Life is usually good when you have enough money to pay your bills, not have debt, and enjoy the leftover money you may have. Now, if you get laid off, life gets a bit more stressful.
The bills you may have started eating up into your savings, and you will be at a place where you need help with bills being paid. This is super unfortunate and can happen to many people.
These circumstances can happen to you and many other people. The hard part is knowing where to go for assistance and help with bills.
Emergencies happen. Lost jobs happen. The bills will continue to come, but do not stress there are many agencies out there to help you on your way.
The 2-1-1 Hot Line:
If you are ever in need of help with bills, the 2-1-1 hotline is a confidential resource hotline from the United Way to help you find some of the local agencies in your area to assist in help with bills.
Where to Find Help With Bills?
Finding help with bills can be as easy as calling 2-1-1. There are Federal programs, which you can find on the government website, but here is a list of some of the programs you can find to help you along your way.
Housing
Shelter is essential for people to feel safe and secure. Not having the adequate income to make it through the month for rent can be a stressful event. Here are certain places that can help with rent payments and housing for lower-income families. They seek to help with bills to be paid.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can assist with any forbearance or housing assistance.
Rural Development Program is a program that is run by the USDA that helps farmers to avoid foreclosures.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is another program that helps low-income earners find housing or assistance in low-income housing.
Gradient Gives Back Foundation is a group that awards a family or one year’s worth of rent or mortgage payments to a deserving family.
Utilities
Living life without utilities can be challenging. Not having the money to pay for heat during the winter or even A/C during the summer can affect the health of lower-income families.
- LIHEAP
- Lifeline
- Dollar Energy Fund
Food
Here are some programs that can assist with food-related needs.
SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
WIC - Women, infants, and Children.
SFSP - Summer Food Service Program
- Soup Kitchens
- Local Food Banks
- Feeding America Network
Health Care
Being able to take care of yourself is vital for survival. Oftentimes, we may neglect our health because there may not be enough money to take care of it properly, like going to the doctor or even having physicals once a year.
Childcare & Education
Childcare and the education of children are essential. Setting up the proper habits and a good foundation at a younger age can help a child grow and have a healthy well-being.