Two years ago, my friend Adam lost his job with no warning. Suddenly, the bills stacked up — rent, electricity, and credit card payments all due at the same time. He felt overwhelmed and alone. Yet a 2024 survey found that a 37% of Americans wouldn’t be able to cover an unexpected $400 expense. If Adam’s story hits close to home, here’s what you can do.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- If you absolutely must borrow, look into short-term loans from credit unions or trusted lenders.
- Reach out to your service providers early and explain what you’re going through. They may have programs to help if you’re struggling.
- Ask for help from your community or seek assistance from government programs like 211.org, SNAP and LIHEAP.
1. Start With Your Must-Pay Bills
When you’re short on funds and wondering how to pay bills with no money, decide which bills matter most in your day-to-day life. Housing, utilities, food, and transportation top the list because losing these can turn your situation from difficult to desperate.
Some states offer extended grace periods to prevent utility shutoffs during severe weather. So, take a moment to search your state government’s official website for consumer protection laws. You can also check resources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) websites.
If juggling multiple debts feels overwhelming, consider speaking with a nonprofit credit counseling agency, such as one affiliated with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC.org). These agencies can help you organize your finances, negotiate with creditors, and possibly arrange lower interest rates on any debt you have.
2. Communicate Early With Providers
If you know you won’t meet an upcoming due date and need help paying bills as soon as possible, call your landlord, utility company, or lender before you’re late. Many providers have “hardship” or “payment extension” programs to keep your account in good standing. This could mean reduced fees, short-term deferred payments, or a temporary discount.
Companies usually prefer to work with customers who are honest about their financial situation. Giving them a heads-up may protect your credit score and prevent your account from being sent to collections.
Keep track of each conversation by noting the date, the representative’s name, and any offers discussed. Ask for email confirmation so you have a record of the new plan.
3. Seek Quick Cash in Safe Ways
Sometimes, the best fix for bill trouble is extra income. If you lost your job and need money to pay bills, you may want to think of selling items you no longer use on websites like Decluttr or Poshmark. You can also sell furniture or larger pieces on Facebook Marketplace.
If you’re open to gig work, you could drive for rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft, where you can make around $20 per hour. Another option is to sign up for freelance projects on websites such as Upwork or Fiverr, with an average hourly rate of $46. You can also take surveys for money to earn small amounts for everyday expenses.
If none of these options work for you, there are simpler, local alternatives as well. Babysitting, pet-sitting, house cleaning, and yard work often pay on the spot. Meanwhile, renting out what you own — like a spare room on Airbnb or your vehicle on Turo — can generate significant passive income without a regular part-time job. How much you can expect to make in this category will depend on the work you do and your location.
4. Look to Government and Community Support
There are many programs out there to help people like you get back on their feet. Calling 2-1-1 is a good place to start, as it connects you with local resources for food, rent, utilities, and more.
You may also qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help with groceries or the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to offset your heating or cooling bills.
If you’re recently unemployed and can’t pay bills on time, check for unemployment benefits where you live. Keep in mind that applications can take around three to six weeks to process. Remember, you can always find free advice and legal protections on ConsumerFinance.gov, which the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission runs.
5. Trim Your Spending Where You Can
Cutting back on non-essentials can free up funds for critical expenses. To start, review your subscriptions, like streaming services, monthly boxes, or gym memberships. The average person spends around $91 on subscriptions. So, cancel or pause what you don’t need and put that amount into your bills.
Next, plan your meals. Buying in bulk and cooking at home usually costs five times less than dining out. Studies show that cooking at home costs an average of $4.3 per serving, while dining out can set you back around $20 per meal. That’s a big difference — especially if you eat out often!
6. Join a Local Food Rescue Program
In many cities, nonprofits and community groups, such as Food Rescue US, Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, and City Harvest, collect surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, and even catered events, and redistribute it to those in need. By tapping into these programs, you can lower your grocery costs and redirect that saved money toward essentials like rent or utilities.
Remember, you can always call 2-1-1 or do a quick online search for “food rescue” in your region to find a program near you. You can also find smaller, grassroots efforts on local social media groups and sites like Nextdoor. You can also check whether farmers and volunteers team up in your area for gleaning projects to gather extra fruits and veggies directly from the fields.
7. Negotiate Your Bills
Many bills are negotiable. Calling customer service lines for your phone, internet, or insurance can lead to surprising savings if you’re polite, prepared, and persistent. Sometimes, you’ll just need to mention that a competitor offers better rates.
If you hit a roadblock, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or call back another day. Different representatives may have other offers available.
Remember, this principle also applies to credit cards. Some issuers may be open to lowering your interest rate for a few months if you explain that you’re going through a tough time.
8. Borrow Carefully
When all else fails, a short-term loan could help, but it should be approached with caution. Credit unions tend to have fairer interest rates than big banks and might be willing to work with you if your credit score is less than perfect. Online emergency loans can be a good option if the lender is reputable and transparent about their fees.
Borrowing from family or friends is also a possibility, but it’s best to treat it like any other business arrangement. Write a simple contract that spells out the amount borrowed, the repayment schedule, and any interest. Clear communication can keep your relationship intact while you handle financial challenges.
9. Request Crowdfunding or Community Help
If you’re in an extreme financial situation — maybe a sudden medical bill or job loss — consider setting up a crowdfunding campaign on sites like GoFundMe. These platforms let you share your story, set a fundraising goal, and accept donations from friends, family, and even strangers who empathize with your situation. While it’s not guaranteed, crowdfunding can offer relief when traditional funding sources aren’t available.
Local community Facebook groups or neighborhood apps like Nextdoor can also be an option. Posting a brief, honest message explaining your circumstances might connect you with neighbors who can help, whether by offering a short-term loan, grocery gift cards, or even a side job. While asking for help can feel uncomfortable, remember that many people understand tough times and might be willing to lend a hand if they know your story.
FAQ
How to Pay Your Bills When You Can’t Work?
First, check if your job offers short-term disability or paid leave and see if you qualify. If that’s not available, consider part-time jobs that allow you to work from home. Meanwhile, request payment extensions from utility companies or lenders. Many have provisions for medical leave or job loss.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Enough Money to Pay Bills?
You risk late fees, service shutoffs, and damage to your credit score. For secured debts — like a mortgage or car loan — you might face repossession or eviction if you default. However, consider reaching out to creditors beforehand as it may prevent penalties.
What to Do When You Lose Your Job and Have No Money?
Start by filing for unemployment benefits right away. Then, cut down on non-essentials, consider short-term or gig-based work, and sell used items around your home. Also, check with your local government for emergency rental or utility grants. Nonprofits may also help with food if you can’t afford it.
Sources
- Empower. “37% of Americans Can’t Afford an Emergency Expense Over $400, According to Empower Research.” Empower. Accessed February 7, 2025.
- Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice. FTC. Accessed February 7, 2025.
- National Association of Attorneys General. NAAG. Accessed February 7, 2025.
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling. NFCC. Accessed February 7, 2025.
- CPS Energy. “Customer Assistance Programs.” CPS Energy. Accessed February 7, 2025.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).” USDA. Accessed February 9, 2025.
Administration for Children and Families. “Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).” ACF. Accessed February 9, 2025. - Top Nutrition Coaching. “Cost of Eating Out vs. Eating In.” Top Nutrition Coaching. Accessed February 11, 2025.
- Food Rescue US. Food Rescue US. Accessed February 11, 2025.