How to Get Help To Pay Bills

There is financial help available for families and individuals to help buy food, pay overdue mortgages, housing costs, emergency home repair, utilities, transportation, medical expenses, student loan payments and old debt that is piling up.

Instructions

1

The fist thing to do if you need help to pay a mortgage is to try to contact the lender before your payment becomes overdue or at least within a reasonable amount of time. A mortgage lender given a heads-up might defer a payment.

2

Housing assistance programs are available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which helps families and individuals with low income or have had a financial hardship to pay housing expenses such as rent, emergency home repair, and mortgage payments.

3

Financial help is available for utilities. The help given is determined by income, but usually comes in the form of reduction of your heating bill and/or a set amount based on your income to be paid each month. The best way to find government and community-based programs that receive grant funding and other funds to help is to contact the office posted on the bill. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is another potential source of help.

4

For help with public transportation cost, contact your local transportation office to determine if you meet income qualifications for reduced or free ticket program hosted by many government programs.

5

For help to pay for food and groceries you have several choices. Local food banks can be found by contacting local city offices or churches. The Salvation Army may be able hot meals during the day and help with clothing.

6

To get help to pay for health insurance for kids go to insurekidsnow.gov for more information. To get help to pay big medical bills contact your hospital's financial office, many offices have grant funds to help pay bills, but will not offer them unless asked directly.

7

If you need help to pay for daycare or child care services while you are at work or undergoing training, contact the department of social services in your county or municipality. Most states offer child care assistance programs that help families pay for care on a sliding fee scale, depending on the amount of income they make.

8

The best way to avoid being delinquent in paying student loans is to ask for a deferment. Many lenders have programs set up for student loans that allow the loan to be deferred for up to six months. Many government and privately funded programs are also set up to help those who accept employment in an undesired location. Part or all of certain students loans may be erased in return.

9

Help to pay for past debt packed into credit cards is available. You must apply for a hardship through your credit card issuer. You may be required to document your circumstances in order to qualify for such programs.