How to get help paying bills
Updated November 7, 2026
To get help paying bills, start by calling the company you owe and asking for a payment plan or hardship program, then call 211 to find local aid, and then apply to the state or federal program that covers that bill. Most help is easier to get before the due date than after it.
This guide walks through that order, explains what to say on each call, and shows where a loan fits, which for most people is last. SaveKarma is a loan request service, not a lender, and we think you should try the free options first.
Why does the order matter?
The order matters because each step is cheaper than the next. A payment plan from the company usually costs little or nothing. Local aid, where it exists, does not need repaying. A loan has to be paid back with interest and fees, so it belongs at the end of the list, once the free doors have been tried.
Time matters as well. Many programs run on limited funds that can run out during the month or the season, and a request made after a shutoff notice is harder than one made before it. So make the first call the day you can see the bill will not fit, even if the bill is not due yet.
What should you say when you call the company?
Say that you want to pay, name the amount you can manage and the date you can manage it by, and ask what options they have. That is a short call. You do not need to give your whole story, but you do need a real number.
- Ask for the right desk. Words such as hardship, payment arrangement or budget billing often reach the people who can actually change something.
- Ask about shutoff dates. Find out the last day you can pay before service is affected, and whether a payment plan pauses that date.
- Get it in writing. Ask for the arrangement by email or letter, and note the name of the person you spoke with.
This works for rent too. A landlord who hears from you before the first has more choices than one who hears from you after the fifth. A short written note with the date you will pay can keep the conversation friendly.
How can 211 help with bills?
211 is a phone and web service that connects people to local help with housing, utilities, food and health. It does not usually pay the bill itself. It points you to the agencies near you that might. According to 211.org, read on November 7, 2026, the network made 9.1 million referrals for housing, homelessness and utility bills in 2025.
When you call, have these ready so the call stays short:
- Your zip code, because help is local.
- The bill you are behind on, how much it is, and the due date.
- Who lives in your home, and your rough monthly income.
- Any shutoff or late notice you have received.
Ask the person on the line which agencies still have funds this month. Then write down each name and number, because you may need to call more than one.
Which programs help with which bill?
Different bills have different doors, so match the bill to the program. The table below is a starting point, not a promise. What is available depends on your state, your income and the funds on hand.
| Bill | Who to ask first | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | Your landlord, then 211 | A written payment plan, local rent aid |
| Heating and power | Your utility, then your state energy office | Budget billing, a hardship plan, LIHEAP |
| Water | Your water provider, then 211 | A payment plan, local aid |
| Phone | Your carrier | A lower plan, a due date move |
| Medical | The billing office of the provider | Financial assistance, an interest free plan |
LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a federal program for home energy costs that reaches people through state and local offices, so your state decides the details and the dates. Churches and local charities also help in many towns, and 211 usually knows which ones.
What should you gather before you apply?
Most programs ask for proof of who you are, where you live and what you earn. Having these in one place saves a second trip:
- A photo ID and proof of your address.
- Your latest pay stub or benefit letter.
- The bill or the notice, showing the amount and the account number.
- Your lease, for rent help.
When does a loan make sense?
A loan can make sense when the free options have said no or cannot move fast enough, and when not paying would cost you more, such as an eviction filing or a shutoff with a reconnection fee. It is an expensive way to borrow. APRs on short term loans vary by lender and state and may exceed 200%, so read the total you repay and check that it fits your next month.
See can you get a personal loan for rent and who can help with bills first before deciding. If you still want to ask, one short request for $100 to $5,000 is free, it goes to lenders in our network, and you do not have to accept any offer.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call first when I cannot pay a bill?
Call the company you owe. Ask for a payment plan or hardship program and give a real amount and date. If that falls short, call 211 for local aid in your area.
Does 211 pay bills directly?
Usually not. 211 connects you with local agencies that may help. Ask which of them still have funds this month, and write down each name and number.
Can I get help with bills if I have a job?
Often yes. Many programs look at household income and size rather than whether you work, so a paycheck alone does not rule you out. The limits vary by program and state.
Is it better to ask before or after the due date?
Before. You have more choices, fees are less likely, and many programs are harder to reach once a shutoff is under way.
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