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Can't Pay My Bills

When bills pile up, having a plan makes all the difference. Let's prioritize what matters most.

What to Do Right Now

1

Prioritize Essentials

Housing, food, utilities, and medications come first. Everything else can wait or be negotiated.

2

Build an Emergency Budget

Cut everything non-essential. Cancel subscriptions, reduce food costs, and pause savings temporarily.

3

Contact Creditors Proactively

Call before you miss payments. Most companies have hardship programs that can reduce or defer payments.

4

Check Benefits Eligibility

You may qualify for SNAP, LIHEAP (utility assistance), Medicaid, or other programs you didn't know about.

5

Find Additional Income

Estimate what you could earn from gig work, selling items, or other quick income sources.

Recommended Tools

Helpful Resources

211.org · 2-1-1
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NFCC · 1-800-388-2227
Visit →