Why you can trust NeedHelpPayingBills.com
NeedHelpPayingBills.com was created in 2008 with one mission: to make it easier for individuals and families that are in financial crisis or that live paycheck to paycheck, like tens of millions of Americans, to find real, practical help without needing to search through dozens of disconnected or incomplete agency websites. All information is 100% free to access (no paywalls), we collect no user information and we have no predatory or high-risk ads.
Since 2008, the site has become one of the most widely-used grassroots resources for locating free or low-cost assistance programs that operate across the United States – both locally and nationally. The goal has always been to provide free, practical, accessible information for people seeking help with basic needs such as housing, utilities, food, medical care, and other essential expenses.
The site was built through ongoing, long-term human research
Unlike many modern websites and services that try to help struggling people, most that that rely on AI-generated content or automated scraping, every page on NeedHelpPayingBills.com is the result of hands-on, manual research as well and handwritten page creation.
Since 2008, and still ongoing today, listings are compiled by reviewing official program websites, public agency materials, and nonprofit documentation, with a focus on accuracy and usability. Contact information such as phone numbers, physical addresses, service areas, and application instructions are verified whenever possible.
The listings are continually updated to remain accurate and useful. We also take any user feedback to incorporate it. The site has a strong emphasis on accessibility, clarity, and actionability, even with sitewide search features.
For additional details on how medical and healthcare-related information is researched and presented, see the medical and health information page at https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/medical_and_health_care_partners.html.
Independent, Human-Run Website
NeedHelpPayingBills.com is independently owned and operated and is not a corporate content farm, lead-generation platform, or automated directory. The site is created and maintained by real people, with all content either written or reviewed prior to publication.
Editorial oversight is provided by Jon McNamara, the site’s founder and publisher. His background, experience, and professional affiliations are publicly available and transparent. More information about the site’s ownership and leadership can be found here: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/jon_mcnamara.html.
External References and Citations
Over time, information published on NeedHelpPayingBills.com has been cited or referenced by a range of third-party websites, including government agencies, academic institutions, media outlets, and public service organizations. These references reflect the site’s long-standing use as a public information resource rather than any formal endorsement or partnership. Examples of institutions and agencies that have referenced NeedHelpPayingBills.com content include:
- Government site including KY.gov, Oregon.gov, CA.gov, VA.gov NJ.gov and IN.gov among others.
- Educational sites (colleges, schools, etc.) including UNM.edu, UFL.edu, Purdue.edu and UKY.edu among others.
- Media companies such as CBSnew.com (national and local affiliates), Nerdwallet.com, Foxbusiness.com, USAtoday.com, Washingtonpost.com and many other leading publications.
- Finance type or financial assistance organizations, such as nationaldebtrelief.com, mortgagecalculator.org, kiplinger.com, AARP.org and others.
- Dozens of medical sites including Healthline.com, Lung.org and Lupus.org among others.
In addition, the site has been referenced across public online discussions and moderated community platforms, including Reddit and Quora, where individuals share information about assistance programs and local resources. These organic references indicate that real users continue to find the content useful when navigating financial hardship and basic-needs support.
Advertising, Privacy, and Independence
NeedHelpPayingBills.com does not sell services or provide direct financial assistance. The site may display advertising, which is clearly marked and provided through established advertising networks. The website does not promote payday loans or high-risk financial products.
User privacy is taken seriously. The site does not collect personal information from visitors beyond standard analytics used to maintain site performance and functionality. Details about data usage, advertising, and privacy practices are available in the privacy policy: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/privacy_policy.html.
Purpose and Limitations
Assistance programs listed on NeedHelpPayingBills.com are operated by independent organizations and agencies. Funding is often limited, eligibility requirements vary, and not all applicants will qualify for help. If this is your first time applying for help, read our checklist for assistance programs to ensure you follow the correct process and have the right documents ready. Even when assistance is available, programs may provide partial support rather than covering all expenses.
The purpose of the site is to present realistic, accurate information so people can identify legitimate options and apply directly through official channels. NeedHelpPayingBills.com exists to inform, not to sell or exploit people in difficult situations.
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