Need Emergency Financial Assistance? These Resources Can Help

| 8 min read Financial Assistance

You wouldn’t be alone if you’ve ever found yourself worrying about how to get help with bills or other emergency expenses that pop up out of the blue. According to NBC News, 65% of Americans lose sleep due to anxiety over finances. 

We understand how difficult it can be to get help with finances, but know that there is hope. There are resources available to you if you need emergency financial assistance and aren’t sure how to be debt free. This article outlines the ways you can find your way back to financial security through government assistance, nonprofit programs, and online fundraising.

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Five signs you might need financial help

It’s easy to feel financially secure in the day-to-day, but a single emergency can make it clear that a personal financial crisis is around the corner. These are five telltale signs that it might be time to reassess your financial health—do any of them ring true to you?

1. You don’t have any savings or an emergency fund

In an ideal world, every one of us would have at least six months of living expenses set aside in an emergency fund. In reality, 40% of Americans don’t have enough in savings to cover a $400 emergency, according to Forbes.

The primary way people avoid taking on new debts or loans is by building a healthy emergency fund with at least six months of savings. Without some spare change in the bank, you could be looking at a fiscal crisis.

2. You’re living off credit cards

Using credit cards as you please or to pay for everyday essentials like housing, food, and transportation is a telltale sign that you might need to reevaluate your financial situation. If you don’t think twice about taking on more debt, it’s probably time to cut up your plastic.

3. You frequently tap into savings

If you find yourself unable to grow your savings—or you routinely dip into your savings just to make ends meet—it’s time to take a hard look at your spending habits and budget.

4. You’re afraid to look at your ever-increasing credit card bill

Knowing you’ve fallen even deeper into debt is demoralizing, but it’s even worse when you ignore the situation. When you see the balance on your statement continue to rise rather than decrease, it’s time to take action and set an appointment with your bank.

5. You avoid thinking about the future

If you find yourself unable to think about your financial future, your financial situation might have gotten the best of you. If this is the case, it’s probably time to take a big step back and envision what your financial future will look like 10 or even 20 years down the road.

Three things to do immediately when a financial crisis strikes

Trying to pick up the pieces in the midst of a financial crisis can sometimes lead to poor decision making. To avoid the pitfalls of credit card billing, predatory lenders, and other harmful debt relief solutions, follow these tips:

  • Stay calm: To overcome feelings of panic and hopelessness, make a list of ways to find emergency cash assistance through legitimate avenues.  
  • Know your priorities: Reassess your budget and prioritize your spending. Look for ways to cut nonessential expenses to an absolute minimum.
  • Ask for help: Seek advice from someone you trust who has already successfully dealt with a financial emergency. They may be able to offer some words of wisdom.

Programs that provide emergency financial assistance

Even with a new budget and a renewed focus, a financial emergency can still make it incredibly difficult to pay monthly bills and stay out of debt. If you’re still struggling to pay for expensive medical treatments, survive unpaid maternity leave, or deal with any other unexpected costs, there are public and private programs that can help you regain your footing.

Government assistance programs

These programs offer government grants, subsidies, and training to help individuals and families looking for emergency money assistance. Whether you need to pay medical bills right away or find emergency rental assistance, these financial hardship assistance programs may help. 

Government food programs

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides each state with federal grants to operate its TANF program. The eligibility requirements and programs vary from state to state, but they generally help with basic necessities like food, housing, and more.

Government help with utilities

Government help with housing costs

Government medical assistance

  • The Medicare Savings Programs offer four different ways for low-income families and individuals to pay for premiums, copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, patient care, and other medical expenses.

Nonprofit financial assistance resources

In addition to government programs, there are also numerous nonprofit programs and grants that aim to help people with everything from food and housing to out of pocket medical expenses and help with child care costs. You might even try reaching out to a local religious organization, as there are many churches that help families in need.

Nonprofit food assistance programs

  • Feeding America is a nonprofit that provides emergency food assistance through their network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs across the country. The organization also helps those in need find long-term assistance through government programs, even helping with the application process.

Help with utilities from nonprofits

  • 2-1-1 is a program through United Way that helps those in need with a broad range of services, including utility assistance. Trained professionals are available to help around the clock when you call 2-1-1.
  • Modest Needs provides financial assistance for an array of needs, with a special focus on short-term needs, like help with housing costs and utility bills. The organization offers what they call “self-sufficiency grants” to help those struggling to get back on their feet.

Nonprofit housing assistance for mortgage and rent costs

  • Community Action Partnership helps more than 148,000 families gain safe and affordable housing every year. It also provides training and referrals to other government resources so impoverished communities can find financial relief.
  • Volunteers of America believes that home is more than just a shelter—it’s a cornerstone of stability and security. The nonprofit houses over 25,000 seniors, veterans, families, and others in need each year in different locations across the country.

Help with medical costs from nonprofits

What if you aren’t eligible for assistance programs?

Red tape and lengthy application processes can be frustrating and discouraging when applying for government benefits, but don’t worry—there are other ways to find financial relief immediately. Crowdfunding can become an essential part of your financial recovery. 

Need help fast? Crowdfunding to the rescue

Countless people in your position have turned to online fundraising when they needed emergency financial help right away, whether for a natural disaster or an unexpected illness, such as Covid-19. Rest assured, emergency fundraising for housing costs, utilities, medical bills, and everything in between is easy with GoFundMe. We offer a simple set-up process, 24/7 customer support, and a blog full of fundraising tips and ideas.

Feeling guilt or shame when you’re on the verge of a financial crisis is natural, but remember that your friends and family care about you and want to see you succeed. Finding support from people you know and trust can be critical to overcoming this hardship.

Find financial freedom right now

When you’re unsure how to apply for financial help and feel like you’ve reached a roadblock, GoFundMe is here for you. If you haven’t already, start a fundraiser and begin your journey to debt-free living. Skip the lengthy application processes, end the anxiety about finances, and begin focusing on what matters.

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Written by Ved Khan