Emergency Financial Assistance Resources
If you need immediate help covering essentials, several types of emergency assistance programs may be available in your area.
Types of Emergency Assistance Available
- Utility assistance — help with electric, gas, or water bills
- Rental assistance — help avoiding eviction or catching up on rent
- Food assistance — food banks and nutrition assistance programs
- Local charity and nonprofit programs — often community- or faith-based
How to Find Local Resources
Dial 211 (the national community resource helpline) to be connected with local assistance programs, or contact your local Department of Social Services directly for a full list of what's available in your area.
How This Fits the Bigger Picture
Emergency assistance is a short-term bridge, not a long-term debt solution. Once the immediate crisis is stabilized, revisit our Financial Hardship guide or Debt Relief guide for a plan to address the underlying debt.