How to Find Help with Bills

Get help with your past due bills.

Many low-income families struggle between paying a bill, feeding the family and providing shelter. Most with limited incomes will choose the latter two over paying the latest utility bill. If you're getting behind on your bills and being threatened with disconnected service, you have some options available. Nip the problem in the bud before the service is disconnected, though, as there usually is a fee for restoring dropped service.

Instructions

1. Wish Upon a Hero connects those in need with people that can truly change their lives. Wish Upon A Hero, which is free to use, allows everyone who registers the opportunity to cast up to three wishes at a time. Because Wish Upon A Hero is designed to help everyone, wishes can be big or small, elaborate or simple, based on financial need or just asking for a simple favor. Whether you need help with past due utility bills, housing or emergency resources there may be a hero out there that is able to help.

2. Modest Needs empowers giving people to safely and securely help hard-working, low-income households to afford the kinds of short-term emergency expenses that we've all encountered before: the unexpected car repair, the unanticipated visit to the doctor, or the unusually large heating bill, for example. With funds raised, Modest Needs will make a payment to a creditor on behalf of the struggling worker, or offer a grant to cover an unexpectedly large heating bill in the winter month.

3. Dial 211 on your telephone. The United Way's national 211 Collaborative helps individuals and families seeking health or human services and the organizations best able to meet their needs. Operators on the other end of the line can help you find grants and resources to cover your bills if you are struggling this month. The service is not available in all areas; check the national website to see if it's offered in your area.

4. Call your local churches for help with food, help with utility bills and more. Many churches often have ministries with money set aside to help people with needs.

5. Call up the utilities you owe and ask if they have low-income assistance programs or deferal programs. If you're able to explain your situation and provide proof of your low-income status, many utilities will knock off a portion of your bill or defer your payments so you're not disconnected.

References

• Modest Needs
• Wish Upon a Hero
• 211