Crisis Help

Housing Help

Sponsored by the Finance of America Foundation, Homeowner-Help.org is a free online tool that connects homeowners with the resources and assistance they may need when facing financial hardships.

Other Monthly Bills

• Banks across the nation are encouraging customers experiencing financial hardship to contact them directly for support. 
• Many utility companies may offer deferred or temporarily reduced billing to help people with home energy bills. Consider government options, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
• The Department of Education placed eligible federal student loans under forbearance. You may stop making payments on eligible loans through August 2023. Contact your federal loan servicer to determine if your loans are eligible. If your loans are not eligible, be sure to review other repayment options available for your loans.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau developed a host of "tools to help you when you can't pay your bills."

Contact a Housing and Credit Counselor

Counselors are professionally trained to help you assess your situation and evaluate the best financial options to consider. For assistance contact:

• American Consumer Credit Counseling
• Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education
• National Foundation for Credit Counseling
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Approved Housing Counselors

Need Help Creating a Bank Account?

Many banks open accounts for most customers online without ever needing to step into a bank branch. Search online for banks that offer digital account opening and reach out to banks to see if they are offering new, flexible ways to become a customer.

For more information, visit ABA Foundation resources on finding the bank that’s right for you. You can also learn about the Bank On movement to access low-cost, basic bank accounts.

Protect Yourself and Create a Plan

Be Wary of Scams

Scammers prey on people’s fears. They use fake websites, bogus products, emails, texts messages and social media posts to find ways to steal your financial assets and your identity. Learn more about tips to avoid coronavirus scams and how you can protect your financial assets.

Review Your Credit

Your credit report contains financial information that lenders rely on to determine if they would be willing to lend to you. It contains information on how much debt you have, how frequently you pay your bills, how much credit you have access to, whether or not you have filed for bankruptcy or have a judgment rendered against you.

Under federal law, you are entitled to a copy of your credit report annually from the three credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and Transunion. Be sure to review your information to ensure the reports are accurate.

Adapt Your Budget

It’s a good time to streamline your budget for food, utilities, housing costs and other obligations. Identify “wants” and “needs” and focus on your needs at this time.

Check out ABA Foundation's resources on managing your money for more information.