Charities and organizations that can help with paying bills.

These national organizations and charities can provide you with various forms of help. Funding is always limited, and many of these agencies rely heavily on donations from individuals and businesses in the local community. Financial assistance will also issued with conditions, and is usually offered as a last resort when a family is faced with a crisis. The demand for help is very high, and since resources are limited, many charities prioritize programs for families with children, seniors, and the disabled.

When you are out of options and faced with an emergency, look into the programs listed below. Charities may be able to help with rent, housing, eviction prevention, and utility bill assistance. Other more national organizations can provide support with health care expenses, free medical care, and disease prevention. Some charity organizations can also provide job training and employment opportunities, and maybe even gasoline and pay for a car in order to get you to that job.

In addition, charities and non-profit organizations can also help by directing you to other aid and assistance programs. They are a great place for referrals and staff can be used as resources.

Multiple services

Community Action Organizations - Local public or non-profit organization that provide numerous types of help and assistance, including help with utility bills, job training, and other services. Find assistance from community action agencies.

American Red Cross - Local branches of the American Red Cross provide disaster relief to families impacted by fires, floods, hurricanes, or natural disasters. The support can include shelter, vouchers for clothing or motel rooms, hot meals, and free food. The national charity Red Cross may also provide other forms of assistance, such as aid to military families, health or safety classes, disaster assistance, grants and other community services.

The assistance provided by the Red Cross depend on the individual consumer need as well as local branch. The American Red Cross must also always keep extra funds in reserve available for emergencies. The Red Cross receives most of the money it has available to pay out from private donations, with additional grant funding from charities such as the United Way.

Catholic Charities - No matter what your background or religion is, this charity organization may be able to provide financial help, cash assistance or other resources in a crisis. There are over 3,000 locations around the nation that individuals can turn to. More details on Catholic Charities financial assistance.

Non-profit or charitable foundations - There are many that operate programs that provide families with direct financial assistance, including rent and mortgage payments. They also offer free counseling, help with tax returns, budgeting skills, and more. Read more on financial help from foundations.

Jewish Federation of North America - This is a national charity organization that distributes funds to non-profit sites around the country. Most locations provide assistance to needy families of all religions, races, and ages. Social services and emergency assistance for rent, homeless prevention, energy bills, and more is offered. The federation will also help coordinate job training and workforce development. More on Jewish Federation financial assistance.

Love in the Name of Christ, or Love, provides many services. The charity organization operates from dozens of sites and can provide families access to a Clearinghouse. This will offer them referrals to church based solutions, such as shelter, food, meals, housing, and transportation. Some churches or charities they partner with may have cash assistance available for expenses, such as medications, rental payments, or overdue utility bills. Find assistance from Love Inc.

Lutheran Services in America coordinates with hundreds of local human service groups and charities to provide help to the needy and less fortunate. Programs can provide basic needs such as housing, medical care, meals, and financial resources for critical bills. The poor, elderly, and struggling are many of the beneficiaries of this national non-profit charity. Find a local branch of Lutheran Services and learn how the ministry operates.

Ministries from UMC - United Methodist Church - Programs available from this church based charity organization are wide ranging. Ministries may help with solving transportation needs (such as auto repairs or rides to work), hunger ministries provide free food or meals, and they also partner with housing organizations and local clinics. Charities, churches and non-profits work together to help the poor. Locate details on the United Methodist Church charity.

National Assistance League - While the charity operates across the country, the local centers focus on meeting the needs for that community. So called chapters may provide a number of basic needs. A common program offered nationally is Operation School Bell, which is school clothes, books, and items to students. A number of other programs are available and may include dental care, meals, social services, day care, and other support. Thousands of people volunteer at this charity. Locate local Assistance League programs in your community.

Net Wish - A non-profit that was created by a private individual. The organization provides emergency cash grants and free money to qualified individuals to help them pay critical bills in an emergency. Priority is given to the elderly and families with children. This non-profit was created to help the less fortunate. More details on grants to help pay bills.

Operation Homefront - The non-profit charity organization Operation Homefront provides emergency financial assistance, grants, counseling, and other aid for military personnel. It helps those who are currently in the service, as well as ex- military. In addition they can also assist families of service members as well as wounded soldiers. Continue with Operation Homefront.

Operation Round Up - This is an assistance program that is offered by utility and gas companies in many states. This organization, and the aid they will give, provides energy assistance funds and grants to families and individuals in need of help. Most of the money raised is from customer contributions. In addition, the program will offer additional aid, such as help for paying medical bills, rent or housing costs, and more. Select your state to learn if Operation Round Up is available.

Saint Vincent de Paul - Regardless of your religion or background, this national charity organization may be able to offer grants and aid for paying bills and basic needs. While funding is limited, qualified low income families faced with a crisis may get assistance. Read more details on the St. Vincent de Paul assistance programs and how to get a volunteer from the charity to address a families needs.

Salvation Army Family Emergency Services - You can also contact The Salvation Army for additional help for paying heating, utility and electric bills. They have local centers across the nation, including thrift stores.

The Salvation Army Family Emergency Services unit helps support basic human needs. The organization will provide a safety net to anyone who has nowhere else to turn if those people need help paying bills. Some of the services provided by the Salvation Army include clothing, food, electric bill help and counseling. The Salvation Army also has many case workers that are part of the Family Emergency Services, and these case workers will help prevent homelessness through crisis intervention. You need to contact your local chapter for more information on charity assistance and other services they offer. Find local Salvation Army Family Emergency Services.

Samaritan Ministries - These centers will generally be faith based groups. There is not one official network of charities that are part of it, but rather dozens of local agencies as well as hospitals operate as Good Samaritan Centers. They will offer support to the less fortunate, and it ranges from financial aid to health care or food and transportation. More on Good Samaritan Center services.

Seniors and Older Adults - Your local agency on aging office provides free services, can coordinate charity care, and focuses on offering assistance and support to individuals over age 55. There is support for the elderly and senior citizens on fall income levels. Find senior assistance programs.

United Way - The United Way is involved in providing information on hundreds if not thousands of programs. They have databases of national charities and non-profits. The free 211 telephone service can direct clients to charities near them for housing, food, seasonal help, substance abuse assistance, Christmas toys, financial aid for bills and so much more. Hundreds of services may be offered. More on United Way assistance programs.

Urban League - Provide services, counseling, job programs and indirect financial assistance to the low income and working poor. The non-profit focuses on housing, medical needs, employment and education. Find Urban League assistance programs.

Volunteers of America - This national non-profit organization helps the less fortunate rebuild their lives and get a new start. In addition to long term self-sufficiency, some short term financial aid and resources may be provided (if available) on a limited basis. Housing, emergency support, job training, and many other services are offered. More on Volunteers of America.

The YMCA offers services for the entire family, with a focus on children, the unemployed and job seekers. Assistance will help ensure that low income families are able to properly feed their children, including over the summer and holidays. The YMCA charity organization also helps parents gain new skills or find a job, as well as arrange for day care for their children.

YWCA - Resources are focused on helping women, their children, single parents, and those that are struggling. The non-profit charity provides services such as affordable day care, job training, transitional housing and more. The goal of the charity is to empower women and help them gain self-sufficiency. Some programs are also available for victims of domestic violence or veterans. More on YWCA services.

Charity health care

American Veterans Relief Foundation - Aids military veterans and their family members when they are burdened with mounting medical bills and debts. 800-215-6782

CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation - This non-profit organization provides financial assistance and cash grants to people who need assistance with paying hospital and medical bills. A focus is on helping people that are hit with expenses that result from a cancer diagnosis. Read more on help with cancer bills.

CaringBridge - This charity provides information and free websites that connect family, patients and friends so that they can share information, support, and love during a serious health event or medical condition. you can get information on treatment and recovery options. www.caringbridge.org

Catholic Charities - They will offer medical bill assistance to those in need of help with health care bills throughout the United States. This charitable organization works closely with the Providence Healthcare Network to provide assistance and services.

Children’s Health Fund (CHF) - This charity is committed to providing free health care to America’s most medically under served children as well as their families. It will provide medical care, help with medical costs, and essential services to children and families in need of aid, regardless of their ability to pay. (212) 535-9400

Dental Care - Assistance is coordinated by a national non-profit organization, and free dental programs are provided by thousands of dentists as part of the Dental Lifeline Network and other charities. Read more on free dental care.

Eyeglasses and exams - Find a listing of several non-profits and charities that provide either free or low cost eye exams and prescription glasses. Some agencies will even provide contact lenses. More on free glasses and exams.

Free Prescription Medications - There are several programs that offer discounted and free prescription medications. They include Dispensary of Hope, Together RX Access, NeedyMeds, and Patient Advocate Foundation. Find free prescription drugs and learn more.

Free Diapers For Kids - The Diaper Bank (TDB) is a recently formed charity that provides and distributes free diapers to lower income families through existing service providers, including daycare centers, soup kitchens, food pantries, social service agencies, shelters and more. They provide free diapers through its extensive Diaper Distribution Network (DDN) of dozens of agencies and charities. 203-934-7009

Additional non-profits and charities across the nation provide free diapers to low income families. Many partner with leading manufacturers such as those that make Pampers or Huggies. Find an agency in your area that distribute free diapers.

Free Medical Camps - This charity organization doesn't assist with paying past medical bills, but the organization does provide new and continuing health care for those who meet the income guidelines of this program.

Funeral expenses - Learn how to save money on burial and funeral costs. A non-profit organization known as Funeral Memorial Society of America can provide information on how to save money on caskets, burials, and other funeral bills. Most states also have other organizations that can help the low income and indigent. More on help with funeral costs.

HealthWell Foundation - This is a charitable assistance organization that helps people pay for prescription medications. This group provides financial assistance and grants to help patients to pay for various out-of-pocket health care expenses including health insurance premiums, prescription drugs, and a wide variety of other costs. Locate HealthWell Foundation prescription assistance.

Life Beyond Cancer - This non-profit foundation will help cancer patients with paying for their everyday living expenses. Grants and financial assistance is available for expenses including mortgage, monthly rent payments, food, car payments, and utility bills for cancer patients who are in active treatment. Click here to learn more on Life Byond Cancer.

Medi-Corp Health System - This group provides and assists with charity care, payment scheduling and they can also negotiate and provide medical bill discounts for those in need of assistance. If you plan on receiving care from this charitable program, you need to get approval in advance of your scheduled medical treatment. In addition, Medi-Corp also offers a discount program that enables lower bills and costs for the both the underinsured and uninsured. Medical bill discounts are provided on a sliding scale, and those discounts will typically cover between 20 to 60 percent of the health care costs.

Mission of Mercy, Inc. - Offers free healthcare, including prescription medications, dental care, x-rays and lab tests, to both the uninsured and under insured using volunteer healthcare professionals that operate from a mobile medical clinic. (717) 642-9062

Modest Needs - A charitable organization that helps with securing a variety of grants, including funds for medical bill assistance. Cash grants and funds provided can be used to aid qualifying individuals. Some of what can be provided includes self-sufficiency grants, back to work funding, independent living grants and more.

Patient Access Network - This non-profit organization may be able to help the uninsured pay for medical and hospital bills. They have provided tens of millions of dollars in financial assistance over the years. Find how the Patient Access Network operates.

Patient Advocate Foundation - This is a national non-profit charity organization that seeks to help safeguard and protect patients through effective mediation and assuring access to health care. Receive referrals to resources that can help with medical bills and debts, preservation of patient financial stability, and maintenance of employment in regards to their diagnosis of debilitating or life threatening diseases. More on the Patient Advocate Foundation.

Patient Services Inc. - May be able to provide assistance for paying medical bills, insurance premiums, and other financial aid for the chronically ill, low income and uninsured patients. Click here for more information on Patient Services.

Shepherd's Hope, Inc. - Free medical care is provided for lower income, uninsured families using an all-volunteer healthcare staff and services. Many doctors, nurses and professionals donate their time and services. (407) 876-6699

Smiles Across America, Inc. - This organization provides preventive dental care to uninsured and lower income children in school-based settings. Some of the dental services provided include cleaning, education, sealants and fluoride treatments. (312) 836-9900

UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation - The UHCCF organization provides medical cash grants of up to $5,000 to children's families. The money is used to help families in need pay for non-covered medical services, bills and expenses from their commercial health benefit plan. (952) 992-4459

Top Rated Charities to Help With Medical Expenses and Bills

Below are the top rated charities that may be able to help with paying for specific medical conditions and expenses. Obviously contact the charity that may apply to your condition. For example, if you have arthritis needs, contact the “Arthritis Foundation”.

American Brain Tumor Association

American Kidney Fund

American Liver Foundation

American Lung Association

Arthritis Foundation

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

Epilepsy Foundation & Research Foundation

First Candle/SIDS Alliance

Huntington's Disease Society of America

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International

Lupus Foundation of America

Lupus Research Institute

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Muscular Dystrophy Association

National Hemophilia Foundation N.O.

National Jewish Health

National Kidney Foundation

National Organization for Rare Disorders

Parkinson's Disease Foundation

Dozens of additional non-profits and charity organizations across the nation can provide financial assistance for medical bills, insurance payments, prescription medications, and other forms of aid. Find a listing of how to get financial help with medical bills from these national non-profit organizations.

Credit card or medical debt - free consultation

Free Credit Counseling - Several non-profit agencies can help individuals with a number of financial assistance programs, budgeting, and credit services. Non-profit credit counselors can help individuals get out of debt, repair credit scores, provide bankruptcy advice, and even offer free foreclosure counseling. More on credit counseling agencies.

Energy bill charity programs

Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program offers free and/or discounted oil. Citizens Energy works with CITGO. This program, in cooperation with thousands of local fuel assistance agencies and heating oil dealers in 17 states, provides delivery of free home heating oil to those who need help across the Northeast, Midwest and other cold weather states. This year, the Oil Heat program will provide qualified families a one-time delivery of 100 gallons of free home heating oil. State that are eligible for aid include AK, CT, DC, DE, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT, WI.

Housing

CoAbode - The charity will put single mothers in contact with other moms so that they can share on housing expenses. This allows both parties to share on paying the monthly rent and/or mortgage payments, utilities, and other basic needs. Learn more.

Financial assistance for parents - Several charities and non-profit agencies offer housing and rent assistance, with a focus on single moms. The groups don’t want the child to be homeless, so the parents are supported. However others can also benefit. Find rental assistance for single mothers.

Homesharing - This is an exchange type program. A homeowner will offer accommodations in exchange for sharing a portion of the monthly rent. Or the homeowner or apartment owner may charge no rent if the person looking for a home offers support services such as shopping, caring for pets, or household tasks. Locate local Homesharing services.

Interfaith Hospitality Network, or Family Promise - This charity is made up of churches, volunteers and congregations. They offer temporary housing facilities, food, clothing, job placement, and other services to the homeless. The nationwide, charity organization is focused on both preventing and reversing homelessness. More on Family Promise and Interfaith Hospitality.

Mercy Housing - The charity operates housing in most states. The apartments and units are for low income families or individuals. There are also a number of homes dedicated to senior citizens, the disabled, veterans, or single moms and parents. This is one of the nation’s leading faith based charities when it comes to providing affordable housing and case management services. Find more details on Mercy Housing.

National Church Residences - The charity operates in most states. What they provide is either supportive or permanent housing to individuals and families. They do focus on senior citizens and the elderly, but low income apartments may also be available for any formerly homeless individuals, single parents or moms, and the disabled. Clients of National Church charity organization also gain self-sufficiency, job placement, financial management and other support. Learn how the National Churches Residences operates.

National Coalition for the Homeless (NHC) - The non-profit is made up on charities and other groups that offer information on housing assistance. Individuals facing eviction as well as the homeless can learn about shelter, short term housing, and emergency grant programs. NHC and its partners work to keep people safely housing. More on National Coalition for the Homeless.

Mortgage and housing counseling

Non-profit organizations have helped thousands of families who are behind on their mortgage. It is free to request info and support from these locations. Homeowners will be put in touch with HUD certified housing counselors. You will explore programs such as loan modifications, mediation, refinancing, and other foreclosure prevention solutions. Read more HUD foreclosure counseling and find a local non-profit.

Free Home Repairs - In addition to receiving mortgage assistance from non-profit organizations per above, there are also numerous programs offered by charities, churches and other non-profit agencies that will either provide direct cash grants or very low interest loans that will pay for home repairs. Click here to learn more on these free home repair resources.

Education and employment services

Angels' Place, Inc. - They have a comprehensive support center that helps lower income, single parents stay in school by offering them FREE childcare, tutoring, career planning, counseling, and also informal parenting classes. Call 412.321.4447.

Dress for Success - The goal of the Dress for Success organization is to promote the economic independence of struggling or disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, career development tools, and a network of support to help women be successful in both work and in life. They are located in more than 90 cities in the US. 212.532.1922

Free Job Training - The United State Department of Labor created the Workforce Investment Act. Services are available for the unemployed, low income, seniors, and youths that can provide them with job training and skills that are needed in the workforce. More on Workforce Investment Act.

Goodwill Industries - This national organization provides career counseling, job placement and training programs, and resources that can help people find both temporary and permanent jobs. Increase your skills, and get assistance in finding a job. Find national and regional Goodwill training programs.

Mercy Education Project - This group dedicated to providing education, academic and life skills help to assist at-risk women and girls in achieving academic success and with a goal of eventual self-sufficiency.

The Midnight Mission - Provides help to the homeless through education, counseling, job training, and job placement. They also assist by providing shelter, food, clothing, personal hygiene needs and health care.

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF) - The RIF organization provides free books for children across America to help in their education, and they are free to choose and keep the books. By promoting a love of books among kids, RIF will encourage children's literacy and also involves communities across the nation.

Charity organizations for food and groceries

Angel Food Ministries - This is a non-profit, non-denominational organization that is committed to providing grocery bill relief and other financial support to people and communities throughout the United States. They help and serve hundreds of thousands of families every month across 35 states. There are no applications, qualifications, income restrictions, or minimums. Find cheap groceries, or dial 211 for referrals.

Charities for clothes - Qualified lower income consumers can turn to a number of groups and organizations for their basic needs. Distribution centers may have items including personal hygiene items, clothes for everyday use, furniture, holiday assistance, and necessary professional work and school clothing. Vouchers and gift certificates may also be available so people can obtain goods for free. Locate local, charitable and free clothing closets.

Feeding America - The nation’s leading hunger-relief charity is Feeding America. Every year, the Feeding America assistance network helps provide food to over 25 million people with hardships or facing hunger in the United States, including helping over 9 million children and almost 3 million seniors in need. They have a network of over 200 food banks serving people in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and also Puerto Rico. They distribute more than 2 billion pounds of donated food and grocery items annually. Phone number is 800.771.2303, or find locations of the charities food distribution centers. Find details on Feeding America food banks.

Food from Non-profits and Government Programs - Get information on government programs such as WIC, SNAP food stamps, the Nutrition Services Incentive Program and more. In addition, a number of regional non-profits agencies provide free or reduced priced meals and food boxes to people of all background and incomes. Find a listing of organizations and programs to contact for free or low cost, yet high quality, groceries, food, and meals. Get a list of all the food assistance programs.

Local Food Banks and Pantries - Almost 40 millions Americans receive free or reduced priced food from pantries and food banks every year. The non-profit centers and charity organizations are located in every state, and are committed to helping to end hunger. More on food banks and pantries.

School supplies - Parents can obtain free items for their child and teachers may also be given classroom goods. Many charities use donations from the public in an effort to ensure children have clothing, binders, pens, pencils, backpacks, and even winter attire. Locate free school supplies.

Share Our Strength - Includes a network of community groups, food programs, and activists to help make sure that no kid in America grows up hungry.

Transportation

1-800-Charity Cars - This is America’s #1 Car Donation Charity. It provides donated vehicles to struggling families in need of transportation, provided they are willing to work and become self-sufficient, tax-paying members of the community. The Charity Cars assistance program will provide a vehicle that has been refurbished to insure both reliability and safety of the vehicle, and they may also provide at times a license plate, the down-payment to pay for insurance bills, a service warranty to help with future repairs, and also case management services to families willing to work to pay their bills. 1-800-242-7489

Automobiles for employment - A national organization collects donated cars and provides them to the less fortunate. The charity will focus its resources on people that need a car for work or job training reasons, however others may be able to qualify in certain cases. Read free donated cars.

Churches and Charities - From time to time churches, especially those that are part of Saint Vincent De Paul, may have a small amount of funds to help pay for car repairs or gasoline. Assistance is usually offered regardless of someone’s religion. More on gasoline and car repairs from churches.

Donated Cars and Financing from Non-profits - Charities, churches and organizations donate vehicles to the low income. Most of the cars need to be used for work or job training. Other non-profits may offer low interest auto loans or matching funds to qualified individuals. More details on free car assistance programs.

Free Gas USA Inc. - Provides grants that can be used for free gasoline for low income, elderly, and disabled Americans. Get free gasoline from this national charity.

Free Car Repairs - Several national and regional charities, churches, and non-profits can provide individuals with low cost or free automobile repairs. You will need to apply, and the services are usually targeted at people who need their car for work . Get free car repairs and learn about programs.

Gasoline Vouchers - While only offered for a small number of reasons, such as for a job interview or doctor appointment, the Salvation Army may have limited funding to provide free gasoline vouchers. Learn more on how to get free gas.

Opportunity Cars - Over 150 nonprofit organizations around the nation are part of this program. They are all dedicated to increasing private automobile ownership for low income working families who can’t obtain their own transportation. The automobiles are to be used to help people find and keep their jobs. They may give away used cars for free, providing matching grants, or offer low interest loans. Get details on the Opportunity Cars charity.

Ways to Work in an organization that provides people with low interest rate auto loans. They mostly help families and individuals who can't secure loan funding or cash grants at traditional lending institutions or banks. The loans can be used to help a family or individual purchase a new or used car, pay for car repairs and maintenance, and it can assist with other transportation expenses. Learn more about Ways to Work auto loans.

Working Cars for Working Families can help families that need a car for employment and/or job training issues. The non-profit has a few different programs available to qualified applications. They include providing automobiles that are provided as a result of donations, low interest loans and financing, and so called matched saving programs. The group partners with local churches, charities, and other organizations in an effort to reach as many people as possible. Find Working Cars for Working Families.

As you can see, charity organizations offer numerous programs and resources that can be used to provide you with short term help. If you need assistance, you should take advantage of these programs and the aid they offer.