Housing assistance - Rent, mortgage, and utility bills
Many government programs, community action agencies, charities, churches, and local non-profit organizations provide short term rent or mortgage help. There are places for free hotel vouchers, utility bill assistance and/or low income housing. The support provided to tenants or homeowners also involves stabilization services to help the family keep their current home or apartment. This includes transitional housing.
Tenants often need help too. Funds can pay back rent, security deposits, and help tenants avoid an eviction. Learn more on rental assistance. But sometimes the tenant is faced with an unexpected crisis and need assistance within days. This is when emergency rental assistance can assist them. There are also federal government programs in all states for housing stability. As an example, find section 8 applications.
Find an extensive listing of government, non-profit, charity and local utility electric bill assistance programs. Priority is often given to a household with a child, disabled member, or elderly resident. Options to save money on energy bills or to prevent a disconnection can include weatherization, cash grants, and various low income assistance programs. This will help them reduce the amount they need to pay on their monthly bills
There are several government programs as well as resources offered directly by utility companies or charities that can help individuals pay their utility costs. There may be payment plans or money for heating or other energy bills. Read more on energy assistance programs that are administered by your local utility company.
Many states and banks direct homeowners to government mortgage assistance programs. Or they offer other housing resources. There is foreclosure mediation, free home repairs, provide grants to help homeowners with paying their mortgages or other costs. All of the financial help or free mediation services will help prevent or stop the foreclosure process on a home. Or they help low income families purchase a house. There are many ways to get mortgage help or loans for closing costs or down-payments.
Free food
An estimated 15% of the population is considered to be “food insecure”. Luckily there are many places to turn to for free groceries or hot meals. There are food pantries, programs for lower income senior citizens such as Meals on Wheels, SNAP and government aid, and charities that focus on helping children. Find a detailed listing of food pantries as well as government assistance.
Most towns, cities, and even rural parts of the country have free food pantries as well. They can be at local churches or charity organizations. There are thousands across the country, and find a food pantry near you.
Free medical and dental care assistance
There are some assistance programs for low income families, the uninsured as well as those living in or near poverty levels. They include Medicaid or free clinics that offer health care. Many families lack comprehensive dental coverage as well. They too can get assistance from free dental clinics.
There are other programs that can help reduce, or even provide free medical or dental care. Resources range from discount cards to charity care, prescription drug assistance, payments plans and much more. Each program is different. They can cover a portion of health insurance premiums. Low income families can also get help with vision needs, including glasses of free free eye exams.
Patients can also use third parties, such as medical billing advocates or enroll into payment plans, to help ensure they are receiving the most competitive price on their care. Many other options are available as well, and find affordable or free medical care.
Disability benefits
Millions of individuals go onto either short or long term disability. The amount of cash assistance available from SSI, an employer, or a state government is often very minimal. Whether the disability is physical or mental, there are a number of programs that provide loans as well as grants. The disabled can also get low cost medications, free transportation for a disability, assistance paying for utility or medical bills, food, and housing.
These additional resources will be in addition to any SSI benefits. If the situation is dire enough, there can also be funeral or cremation assistance provided to the very low income or indigent. Charities often provide that support. In addition, many state and federal government and non-profits offer disability help as well as referrals.
Debt assistance for loans, credit cards, 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, and free non-profit credit counseling agencies. Many of the services are free to use.
Banks often provide relief to their customers. There are consolidation programs, refinancing, and other forms of credit card help. All lenders offer some form of assistance in paying loans, credit cards, and other bills.
Medical debts are also a major concern with the escalating cost of healthcare. Patients can apply for medical bill help from their provider. They will help low income patients, those on Medicaid, the disabled or senior citizens. Or look into how to get help with hospital bills.
Many families also need help with financial literacy. This involves developing or improving skills around investing, saving, budgeting, building credit and similar activities. The goal is to achieve long term success. There may on developing financial literacy skills.
Free assistance for seasonal living expenses
There are many organizations that offer free items year round. Some government agencies will offer money for paying bills, transportation costs or housing needs. Other charities help by offering free furniture, household stuff, or appliances. Charities also offer everyday items, including free diapers, hygiene items, and more to the needy. All sorts of assistance is provided. Find how to get stuff for free.
Low income households with children often struggle to buy their children the school supplies they need or Christmas gifts for the holidays. It can be challenging to add this expense to other seasonal bills that families may already be faced with paying, such as escalating heating costs or additional food. Many charity and non-profit organizations want kids to experience holiday joy, so they provide free Christmas gifts.
In addition to those resources, families can turn to the regional holiday meal, food as well as localized free Christmas toy or presents programs. There will tend to be assistance given to children, infants, and teenagers from low income households or whose parents are in a financial crisis. Find programs that may offer help for the holidays.
There are a variety of grant programs that operate year round. Some provide financial help while others just offer the material goods that a family needs. The funding will come and go, but based on the agency, there may be grants to pay for expenses ranging from energy bills to transportation, rent or housing costs, medical needs, and much more. Find information on grants to help pay bills.
Students need to have the back to school items they need, whether it is a uniform, clothes, books, backpack, or other goods. Low income parents often struggle to buy these items, There are programs run by churches or charities that offer free school supplies to low to moderate income families that may not otherwise be able to afford them for their children.
Transportation assistance
Transportation is needed for work, job training, school, and other purposes. Many low income families struggle to afford a car or pay for public transit. There are charities and well as non-profits that offer assistance for transportation, if it is work related. This can include a free car for low income families.
But it cost money to keep the car in operation. Some charities will go above and beyond to offer help. As an example, there are grants to pay for automobile repairs. Or there are churches or volunteers groups that pay for the parts and do the labor for free. There are also charities that pass out free gasoline vouchers.
Free legal assistance
Attorneys from non-profit law firms can provide legal assistance to very low income families as well as senior citizens. The advice from a lawyer can help prevent evictions and they offer free foreclosure prevention assistance. There is also representation for civil problems, free advice on mortgage delinquency solutions, and legal help for utility service disconnections. Information on free legal advice.
Extra income, money saving tips and budgeting
It can be difficult to qualify for government assistance or charitable resources. Funding is always limited. However another way to get assistance with paying bills is by both saving money and/or increasing household income. That being the case, many cities and counties also offer employment opportunities, including local work from home jobs.
There are also ways for you to make in effect free money. Options including using cell phone Android and iPhone apps, cashback websites, applying for certain government grants and more. While each of these is limited in what it will pay out, the extra cash can help families pay their bills or of course it can be saved. Find how to make free money for paying bills.
There are also many things that families can do to cut back on their expenses and save money. Whether it is on housing, rental costs, utility bills, food, or really any expense, find a number of money saving tips.
Loans that help pay bills, including for emergencies
Payday loans, peer to peer lending, and low interest Credit Union loans are one option. Learn the truth about the various types, including the pros and cons to using them. There may be some limited situations in which borrowing money can be a great option to provide you short term help with paying bills. Read more on payday loans.
Families that are struggling due to past challenges can also get financial assistance from loans for borrowers with no credit. Charities, private lenders, and even some government programs may provide these funds. Borrowers with limited or poor credit scores may also quality for this form of financial aid.
There are also no-interest loans available. The cash is available for paying bills, car repairs, housing costs, debt reduction, and more. 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.
Need Additional Help With Bills? Send us an email @ [email protected] 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 assistance with paying bills, debt, back rent, mortgage help, and more.
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