Updated October 11, 2026 · 6-minute read

Can't pay all your bills? Which to pay first

When there isn't enough to go around, pay the bills that keep a roof over your head, the lights on, food on the table and you getting to work. Then call everyone else before the due date.

Pay these first

Housing: rent or mortgage
Utilities: power, heat and water
Food and medicine
Getting to work: car payment, car insurance, gas or bus fare

Losing your home, heat, health or job costs far more than a late fee on a credit card.

Then these

Child support. Falling behind can lead to wage garnishment, license suspension and other penalties.
Other insurance you can't afford to lose, like health or renters
Phone or internet, if you need it for work or school. Ask about Lifeline, a federal phone or internet discount.

These can usually wait (call them first)

Credit cards
Medical bills
Personal loans and old collections
Streaming and other subscriptions (cancel them)

Paying these late hurts your credit and adds fees, but you won't lose your home or your heat over them. Call before the due date. Many companies will lower a payment, waive a late fee, or move your due date closer to payday if you ask.

What to say

"I'm having a hard month and I can't pay the full amount by the due date. I can pay $____ on ____. Can you waive the late fee, or set up a hardship plan? Could you move my due date to the ____th so it lines up with my paycheck?"

Write down who you talked to, the date, and what they agreed to.

Medical bills: ask for financial assistance

Nonprofit hospitals are required by federal tax law to have a written financial assistance policy that offers free or discounted care to people who qualify. Ask the billing office for the application, even if the bill is old or already in collections. Don't put medical bills on a credit card until you've asked.

Find money before you borrow

Dial 211 for local rent, utility and food help
Apply for energy help: How to apply for LIHEAP
Check what you can lower: Lower My Bills check
See programs in your state: Help by state

Traps to avoid

Payday and car-title loans. They're fast, but the fees can trap you in a cycle that's worse than the bill.
Debt relief companies that charge up front, promise to wipe out your debt, or tell you to stop talking to your creditors. The CFPB warns against these.
Anyone who wants gift cards, crypto or wire transfers to "stop" a shutoff or eviction.

Want free help with a plan for your debts? Nonprofit credit counseling agencies, like those in the NFCC network (877-360-6322), offer confidential budget reviews.

Want it all on paper?

The Hard Month Kit has a bill priority worksheet, call scripts and a hardship letter. The free Budget Starter shows which bills to pay from each paycheck.

The Hard Month Kit · $9 Free Budget Starter

We sell these. They never change the advice above. How we make money.

Sources

Checked October 11, 2026. Programs change their rules. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount. Found something wrong? Email help@billhelpnow.com.