5 Helpful Ways To Get Help Paying Bills
Need help paying bills? We've got the best five ways to settle any overdue payments, from grants to loans to making money online.
Top 5 Ways To Get Help Paying Bills
1. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, otherwise called the LIHEAP, is a federal program that allows you to get help paying bills in two ways:
- Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) — It helps you pay energy bills when you're at risk of the company cutting you off. You don't need a shut-off notice to qualify. But the amount you receive depends on the figure you need to solve your emergency with your energy provider and the season:
- Summer ECIP — Available from June to October. The maximum amount you can get is $600.
- Winter ECIP — Available from November to May. The maximum amount you can get is $800.
- Energy Assistance — You receive a one-time payment for your primary heating bill from November to March.
The eligibility requirements are relatively stringent. You can typically gain LIHEAP help if you:
- Have less than $3,000 in your retirement accounts, investments, and bank accounts
- Meet income guidelines based on the type of fuel used and your household size
- Are a US citizen
- Are responsible for the heating and cooling costs of your house
You can apply online or by mail. But we suggest calling the Contracted Agency that provides energy services to your area first to see if you're eligible.
2. Missouri Vouchers For Subsidized Rent
If you don't need help paying bills for heating but rent, you might qualify for Missouri's voucher program. Otherwise known as Missouri Section 8 program, it provides assistance to low-income families and helps single people pay rent for apartments and houses. Senior citizens, those with disabilities, and those on low income usually qualify for this program.
Most of the support from Section 8 is reduced rent for private homes or apartments. The specific amount you get depends on your rent and utility cost plus your total household income. Many organizations across the state process Section 8 applications. But expect to find yourself on a long waiting list. Housing vouchers are constantly in high demand.
3. Missouri Statewide HeatShare Program
Another way to get help paying bills is to take part in the HeatShare program. The statewide initiative gives the disabled, elderly, people on low incomes, and those suffering from short-term financial hardship (due to a death in the family, for instance) help with their utility or heating bills.
The program provides grants and payments toward:
- Heating
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Wood
- Fuel oil
- Propane
Occasionally, you might qualify for grants to fix air conditioners, water heaters, furnaces, doors, windows, and other energy equipment.
Several non-profit organizations and service agencies run the program across the state. All you need to do is call 1-800-336-4547.
4. Make Money Online
If you don't qualify for any of the above ways to get help paying bills, you can take matters into your own hands by making money online. There are lots of things you can do here, including:
- Filling in surveys
- Monetizing a blog
- Transcribing
- Becoming a virtual assistant
- Selling things you no longer want or need
- Try drop shipping
- Advertising your services on Fiverr
- Make and sell an online course
Depending on the hustle you choose, it might take a while to earn cash. So, if you need emergency money, the option below might be better.
5. Online Installment Loans
Online installment loans allow you to borrow up to $1,500 in as little as half an hour to get help paying bills fast. You don't need to put up any collateral, and you can get started immediately from the comfort of your own home by following the steps below:
- Choose the Missouri Title Loans, Inc. location nearest to you from our location page.
- Complete the car title loan application form. It only takes 5 minutes.
- After you submit the form, one of our loan representatives will call you to discuss the process, answer your questions, and tell you about the documents you need to provide.
- Following the call, go to your chosen Missouri Title Loans, Inc. storefront with your driver's license (or another kind of valid state photo identification), proof of income, and a checking account statement from an account in your name.
- One of our friendly loan associates looks over your information and verifies whether you qualify.
- If you're eligible, you'll receive the money you need on the same day after signing a few documents.
Get Help Paying Bills With Our Online Installment Loans Today
You can get help paying bills super quickly with our top 5 valuable methods. And remember, whether you qualify for government funding or not, you can always try online installment loans. All you need to get started is fill out a short online form on our website.
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.