Find how to get financial assistance with bills, free items, housing, food, and emergency or long term help for basic needs. There are local agencies near you, listed below by state or program type, as well as national organizations, including charities or government social services. Everything from rent or utility bill assistance to food pantries, mortgage payment help, free health or dental clinics and much more is listed.

There are also free resources for saving money as well as work from home or job training programs. Also locate coupons, discount codes, information on financial literacy or tools for making extra money, and so much more.

All this information is below by category. As throughout the page is information on financial assistance programs that help pay bills ASAP, free items, food, housing, job programs and more that help struggling families with both emergency as well as long term needs.

Housing assistance - rent, mortgage, security deposits and more

A number of rental assistance programs help the low-income, single mothers, working poor and others. The goal is to stop evictions and keep tenants housed, or to move into affordable housing.

Rental assistance will be provided from national charity organizations or government agencies. Locate local financial assistance programs for paying rent, security deposits, storage costs and more by city or county. Sometimes a tenant is faced with an unexpected crisis as well and needs immediate assistance or resources within days, and there will be support for that as well. Find programs that help with rent.
There are also federal government income subsidized housing and apartment programs in all states. As an example, find section 8 near you.
Emergency section 8 will be available for seniors, the disabled and people in a financial crisis. Learn how to get section 8 immediately.
Sometimes homeless shelters are full and a free motel or hotel room is a short term option. Charities (or government agencies) can provide free motel vouchers.

Rapid rehousing, security deposit help and Homeless Prevention is another option. Everything from grants to legal consultation are offered to low-income families. Get security deposit assistance.
Some housing, apartment programs and rental assistance is focused on single moms. Charities and government programs often assist, and learn about free apartments offered to single mothers near you.
Housing with no waiting lists will be offered from section 8, government programs, or non-profits. Apartments or homes can be offered in a crisis to single mothers, veterans, the low income or disabled as well as elderly among others. Get details on low-income housing and apartments with no waiting list.

Utility bill assistance - electric, water, utility deposits, telephone and more

Utility assistance, either emergency financial help or long term energy conservation measures, can help renters as well as homeowners. Charities, utility providers, the government and more offer support.

Assistance with electric, light, heating and other utilities is offered from national organization. It is also possible to reduce monthly utility bills (i.e. saving money), which can also free up a household’s income for other basic needs. Savings can be combined with financial help to pay utility bills. There are very simple, and free ways, to save 5 to 30% on monthly electric, heating, and gas bills. Read more on electric bill assistance.
Utility companies offer payment plans, discounts, and hardship relief to their customers to stop a disconnection. Most states also offer local utility bill assistance programs. These can be for a certain state, county, or city Locate assistance from utility companies.
LIHEAP grants help low income families, seniors and the disabled keep their utilities on or pay a deposit. Find LIHEAP near you.
Water bill assistance can stop a shut-off. Charities and companies will offer it. More on help with water bills.
Phone bill assistance is an option, including free cell phones for the low-income, disabled or seniors. Find phone bill assistance.

National charities, non-profits and churches

Find information on national, “well-known” charities that, in aggregate, helps tens of millions of people per year. Free food, clothes, emergency financial help, housing and more.

Community action agencies help the low income as well as unemployed overcome poverty or even find a higher paying job. There are also grants and financial aid. Continue with community action program.
Churches often help struggling members of their local community. Short term help will be offered to families living in poverty as part of church assistance programs.
Other regional or specialized charities exist that can provide emergency assistance for paying bills, rent, food, and that offer support for other basic needs. Find more charity organizations.
Attorneys from non-profit law firms can provide free legal assistance or consultations to very low income families as well as senior citizens. Information on free legal advice.

Free food programs

Struggling or low-income families can get assistance from charities, including free food pantries, Meals on Wheels, soup kitchens and more. Or apply for government benefits including SNAP food stamps, USDA commodity programs, resources for children or the elderly and more.

Regional or national free food banks, pantries and grocery programs can be used in an emergency. listing. Most local towns, cities, and rural parts of the country have grocery distribution centers as well. There are thousands across the country. Local charities or social service offices provide free food, hot meals, hygiene supplies, or groceries. Or get applications to food stamps, free school lunches/breakfast and more Locate a list of state food pantries.
Local, community based food pantries operate too. They may be based at churches, faith based groups, or local neighborhoods. The low-income and poor can get a box of groceries and other goods. Find a food pantry near you.
Food or meals (frozen or hot) will be delivered for free to the homebound, elderly, or disabled. Meals on Wheels provides food and wellness checks. Locate meals on wheels food delivery near you.
SNAP food stamps, including emergency benefits and EBT expedited cards, can provide financial aid, help with groceries, or other basic needs. Get details on how to get emergency food stamps.

Free stuff or basic needs - Clothes, furniture, seasonal items and more

There are many national as well as local organizations that offer free items year round. Whether it is groceries, school supplies or Christmas toys, clothes, cars, gasoline or more, struggling families can get stuff for themselves or their children.

National organizations, corporations, and even the government will provide free items to low income households or products. Free household or personal stuff can also be provided to low-income families, the elderly, children or single moms or dads. There are items in cities, counties or certain states Find how to get stuff for free.
Furniture banks provide beds, appliances, mattresses, desks, and many gently used or household items. Locate free furniture banks near you.
Free clothes for work, general use, winter weather or other needs are offered by thousands of charities. Locate dedicated free clothing closets near you.
Free baby wipes and diapers are available for new parents. Low income and/or struggling parents as well as single moms need diapers or wipes. Get free diapers.
Students need to have the free back to school items they need, whether it is a uniform, clothes, books, backpack, or other goods. There are programs run by churches or charities that offer free school supplies.
Free government Internet programs assist low income families. The goal is to encourage at home - remote work, education, or helps parents with children. More on free internet services.
Funeral, cremation and burial assistance programs are available. Charities or the government offer free services, caskets, or financial help, even to the uninsured. Find funeral assistance for low-income families.

Grants, cash or government assistance

In addition to the financial resources and programs above, there are a variety of grant programs that operate year round. They help low-income families as well as people with no money. It will be government assistance, disability benefits, help for senior citizens or retirees and more.

There will be grants to pay for expenses ranging from energy bills to transportation, rent or housing costs, medical needs, food, and more. Find information on grants to help pay bills.
It is possible to make money from everyday tasks using apps, cash back websites, survey or market research sites and others. Find how to make free money for paying bills.
Federal government financial help, often in partnership with non-profits, is offered. Find information on federal, state, and local government assistance programs.
State public assistance, food, medical, cash benefits can be offered to the very low income. Low-income family assistance programs and benefits for people with no money or income are available. Everything from dentists to housing, free lawyers for low-income people, energy bill help and more. Locate The support is provided from the government as a form of public assistance.
People with a disability can get help. Government financial aid, SSI, loans, disability advocates and other options, such as support from charities. Learn more on disability help.
Programs help senior citizens and the elderly. Locate food, free medications, grant based aid and housing. More details on help for senior citizens.
Low-income parents, or single moms, can get free government child or day care, including vouchers or financial assistance. Locate affordable or free daycare near you.
Single moms can get financial assistance as well. There free grant programs for helping with bills or rent, clothes, flexible jobs for extra income or daycare among other resources. Learn more on financial assistance and grants for single moms.

Transportation assistance - Free cars, car payment assistance and more

Transportation is needed for work, job training, school, and other purposes. There are charities and well as non-profits that offer assistance for transportation, if it is work or “self-sufficiency”

Free new or used cars can be be offered to people who need it for a new or existing job, if lack of transportation is a barrier. This can include a free car for low income families.
If/when a car or truck needs repairs, some grants, charities, or volunteer mechanics try to help. There are grants to pay for automobile repairs.
Free gasoline, including cards or vouchers, will be offered in an emergency. This can include a job interview or medical emergency. Learn about charities that pass out free gasoline vouchers.
Auto loan payment help will be offered by banks, lenders, or even non-profits. Financial aid, payment plans and more can be available as help with auto or car loans.
The disabled can also get rides, including wheelchair or handicap transportation. Read more about free transportation for a disability.

Free medical, healthcare, prescriptions and dental

There are government assistance programs as well as free health clinics or pharmaceutical resources for low income families, the uninsured as well as those living in or near poverty levels. Options range from insurance to free or sliding fee type care.

Sliding fee or free medical clinics provide emergency or preventative healthcare to the low income, uninsured, women and underinsured. Federal qualified health care centers as well as rural clinics are also very local too. Volunteer doctors, nurses, and free urgent care centers are options for medical help. Locate free free clinics that offer health care.
Free dental care, including teeth cleanings, extractions, and charity assistance can help the millions of people that lack dental insurance. The uninsured and low income can get dental help too from volunteer dentists as well as local clinics. Most cities and counties have them, including charitable or mobile centers They too can get assistance from free dental clinics.
Financial help is offered to pay medical or hospital bills. Everything from government grants to payment plans, non-profits or charities assist. Hospital and medical debts are also a major concern with the escalating cost of healthcare. Patients can apply for help from their provider, or locate medical bill assistance.
Free prescription drugs, discount cards, medications, financial help and more help the low-income. Resources are offered from charities or pharmaceutical companies as a type of prescription drug assistance.
Low income families can also get help with vision needs, including prescription glasses or exams. Learn about glasses, contacts or free eye exams near you.
Many other charity or national medical or dental options are available as well. This can also include free substance abuse programs or mental health services as well as therapy. Find affordable or free medical care.

Extra income, work from home or free job training programs

There are a number of ways to make extra money from side hustles, gig jobs, work from home jobs (part or full time) and more. In addition, free government job training can help people get new skills.

Jobs can be done from home, whether full or part time. Companies offer a number of opportunities, and find legitimate work from home jobs.
Free job training, counseling, career advice and other support is available from the government as well as non-profits. Workforce centers and other locations provide job training near you.

Money saving tips, coupons, cash back programs and budgeting

It can be difficult to qualify for government assistance or charitable resources. Funding is always limited. Another way to get assistance with paying bills or increasing self-sufficiency is by saving money or using coupons, cash back websites and other free tools.

Some games pay out real money, free gift cards, rewards and give other stuff to those who play. Websites, apps, and other services pay to Paypal, Venmo, or cash app. Locate games that pay out money.
There are also many things that families can do to cut back on their expenses and save money. There is also tips for low-income people who are living on a budget as and/or low income. Whether it is saving money on, or budgeting for housing, rental costs, utility bills, food, or really any expense, find a number of money saving tips.
Free coupons can be found online, using a smartphone app, printed from websites or located in other ways. They are a easy and effective way to save money, and get details on free coupons.
Free income tax preparation services are offered. Both online and in-person is given to low-income families, seniors and the working poor. Preparers from VITA, communication action agencies, the AARP and other non-profits offer guidance. Find free tax preparation near you.

Debt relief for loans, credit cards, medical costs and unpaid bills

Since many people like paycheck to paycheck, they all too often go into debt just to keep up with paying their bills or they struggle to pay everything from car loans to credit cards. There are various assistance programs available, from banks, lenders, credit counselors, financial literacy resources and other support.

Counselors from non-profit agencies help with debt management plans (DMP), settlement, medical debt and other support - both in person or online. Contact free non-profit credit counseling agencies.
Banks and credit card companies often provide relief to their customers. There are consolidation programs, refinancing, and other forms of credit card help.
Many other debt assistance programs are available, ranging from credit card hardship to consolidation, payment plans, emergency financial aid and more. Find other debt help.

Homeowner resources - Mortgage help, home repairs, and more

Whether trying to get financial help for a past due mortgage payment, or assistance with a loan to buy a home or grants to make repairs, homeowners can get help.

Find mortgage payment help from banks, non-profits, and national agencies. There are a number of ways to get help with a mortgage.
Free home repairs will be offered to low-income families, seniors, or the disabled, among others. Grants and volunteers will assist. Learn about on free home repairs.

Loans that help pay bills, including for emergencies

Payday loans, peer to peer lending, non-profit programs a d low interest Credit Union loans are some options that can be looked into as a last resort. Learn the truth about the various types, including the pros and cons to using them. There will be some limited situations in which borrowing money can be a great option.

Borrowers with bad credit (or no history) can get loans. There are non-profits, credit unions, online banks and payday type lenders. Get money from title loan companies, cash checking stores, or pawnshops can be turned to in a crisis, but there are risks to thisFamilies that are struggling due to past challenges can also get financial assistance from loans for borrowers with no credit.
There are no-interest loans available. The funds will eventually need to be repaid, but the interest rate is zero and other fees are often waived. Find more details on free loans for families.

Local financial assistance programs and social services by state

Select your state below to find a comprehensive listing of all emergency as well as long term financial assistance programs available. Based on various conditions, households can receive rental assistance, food, free medical care, daycare vouchers, medical care and energy bill assistance among other resources.

Need Additional Help With Bills? Send us an email @ info@needhelppayingbills.com Include your email address and state. It is needed to send a reply to your request. Or visit or register in the community forum (link below) and we will reply to your message there. There are many charities as well as government resources that offer financial assistance with paying bills, debt, back rent, mortgage help, and more.

By Jon McNamara

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