22 Ways to Get Help Paying or Lowering Your Monthly Bills

If you’re like most people, you don’t like to ask for help. Unfortunately, there may come a time when help is exactly what you need. Frugality is one way to lower your bills, but there may be times when you simply can’t cut your spending any further. Keep reading for tips on how to get help paying or lowering your monthly bills. 

Related: 21 Ways to Reduce Your Monthly Bills When Money Is Tight

Healthcare is a major expense for many people. Unfortunately, when you are sick or injured, there is also the possibility of being unable to work. Lowering healthcare expenses can go a long way toward keeping on top of your monthly bills. The following are some strategies to try.

• Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can help you or your children get health insurance coverage.
  
• To qualify, you must meet certain financial and non-financial requirements.
• You can get more information and apply by contacting your state Medicaid program.

• If you don’t qualify for Medicaid you can receive low- or no-cost healthcare at a local community clinic or health center. They will base your payment amount on your income. 
• The best way to find care is to search for community clinics near you. 

• You can sometimes lower your prescription costs by contacting pharmaceutical companies directly. According to USA.gov, you can "ask for any low-cost options, samples, or discounts."
• Some local social services can also provide financial assistance for prescriptions. 
• If you qualify for Medicare, you may be able to get help paying through Medicare Part D.

• Many dental schools offer low-cost options for preventative and restorative care. The catch is that a student will provide your care and practice their skills. 
• Typically, a licensed dentist will supervise the procedures, but it is best to ask. 
• Find local programs through the Commission on Dental Accreditation website. 

• If you’re having a medical emergency, all emergency rooms are required to provide stabilizing care even if you can’t pay. 
• You should only use the ER in a medical emergency. 

• To find out about payment plans or charity care programs you can contact your local hospital. 
• Eligibility and availability vary by hospital, but it is worth looking into if you can’t pay your medical bills. 

Day-to-day bills are another area of concern for many people. If you have already tried using energy-saving habits, there are other options. Governmental and company-specific programs exist for when you need help paying your energy bills. The following programs and tips can help you avoid living in dangerously hot or cold conditions. 

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides federal assistance if you meet the criteria. 
• You can get help paying energy bills as well as weatherizing your home. Even energy-related home repairs may be paid for through this program. 

• In some communities, your local energy company may provide support for low-income individuals. Contacting your energy provider directly is the best place to start. 
• You can also consider negotiating your utility bills to pay a lower rate. 

Paying for food and shelter comes with significant costs for most individuals. If you can’t pay your bills, you may worry about ending up homeless or hungry. Whether you’re down on your luck or experiencing sustained difficulties, you have options. Here are several strategies that can help lower these types of monthly expenses. 

• With interest rates at historic lows, now may be the time to refinance if you’re having trouble paying your mortgage. 
• Refinancing the mortgage may not be an option for everyone. That’s because there are significant costs for refinancing. Once done, however, you’ll benefit from lower monthly payments. 

Related: Refinancing Your Home: Should You or Shouldn't You?

• If you qualify, you can get emergency rental assistance to pay rent and utilities. Some additional services and fees may also be covered. 
• You can apply for help through your local rental assistance program.

Related: How to Get Rental Assistance in Your City

• Discussing your situation with your landlord may also be an option. 
• You can ask them about temporarily lowering payments or allowing you to pay later than usual without incurring a fee. 

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to low-income families.
• You can apply for SNAP benefits through your local nutrition assistance office. 

Related: 24 Important Things to Know When Applying for Food Assistance Programs

• Food pantries in your community may also be able to help depending on your circumstances. 
• Some food banks require proof of eligibility while others are open to anyone, no questions asked.

Related: Where to Apply for Food Assistance in Every State

Food, shelter, and healthcare are the primary needs of all people. However, depending on your situation, you might still need more specific help. Federal and community-based programs can help you pay your other bills through fee reduction, job training, or other income assistance. Let’s look at the options. 

• Welfare or Temporary Assistance For Need Families (TANF) can provide income for paying for housing, energy, and food. Something that sets TANF apart from other programs is support for childcare and job training. 
• Each state has a unique program that you can apply to directly. 

Related: 35 Hobbies That Pay Off in Jobs

• If you lost your job through no fault of your own and meet eligibility criteria, unemployment benefits provide payments that can help you pay your monthly bills.
• The payment amount is based on your previous earnings and is state-dependent. 

Related: 18 Critical Steps to Take When You’ve Been Laid Off

• To help pay for childcare, consider finding a provider who offers a sliding scale.
• These providers may give you a lower rate based on your income.

Related: Helpful Resources for Single Parents Struggling Amid the Pandemic

• There are various ways to qualify for reduced phone bills through the Lifeline Program.
• If eligible, you can receive discounted phone service. Some providers will even give you a free or low-cost device.

• Another way to get income assistance is to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income if you’re disabled. 
• To apply, you can complete an application online, via mail, over the phone, or at your local office. 

Related: 19 Surprising Facts About Social Security

• Sometimes community organizations provide quicker relief to locals. 
• Depending on where you live, local charities may be able to provide food, clothing, housing, and more.
• America's Charities offers a searchable list of organizations, but be sure to search online for additional options.
  

• If you attend a church, or even if you don’t, members and staff may be able to help. 
• Help from a local church is more likely to be temporary and not as predictable as federal or state assistance. Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask and may provide quicker relief than other programs. 

• It may be time to swallow your pride if you have friends or family that can help you. 
• Many finance experts also advise receiving a gift rather than a loan, as you don’t want your ability to repay to affect your relationship. 

Related: 15 Mistakes to Avoid When Loaning Money to Friends and Family

• While this idea isn’t an immediate way to pay your bills, it could make a drastic difference in the long run. 
• Job training programs can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to advance your career. The hope is that with a better job, you’ll no longer need assistance.

Related: 13 Long-Term Steps to Reduce Your Living Expenses and Save Money