I Need Help To Pay My Bills! Who Can Help Me?

I need help now!! Debt consolidation and grant applications may be great, but, I need help now!!

There are agencies that can help.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Define your need. Is it temporary and short term? Or indefinite and long-term?

- If your need is temporary and short term, check out local charity organizations, like the local St. Vincent DePaul Society, churches, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army.
- If your need is indefinite and long-term, call upon government agencies, like Medicaid, WIC, and Social Security Disability.

2. Identify exactly what you need help with. Be prepared to clearly identify what you need, how much you need help with and by when. For example:

- Do you need help with rent, utilities, food, gasoline, clothes?
- If you need help with the electric bill, identify how much is due, by when. Have your bill available with the account number and company information.
- If you need help with rent or mortgage, how much is due, how much can you come up with, how much can other agencies help with?
- If you need food, how many people are in the house? Do you also need toiletries?
- If you need clothes, what are the sizes, etc?

3. Know where to ask for help.

4. Know What Is Required of You and What to Expect.

- Different Agencies and Organization have different eligibility and application requirements.
- Are there income restrictions?
- Are there certain documents required?
- What is the application process?
- How long will it take to get the help?

5. Swallow Your Pride and Ask for Help

- Ask for help as soon as you know you will need it. Asking for help in a timely manner shows responsibility and due diligence on your part.

There are many organizations and agencies that are available to help when you are in need.

The better prepared and organized you are, the more likely it is that you will be able to get help quickly.