How to apply for financial assistance: A 3-step strategy.
Finding help with bills can be overwhelming. Because every charity, government agency, and non-profit has different rules, following a specific "order of operations" will increase your chances of getting approved before funds run out. Using the collective knowledge we have compiled since 2008, including direct feedback from thousands of users, we have found the most effective way to prepare and apply for the programs listed on this site is as follows.
Note on Funding: Assistance programs, in particular financial resources to pay bills, are volatile. An agency that is "out of funds" today may have a new budget by Monday or next month. This means you will most likely have to try different organizations and even try contacting them again at a later date.
Step 1: Secure government benefits and social services
Before turning to charities or local churches, ensure you have applied for all available government benefits. These programs are designed to be temporary “safety nets” (while coordinating longer term self-sufficiency type support) and have the largest budgets. Please be aware though that these programs may take time to process applications, get approvals and issue any type of support. Also note the names of the various government programs can change by state - but the information on Needhelppayingbills.com will help you identify the proper name for the benefit for your county/state.
- Social Services / Department of Human Services (DHS): Visit your local state or county office to apply for TANF (Cash Assistance), SNAP (Food Stamps), and Child Care programs. Common Names include Department of Human Resources (AL), Department of Children and Families (FL), Department of Job and Family Services (OH), or Department of Social Services (MO).
- The "Energy" Grant (LIHEAP): This program helps with heating and cooling bills. Note: It goes by different names depending on your state, such as HEAP (NY/OH), CEAP (TX/CT), or Energy Assistance (AL/AK).
- Community Action Agencies (CAA): These are the hubs for federal grants like LIHEAP and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). They rarely use the name "Community Action Agency" in a local community and those different naming conventions are where using needhelppayingbills.com will help you identify the proper agency in your area . Look for names like:
- [City/County] Economic Opportunity Commission
- [Region] Human Resources Commission
- Action Pact or People's Inc.
- [Region] Community Partnership
Step 2: Gather your "Starter Kit" of documents
Don't wait for an appointment to get your paperwork together. Most assistance programs require similar documentation, regardless of whether the program is operated by a government agency or a nonprofit organization. Almost every agency, government, charity or private, will require at minimum these four items to process your request. Preparing documents in advance can help avoid delays once an application is submitted. Though exact requirements vary by program and by location.
- [ ] Photo ID: A valid state ID or Driver's License for all adults in the home.
- [ ] Proof of Income: Include all sources, such as your most recent pay stubs, Social Security award letters, or unemployment statements. Do this for all household members too.
- [ ] The "Crisis" Document: An official Eviction Notice (Notice to Quit) or a Utility Disconnect Notice. Most agencies cannot help with "estimated" future bills; they need proof of an active crisis.
- [ ] Residency: A copy of your signed lease or a recent utility bill showing your name and current address.
Step 3: Contact local charities and churches for "Gaps"
If you are denied government aid, if those programs are currently "closed" for applications, or if it is determined the process will take too long, turn to the local non-profits or even churches on our county pages, with a main directory of local financial assistance here. They may offer limited assistance for specific needs. Availability and funding vary by location - however note that most charity organizations do have very limited funding that often can’t meet the demand.
- Priority Call List: Start with the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, a local faith based group, or Catholic Charities.
- Why this order? If after applying and if you are approved by them, these groups often provide "gap-filling" funds (like $50 - $300) to help if a government grant didn't cover your entire bill.
Important notes on funding and eligibility
- Names Vary by State: Note the names of the assistance programs and, in particular, government agencies vary by state. Whether it's "Department of Social Services" (DSS) in South Carolina or the "Family and Social Services Administration" in Indiana, the goal is the same. Look for your state's "Human Services" or "Social Services" office.
- Funding is Not Guaranteed: Most charity or non-profit organizations rely heavily on government blocks or private donations. Government benefits rely on what has been budgeting by the federal government or a state. Funds can and often do run out, some charities as early as mid-month. Funding may be unavailable at certain times of the month or year too. If an agency says they are out of money, ask when their next "funding cycle" begins.
- This page is intended to help applicants prepare before contacting agencies listed elsewhere on the site. It does not replace application instructions provided by individual programs.
- Verification Matters: Every listing on this site is manually researched by our team to provide the most direct contact information available. Learn more about our verification process and why you can trust our data here.
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