By David Pilley on January 3, 2012
.jpg.aspx) Need help paying bills? Well, you may be able to find some assistance simply by typing the words into a search engine. I found a website called “Need Help Paying Bills,” and it could be a valuable resource in your attempts to lower your debt. It offers information about the most common types of bills, different government programs at the state and local levels, and even a list of employment opportunities to create more income.
The layout of the website is not flashy. There are a couple of ads on either side of each page, but the middle text is where your eyes are drawn. On the home page, you’ll see “Help with bills, mortgage, debts” in bold. It will list specific bills for which you may find assistance, such as medical, mortgage, and utilities. When you scroll down, you’ll find other headings with topics, like credit card help, free legal assistance, and information about personal loans. The lack of eye-popping graphics advertising ways to “eliminate debt forever” or “make cash now” shows a sense of purpose in Need Help Paying Bills’ responsibility to provide helpful and factual information.
On the left side of each page, there are quick links to other pages on the website. These pages go into more detail on specific debt issues, like credit card debt and student loans. Scroll over a topic and you’ll find even more information. For example, under “Mortgage help,” there are additional pages talking about state government programs, housing counseling agencies, and foreclosure assistance.
I clicked on “State government programs,” and the website provided a link to each state’s government program for mortgage help. I clicked on my home state of North Carolina, and the site supplied information about the North Carolina Home Protection Program and Loan Fund. This program allows qualifying individuals a zero-interest loan up to $24,000 to pay for housing expenses. Another program is the State Home Foreclosure Prevention Project, which works with non-profits and mortgage counselors to allow homeowners to remain in their homes.
Another interesting page on the site is “Work from home & part time income.” Here, the website offers a list of potential job opportunities, such as home shoring, mystery shopping, and tutoring. Some work-from-home opportunities may be scams, and Need Help Paying Bills discloses this information. Research companies by checking with the Better Business Bureau, and make sure the company provides support and training.
At the bottom of the home page, there is a link to “Contact Us.” The website states that most agencies and programs have limited funding, and some have eligibility requirements. There is an email address to send a message, and the website also offers a forum where you can ask questions among peers who have been in your situation. Need Help Paying Bills offers information for just about every type of debt and financial topic. Stay tuned for an article on a specific program named “LIHEAP,” an energy bill assistance program.
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