Food, housing, utilities
Contact 211 for local assistance. If you’re in foster care or leaving it, ask your caseworker or independent-living program about transition support. Availability and eligibility vary.
Find local help with 211 ↗05 / YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS SOLO
Get trusted help.
A safe adult can be a counselor, youth worker,
caseworker, mentor, or someone you trust.
Debt or payment trouble
Find a nonprofit credit counselor through NFCC. Ask about fees, fee waivers, and qualifications before agreeing to a plan. Nonprofit doesn’t always mean free.
Find a nonprofit counselor ↗A deadline or legal problem
A lawsuit, eviction notice, disputed contract, or account freeze linked to a court order needs legal help promptly. Legal aid can assess your rights; eligibility and capacity vary.
Find local legal aid ↗WORDS YOU CAN BORROW
Starting the conversation
“I’m dealing with a money problem and need help figuring out my next step. There’s a deadline on ____. Can you help me understand my options and what I should bring?”
If a company won’t resolve a banking, credit, or lending issue, submit a CFPB complaint. A complaint does not pause court or payment deadlines. Choose a helper who doesn’t pressure you, promise guaranteed results, or ask for your login codes.
If money pressure is making you unsafe
Use a safer device if someone monitors yours. A parent or partner may not be a safe helper. For relationship abuse, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers safety planning: visit The Hotline, call 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. For immediate danger, call 911 if safe to do so. If you’re thinking about suicide or need crisis emotional support, call or text 988 or use 988 Lifeline chat. These are safety resources, not financial assistance programs.