prepare for emergencies in the future?

Planning ahead can reduce financial stress during tough times. Here’s how you can prepare.

Create an emergency fund.

An emergency fund is your financial safety net. A lot of finance folks will tell you that you need to save enough to cover three to six months of expenses, but that can be a big goal to start out with. Start small, even $20 a week, and contribute consistently. This way you have an extra resource you can tap into when those surprise bills or emergencies pop up.

Budget wisely.

Creating and sticking to a budget can help you manage your income and save money more effectively.

Assess your current budget. When you set up your budget, you should ensure that you’re able to cover your basic needs, bills and savings first. Figure out what you’re bringing home each month, and then subtract your monthly expenses: housing, food, utility bills, transportation, etc. Then subtract your savings. If you’re earning less than your spending, it’s time to either boost your income or reduce your expenses. If you’ve got some left over, you can add it to your savings.

Keep track of your spending. One strategy that works well is to track your daily spending in a notebook or on your phone. It can help you to understand where your dollars are going and empowers you to decide if that aligns with your goals and values. When you know what you’re working towards, it can be easier to give a job to every dollar in your pocket and make it work for you.

Borrowing options for when you need emergency help paying bills.

If all else fails and you need money now, borrowing may be an option.

Friends and Family

Ask close friends or family members for a short-term loan, but first ensure they are in a position to help. Be clear about repayment terms to maintain trust.

Installment Loan

An installment loan could provide the temporary relief you need. Personal installment loans provide you with a lump sum of cash upfront. You can use this cash to help cover your expenses and get back on track. When it comes time to pay the loan back, your repayments will be broken up into smaller chunks that you pay back over time.

Line of Credit

A personal line of credit is a revolving line of credit that works a bit like a credit card — except you can use the funds like cash. You’ll be given a credit limit, and you can borrow up to that amount whenever you need. It can be handy for keeping an extra source of cash on hand when you need a boost.

It’s good to know you have options.

Help paying bills is available if you know where to look. By combining financial assistance programs, quick money-making strategies, and long-term planning, you can regain control over your finances and reduce money-related stress.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax or legal advice.